MANSFIELD — The first official step in the future of the historic Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center could come Wednesday night when it’s expected that Mansfield City Council will vote to transfer it to the Richland County Land Bank.
The move would facilitate the expected demolition of the century-old building at 445 Bowman St. on the city’s north end, clearing the way for potential re-development of the site.
City Council is meeting one day later than normal due to Tuesday being Election Day.
More than a year after the building was closed by the city, nothing has been done with the century-old former school and neighborhood center, which became the target of vandals this summer.
The future of the property would best be determined by a collaboration and partnership, according to the leader of the North End Community Improvement Collaborative.
“We are definitely interested in the future of the property,” NECIC Executive Director Deanna West-Torrence said in October, when news of the potential transfer became public. “We believe in collaborations and partnerships and finding a way to use that property to rebuild and anchor the neighborhood.”
During an Oct. 19 meeting, 4th Ward representative Alomar Davenport, whose ward includes the property, said he supports the transfer.
“I’ve said all along that what needs to happen there is a rebuild,” he said. “In order for that to happen, first, what is currently standing must come down.
“I understand there’s a lot of sentiment that’s attached to that building and I do anticipate that some will be against this. But in order to move forward, we must get rid of what is current,” Davenport said.
Richland County Treasurer Bart Hamilton, chair of the Land Bank board, said recently the state’s recently approved budget set aside $500 million for demolition and brownfield remediation.
Each of the state’s 88 counties is guaranteed $1.5 million from that fund, leaving $368 million “up for grabs” for projects. Hamilton spoke to council on Sept. 21 and suggested city leaders think of potential projects.
“I want to get as big a share as we can for Mansfield and Richland County,” Hamilton said Wednesday. “If you want to tear down big stuff, now is the time. That’s a lot of money that will become available.”
If City Council approves the transfer, the Land Bank is likely to vote on its acceptance during its meeting Nov. 17.
Also on Wednesday, City Council is expected to:
— vote on a proposal to change a city ordinance concerning hunting and trapping in the city, which was discussed at length during its Oct. 19 meeting.
— discuss during caucus an administration proposal to put a 0.25% income tax levy on the 2022 primary ballot to pay for a new, $8 million public swimming pool/aquatic facility at Liberty Park and improve the parks system.
— discuss during caucus the city administration’s proposed temporary financial budget for 2022, which must be approved by Dec. 31. A final budget then must be approved by the end of March.
— vote on a request to appropriate $3,000 from the Downtown Improvement Fund to purchase a live Christmas tree, lights and decoration for Richland Carrousel Park during the upcoming holiday season.
— discuss during caucus a proposed three-year lease agreement with LiveView Technologies for a mobile security camera system that can extend up to 22 feet in the air. It’s similar to the system purchased by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office in August.
