LIMA — Some barriers remain to the Rhodes State College expansion in downtown Lima.
It’s been over a year since school officials announced their expansion downtown.
The Center for Health Science Education and Innovation would be located on the southeast corner of Lima’s Town Square.
Over the summer, several properties were purchased and buildings were demolished to clear the area for new construction.
As we reported, the design review board recently approved the demolition of buildings on four parcels of land the City of Lima recently acquired through eminent domain.
These buildings are scheduled to be torn down beginning Feb. 19, according to Howard Elstro, public works director for the City of Lima.
But the legal fight over several other parcels of land is far from over.
“There are a total of four remaining parcels of vacant land still under private party ownership, which are needed for the project,” said Tony Geiger, City of Lima Law Director.
So far, that’s proven problematic. The City of Lima, Rhodes State College Foundation and the owners of the remaining properties can’t come to an equitable agreement over a price for the vacant lots.
“Three of those four parcels are owned by one individual. The fourth parcel is jointly owned by the same individual who owns the first three parcels, plus two other unrelated individuals (these individuals are of the same family),” Geiger noted in an email to The Lima News.
The city has started eminent domain proceedings in an attempt to push a sale through and acquire the land.
“There are two pending eminent domain actions: one for the first three parcels and the second for the fourth parcel,” Geiger wrote.
Rhodes State College President Debra McCurdy had no comment when asked for reaction Friday afternoon.
Eleanor Lucille Baker, owner of three of the parcels, could not be reached for comment. Her attorney could also not be reached.
Once this is completed, Rhodes State can start designing the property and begin the bidding process.
Reach Sam Shriver at 567-242-0409.
