LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Allen County Land Bank is moving forward with a multi-structure demolition project, despite winter weather, aimed at improving some of the county’s most visible properties.
One of the first sites slated for demolition is a boarded-up gas station along State Route 81 near Interstate 75. The property has been closed for at least a decade and has become an eyesore along one of the busiest entryways into Lima.
The project is funded by a $230,000 site revitalization and demolition grant from the Ohio Department of Development. The grant does not require the Land Bank to own the properties involved, but instead requires an agreement with the landowner to complete the demolition work.
Allen County Auditor and Land Bank Administrator Rachael Gilroy said the goal is to stretch the grant funding across multiple projects throughout the county.
"We're hoping, we're hoping to tear down 15 to 20 with that; our bidding process is pretty competitive, and prices have been good right now, especially during the winter these these demo folks like to work and do a great job when it's cold outside, especially so we're going to keep them busy all winter long," said Gilroy.
In addition to the State Route 81 site, two other former gas stations are on the demolition list. Those include the BP station on State Route 309 near Interstate 75, which has remained vacant since a nearby highway project, and the former Duke and Duchess location at the corner of Elida and Eastown roads.
Gilroy said additional demolition projects are planned in Gomer, Lafayette, Spencerville, and other communities across Allen County as the Land Bank continues its efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and improve safety.
