Paulding County Economic Development Press Release March 11, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Reutilization Committee (Land Bank) moved through a full agenda this week, receiving updates on brownfield cleanup, residential blight priorities, and Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) housing projects.
The county environmental consultant Tetra Tech reported that testing at the former JJ Ross Gas Station property in Grover Hill is complete and meets state standards. A “No Further Action” letter is expected from the state soon, clearing the way for the Land Bank to finalize the pending sale of the property.
“No one likes to see history and memories removed, but if we can make a positive difference in a community by cleaning up a site for future development opportunities, it’s a win,” shared Paulding County Economic Development Director Tim Copsey.
Grover Hill has been a beneficiary of several recent Land Bank projects. One project provided the development site for the current Dollar General Store, one provided adjacent property for the fire department, several blighted residential structures have been removed, and currently, the JJ Ross Gas Station corner lot remediation is nearing the end.
The committee was guided by Abby White, from Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO), and reviewed the 21 residential and municipal blight properties submitted from around the county for 2026 demolition and cleanup. With this year’s allocated funds reduced to $230,000 from the previous $500,000, the Land Bank expects to address 10–12 properties. The priority list will be submitted to the Ohio Department of Development once the application portal opens later this spring.
MVPO staff member Estee Blair updated members on the county’s WHO housing rehabilitation projects. Work is complete at 714 N. Main Street in Paulding, with a sale closing set for later this month. A second home at 108 Main in Cecil is nearing completion and also has a buyer, while a larger project at 621 Sugar Street in Paulding remains underway and does not yet have a buyer. The committee is considering participation on the Paulding County Sheriff Auction site to identify additional properties for the program. The grant allows a $30,000 reimbursement for 10 projects to be completed before the June 2027 grant deadline.
The team went into executive session with Copsey to discuss and review specifics of a potential land bank property for sale. There was no action taken coming out of the session.
Discussion also included:
- Members were informed of a current Land Bank balance of $123,436.
- Have received notification of the letter of approval from Ohio EPA to continue work at the former Stokely ponds
- Continue discussion regarding environmental review and site development at the former Grizzly property for a municipal solar field.
- Learned the Village of Latty is interested in partnering to market several village parcels for future residential development.
