City of Lima will purchase the VFW Post 1275 property, updates council on Aquatics Center, and will pursue 2 grants

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - It was a busy night at Lima City Council with multiple pieces of legislation being passed.

First, Council voted for the approval of purchasing the VFW Post 1275 building and the adjacent parking lot located within the 100 block of East Elm Street. The city will pay no more than $600,000 for the purchase of the property. With its location just north of the city-owned Riverfront One building, Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith says this purchase will help to continue the positive growth and development occurring in Downtown Lima.

"This new project will add more jobs, additional retail, and expanded economic development along the south main street corridor. We've been working with developers to bring a mixed-use development that includes residential, commercial, retail, and open event space," says Mayor Sharetta Smith, City of Lima.

Council also received an update that the construction of the $11.5 million Aquatics Center project is coming along on time and on budget. The flooring has been installed for the pool, the vertical structures are up, and Mayor Smith says the Aquatics Center is scheduled to open by next summer.

"We are scheduled to open in May of 2025, and so we just ask the community to continue to look forward to that pool, and there will be more information forthcoming," adds Mayor Smith.

In other business, Council also gave Mayor Smith the green light to go after 2 grants from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. One grant is for the prevention of childhood obesity and, if awarded, would go to create the Lima Youth Bike Program. The other grant being sought is the 2025 DollarWise Innovation Grant that would support the Better Tomorrow Project.