The former train depot at 132 S. Main St. in Delphos is one of seven structures that will be demolished in an effort to spur economic development.
Craig Kelly | The Lima News
DELPHOS — After lengthy periods of disuse and deterioration, 16 blighted buildings in Allen and Putnam counties will be coming down, according to a release by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. These structures will be among the 825 blighted and vacant structures in over 30 counties in Ohio set to be demolished with the hope that their removal will make room for new economic development.
The grants for these demolitions will come through the Ohio Department of Development and total over $37.2 million. The Allen County Land Reutilization Corporation and the Putnam County Board of Commissioners will each receive $500,000, with seven structures set to come down in Allen County and nine coming down in Putnam County.
“There are sites all over Ohio that are perfect for redevelopment, but the cost to demolish the crumbling structures on these properties is standing in the way of new economic opportunities,” DeWine said in a statement. “By helping to clear out this blight, we’re investing in the future of our citizens and our communities.”
One project the announcement pointed out was the demolition of an abandoned commercial building at 132 S. Main St. in Delphos. What had first served as a train depot had most recently served as an antique mall before being closed. The hope is that once the site is cleared, it will help increase the marketability of surrounding properties in downtown Delphos.
Ohio Rep. Bob Cupp, R-Lima, applauded the announcement, expressing optimism that these projects, funded through the two-year state budget passed last year, will reap economic benefits for the region in the future.
“Our historic state budget continues to pay its dividends, as the Demolition and Site Revitalization Program works to make significant investments here in Allen County and throughout the state,” Cupp said in a statement. “This will create jobs and incentivize businesses to invest in our neighborhoods, which will create a brighter future for families right here in northwest Ohio.”
Ohio Sen. Matt Huffman, R-Lima, echoed Cupp’s sentiments, saying this project is a benefit not just economically, but also in beautifying communities.
“This funding is critical for Ohio’s proud communities who have watched once-vibrant buildings and other properties turn vacant and grey over the years,” he said in a statement. “I’m pleased my colleagues in the Ohio Senate and I were able to secure funding for this program as part of the state’s current biennium budget.”
Other properties in Allen County slated for demolition are:
• 241 Cherry St., Bluffton
• 138 E. Wayne St., Lima
• 1716 Camp Ave., Lima
• 651 N. Baxter St., Lima
• 718 N. Metcalf St., Lima
• 3477 S. Dixie Highway, Lima
In Putnam County, the buildings included in this program are:
• 101 Main St., Belmore
• 105 Main St., Belmore
• East Part Inlot 3, Belmore
• 203 N. Main St., Continental
• 3294 state Route 65, Leipsic
• 505 S. Belmore St., Leipsic
• 1217 E. 2nd St., Ottawa
• 185 Main St., West Leipsic
• 209 Main St., West Leipsic
Reach Craig Kelly at 567-242-0391 or on Twitter @cmkelly419.
