DELAWARE — Delaware County commissioners changed their minds about purchasing land from the Buckeye Valley School Board after the two entities compromised on a sale price.
Commissioners unanimously voted not to purchase 25 acres of land on County Home Road owned by Buckeye Valley on Oct. 2 because they agreed the price of $387,270 was too high.
Monday, commissioners reversed their vote to approve purchasing the land, this time at a price of $365,000.
“This is a topic we addressed earlier, and we found a successful resolution to acquire this property. It’s a win-win,” Commissioner Jeff Benton said.
Commissioner Gary Merrell agreed, saying the new sale price was a “good compromise.”
The parcel sits directly next to 241 acres of county-owned land that is home to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Training Center and Peace Officer Academy.
Benton previously told Delaware Source there are no specific development plans in mind for the parcel, but it’s a strategic investment because the land borders existing county-owned land.
At the Oct. 2 meeting, Merrell said he would support purchasing the land at the initial appraisal value of roughly $350,000.
He said they established that value 18-24 months ago when the two entities first began discussing the sale of the real estate.
Buckeye Valley School Board President Mary Kate Pembroke previously said the board wanted to sell the property because it is sitting unused, and board members want to fulfill their duty to be “good stewards of public funds and public property.”
Pembroke also previously said the school board is not in a position to sell the property for lower than the value denied by commissioners.
She told Delaware Source the board will consider a resolution to accept the revised sale amount at their meeting Wednesday evening.
“I am happy the commissioners reconsidered,” Pembroke said.
MORE INFORMATION:
Delaware County commissioners decline to buy 25-acre Buckeye Valley parcel, citing price
Delaware County commissioners rejected a $387K Buckeye Valley land buy, saying the price was too high. Read why the parcel’s future is uncertain.
Speed limit reduction on Woodtown Road
Commissioners also approved requesting a speed limit reduction on Woodtown Road between Harlem Road and Green-Cook Road.
The statutory speed limit for the road is 55 miles per hour, but after a traffic investigation by County Engineer Chris Bauserman, he recommends a speed reduction to 50 MPH.
He found 55 MPH to be “unrealistic upon the section of the road” because of the road’s minimal shoulder, roadway characteristics, road width and development.
Now that the commissioners have approved the request, the Ohio Department of Transportation director will review it for final approval.
Once approved, the engineer will erect new standard signs along the roadway.
