Lear Property Clean Up Process Update

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- The Lear property clean up process continues and the Zanesville Mayor provides the community with some updates.

Mayor Don Mason, said that the company SAFECO Environmental Incorporated, who is conducting the project has been moving along very well with the clean up process and have been collaborating with local companies for assistance.

There haven’t been any major findings found so far throughout the process, but Mayor Mason did talk about the future plans for improvement for both the west and eastside.

“Over the last 10 years, the property value continues to decline on the westside of Linden Avenue and it’s primarily because of what took place on the eastside, which was basically what looked like a large demolition site,” Mayor Mason stated. “So by improving the east end, the Lear property, our goal is to help attract private investment into the westside like housing, businesses and things of that nature so the entire area prospers.”

Additionally, the goal is to reverse the decline of property value while increasing investments. Mayor Mason said any organization or company that gets their revenue from property tax should benefit from the improvements.

During the process, the site is also being inspected by the city to make sure that the debris is separated from the regulated asbestos.

“The good news is the EPA is working with us on doing some test borings,” Mayor Mason said. “After those come back and they are analyzed, then the city and the US and Ohio EPA will be able to determine what we can do on these properties.”

Mayor Mason said with this progression, the clean up process is still set to be completed by the end of this March and more inspections, and decisions are on the checklist for April.