County moves forward on local land bank

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Van Wert County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday took the first step in developing a county land bank by approving a resolution to create a land bank corporation. Commissioners Todd Wolfrum and Thad Lichtensteiger both approved the measure (Commissioner Stan Owens is out of town on vacation).

The action came following discussion of the issue by stakeholders in the process, including Van Wert Mayor Jerry Mazur, City Council President Pete Weir, and City Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming, County Auditor Nancy Dixon, and County Treasurer Bev Fuerst.

Creating a land bank is necessary is the county is to seek a grant of at least $500,000 to facilitate the purchase and demolition of dilapidated buildings within the county.

Although Lichtensteiger said he had some reservations about creating a land bank, especially since it means the county would have to deal with another federal agency and its accompanying regulations and guidelines without a guarantee the county would receive the grant, he also noted that a county land bank would provide a good framework for the county’s and city’s goal of cleaning up the county by tearing down dilapidated buildings.

Unfortunately, county officials will also have to do a lot of work in the next month to complete an application for the grant by the September 2 deadline.

In addition to setting up the land bank, including bylaws and other organizational documentation, the county would also have to complete a 60-page application needed if the county is to be considered for the grant. If awarded, the grant would provide at least $500,000 in reimbursement for the cost of purchasing and tearing down derelict buildings.

Also Tuesday, the commissioners also met with Wassenberg Art Center Executive Director Hope Wallace and Van Wert County Foundation Executive Secretary Seth Baker to discuss a proposed purchase of some county-owned property located behind the art center.

One sticking point appears to be an existing 4,000-square-foot Quonset-style building that is currently used by several county agencies for storage.

Baker said the foundation could look for an existing building of approximately the same size it could purchase and then trade to the county, while other possibilities were also discussed. No decision has yet been made on the proposal.

Wassenberg plans to use an existing parking area included in the tract for that purpose and develop the remainder of the property to provide a better venue for the center’s outdoor activities.