by Isabella Carwile | Jan 16, 2026 | Blight Projects, Brownfield, Business Expansion, Community, Funding, Land Bank, Property Development, Residential
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release January 19, 2026
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) opened its first meeting of 2026 with updates on several major housing, brownfield, and blight-removal initiatives underway around the county.
The meeting began with a discussion involving a collaborative six-county Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) grant application. Estee Blair of the Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) is coordinating the regional grant request on behalf of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, and Williams counties. The joint application was submitted to the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) ahead of the January 16 deadline, with the goal of securing funding that would then be distributed to all participating counties through MVPO.
The conversation then shifted to open and ongoing WHO-funded projects already taking place within Paulding County. In 2025, the county was awarded $300,000 to complete ten residential rehabilitation projects before a June 2027 deadline. Three projects are currently active. Work at 714 N. Main Street in Paulding is nearing completion and will be the first of the ten required county projects finished. Additional rehabilitation efforts are underway at 108 S. Main Street in Cecil and 621 Sugar Street in Paulding. More projects are expected to begin as current projects complete.
Environmental consultant Matt Wagner of Tetra Tech reported that all remediation work is complete at the former JJ Ross Gas Station site in Grover Hill. The final step prior to sale is the issuance and receipt of a No Further Action letter from the Ohio EPA.
Wagner also confirmed that the Land Bank will submit new brownfield applications for the 2026 funding cycle. Proposed projects include environmental reviews at 126 S. Main Street in Payne, 501 North Avenue in Oakwood, and 495 E. Perry Street in Paulding. Additional site funding may also be applied for at the former Spartech Plastics facility, pending review of recent environmental data and coordination between the current property owner and the Land Bank.
MVPO’s Abby White then provided updates on the county’s 2025 Commercial and Blight Removal Program. Only a few properties remain in the open pipeline, and the program’s funds are expected to be fully utilized as those projects conclude. The committee then began reviewing the remaining 2025 projects that were not allocated funding and added newly submitted 2026 proposals. A finalized list will be submitted soon for the county’s $250,000 2026 allocation.
Additional committee business included:
- Reported a current account balance of $157,631.21
- Work updates on open brownfield projects at the Grizzley and Stokely sites in Paulding
- Establishing property maintenance plans for Land Bank-owned property ahead of spring
- Approving a meeting date change to February 4 due to member scheduling conflicts
by Isabella Carwile | Dec 18, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, Membership, PCED Office, Shoutout, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release December 18, 2025
PAULDING — The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Board of Directors recently convened its December meeting.
Guest speaker Roni Bakle of Keller Logistics introduced and explained the K.A.V.I.C. program (Keller Assists Veterans in Crisis), now serving Paulding, Williams, and Henry counties, providing financial support for veterans in need. The hope is to make more people aware of the program in the future.
Treasurer Jeff Mumma reported strong account balances, year-over-year. Membership contributions for 2025 remained steady, and 2026 membership inquiries are in the mail. The board approved the financial report for audit.
Director Tim Copsey provided information on multiple projects around the county, including the recent authentication notice from the JobsOhio team, in regard to the 43-acre Paulding Industrial Park site. There was also an update on the Small Business Innovation Center (SBIC), noting full occupancy on the first floor level and current open office spaces upstairs.
It was shared that Lisa Becher, consultant with the NW Ohio Small Business Development Center, requested county support for entrepreneurial funding. With a positive investment from each of the five counties she serves, there could be a matching grant available. The board approved a donation to the Northwest State Community College Foundation to assist with Paulding County business startups.
A full discussion took place in regard to open board positions. President Jim States, Secretary Sarah Noggle, and board member Brett Wagner have all reached their term limits. The board acknowledged their investment of time, effort, and excellent service to the board and the county and wished them the best going forward.
In other business:
- The Banquet Committee shared that 187 member guests attended the November banquet.
- The Personnel Committee will begin the process of filling open board seats immediately.
