Girard considers options for 422 site

By John w. Goodwin jr.

GIRARD — City officials are hoping to generate additional revenue and spark business with a small strip of city-owned property along U.S. Route 422.

City council, earlier this week, passed an ordinance authorizing the safety-service director to conduct a property survey and appraisal of city property in front of the current justice center where a Clark Gas Station once stood near the corner of Route 422 and Kline Street.

The city bought the property for about $80,000 in 2000 after it was no longer being used as a gas station. The purchase price included removal of all pumps and storage tanks.

Mayor James Melfi said city officials are taking the process one step at a time and starting with the appraisal process and possibly accepting bids for the property. If the bid offers are close, officials will make a determination at that time as to what is in the city’s best interest.

The appraisal and possible sale of the property were sparked when a national restaurant chain recently expressed interest in acquiring the property. Over the last several years, a doctor once looked at the property and a used-car dealership expressed interest in buying the land.

In 2007, a donation from a charitable group almost turned the land into aesthetic green space for city residents to enjoy. The Girard Homecoming Committee wanted to donate about $90,000 for the construction of a gazebo, sidewalk upgrades, landscaping and additional seating.

Some council members said the plans were not right for the 422 location because the area is too busy and not many residents would make use of the gazebo. Councilman Tom Seidler said selling the property to the highest bidder just makes better economic sense.

“There was an offer made by Taco Bell on the purchase of the land. Ohio Revised Code requires that to go out for bid. We figure if Taco Bell is out there looking who else might be out there,” Seidler said. “It is our responsibility to generate revenue. We have a piece of prime commercial property that would be attractive to someone. We want to explore that possibility.”

Seidler said the property is divided into six parcels, but only the three parcels closest to 422 will potentially be up for sale. The remaining three parcels are part of a parking lot being used by the justice center and will remain untouched.

Seidler said the property was initially acquired to eliminate the old gas station and prominently display the justice center — which, with the gas station gone, can be seen clearly from Route 422. He said tough economic times, however, do not afford the city the luxury of leaving the land empty any longer.

“We have to look at the reality of the economic conditions of the country and of the [Mahoning] Valley. We need to get real, or we will get left behind,” he added.

jgoodwin@vindy.com