Twp .trustees consider sale of Sawmill Run acreage

Springfield Township administrator Mike Hampton addressed the trustees about the possible sale of township land to the 19 land owners whose acreage abuts the township’s.

At the August 1 meeting, Mr. Hampton said several property owners have inquired about buying the property behind their parcels. The administrator noted that since the land is in the flood plain and floodway, it is not accessible to the general public “and not a good asset to the township.”

He added, “It serves as no community benefit. It presents liabilities and is isolated.”

Mr. Hampton spoke with township attorney Gary Sommers who researched the issue and found the acreage fits the Ohio Revised Code description as unfit for public use.

The two have found a way to dispose of the acreage at minimal cost. Mr. Sommers recommended selling the land at the cost to transfer ownership to each party.

Sale of the property must begin at the western most portion of township land and continue east to ensure there are no islands, the attorney explained.

If a property owner chooses not to buy the portion behind his lot, a neighbor could be permitted to purchase the acreage, and the land sales could then continue eastward.

Trustee Andy Glenn suggested that a realtor be engaged to determine the value of the property when added to existing lots.

Mr. Sommers reminded the trustees that they received the acreage from the Land Bank at no cost. “There has been no township expense to date,” he said.

“The real gain is getting it off our rolls,” Trustee Tom Anderson said.

Mr. Sommers will begin working on a resolution for the trustees, but pointed out that when it is brought to the board, the decision must be unanimous.

~Jane Maiolo