Land Bank updates for the month of October

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum County Land Reutilization Corporation held its monthly meeting Thursday morning with updates that span across the county.

The organization, more commonly referred to as the Land Bank, announced additional updates near the intersection of U.S. 40 and Airport Road. Executive Director Andy Roberts says the Land Bank aims to facilitate major developments in that area.

“The Howard Johnson demolition is underway the actual work just got started this (Thursday) morning, so people will start seeing that come down. We’re getting ready to list the property we own out there that was the former Holiday Inn, along with two adjoining properties that constitute approximately 40 acres. So our goal there is to get redevelopment at that interchange,” Roberts said. “We’ve had some interest in the property. Our goal is both the Land Bank and the two additional owners is to find somebody who’s not going to just buy it on speculation, that they have a plan to actually develop the entire site out. ”

The Land Bank is also submitting applications to the Ohio Department of Development Demolition and Site Revitalization 2027 program. The program will fund 75% of each project approved, with the remaining 25% coming from local sources.

“We are submitting a grant application to the state for the demolition of an additional 26 properties. It crosses 13 jurisdictions within the county. They range all the way from Otsego [Monroe Township] all the way down to Roseville,” Roberts said. “So we’re trying to touch every corner of the county with these monies.”

The Muskingum County Land Reutilization Corporation meets on the first Thursday of each month. You can learn more about the organization by visiting Muskingum County’s website.