- The Governance Committee will begin reviewing the strategic plan for 2026 updates
- Set the 2026 meeting and banquet dates
by Isabella Carwile | Nov 19, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, Property Development, Shoutout, Survey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Village of Antwerp – Mayor Jan Reeb
Antwerp, OH — The Village of Antwerp is advancing plans to replace the deteriorated water main and add storm drainage along Canal and Wentworth Streets. In February 2024 the Village Administrator submitted a Community Development Block Grant application to help offset project costs for the Canal‑Wentworth project. Engineering services for the project were completed by CT Consultants.
Project Scope
- Project limits: Begins at the corner of Main Street and Canal Street; continues west to the intersection of Canal and Wentworth Streets; then proceeds north to West River Street.
- Work proposed: Replace the existing water line and storm drainage. Install new water lines and storm drainage. Add storm catch basins where none currently exist or where the system is deficient.
- Engineer: CT Consultants completed the engineering services and prepared the pre‑bid cost estimate.
Funding and Cost Estimate
- Grant requests: A Community Development Block Grant application was filed in February 2024. The Village Administrator plans to pursue a second funding request through the Ohio Public Works program in the amount of $400,000 in September 2026. The village will also seek a 0% interest loan to fund the balance.
- Critical Infrastructure Grant award amount: $500,000.
- Estimated pre‑bid cost: $2,021,000 (engineering estimate).
Benefits to the Community
- Improved public safety: Replacing the aging water line reduces the risk of breaks and service disruptions.
- Better stormwater management: New storm drainage will reduce localized flooding and improve roadway and property drainage.
- Long‑term infrastructure resilience: The combined water and storm system upgrades will extend the useful life of neighborhood utilities and support future maintenance efficiency.
Next Steps and Contacts
- Upcoming actions: Finalization of grant awards, preparation for bidding, and coordination of construction timelines contingent on funding outcomes. The Village will share project timelines and public notices once funding status and contractor selection are confirmed.
- Contact: For more information or media inquiries contact Village Administrator Brian Davis at 419.258.2371 ext. 1, or admin@villageofantwerp.com.
by Isabella Carwile | Nov 13, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Events, Funding, PCED Office, Property Development, Survey, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release November 13, 2025
PAULDING – Representatives from the villages of Cecil, Grover Hill, Latty, Oakwood, Paulding and Payne gathered for the fourth quarter Paulding County Mayors Association and Zoning Inspectors met this week at the Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office.
The meeting kicked off with guest speaker Maria Martinez from the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission. Maria shared her role in advocating for Latino communities across the state and highlighted the services available to support diverse populations.
Oakwood Mayor Josh Duslak followed with an overview of Ohio House Bill 331, offering insight into how the proposed legislation could impact smaller villages like ours.
Estee Blair, representing Maumee Valley Planning Organization, gave an in-depth update on the WHO (Welcome Home Ohio) grant and what it means for local homeowners. She walked attendees through the eligibility requirements, the types of repairs the grant can cover, and how to begin the application process. Her presentation sparked a lot of interest, with several attendees asking thoughtful questions about timelines, income guidelines, and how the program might support aging homes in our area. It was clear that many saw this as a valuable opportunity to make much-needed improvements while easing the financial burden
Sarah McCabe, Paulding County Auditor, joined the meeting to provide clarity on local zoning maps and address questions related to zoning regulations. She explained how zoning impacts property use and development, and helped attendees understand how to access and interpret the maps for their own parcels. Sarah also broke down the differences between taxes assessed on mobile homes versus traditional housing, noting how factors like location, ownership, and property classification can affect tax rates.
An open discussion followed, focusing on the various projects currently underway throughout Paulding County. Attendees shared updates on ongoing initiatives from infrastructure improvements and community development efforts to local business growth and grant-supported programs. The conversation also looked ahead to 2026, with participants exchanging ideas and outlining goals for the coming year. Topics included potential funding opportunities, ways to strengthen village services, and strategies to keep residents informed and engaged as plans take shape.
The Paulding County Mayors Association / Zoning Inspectors meeting will meet again in February. Presenters for the upcoming agenda will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
by Isabella Carwile | Sep 17, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Funding, Property Development, Shoutout, Survey
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release September 17, 2025
PAULDING – The Paulding County Land Reutilization Committee (Land Bank) had a full agenda discussing the utilization of brownfield grant funding, residential and commercial blight grant funding, and Welcome Home Ohio grant program funding, all provided through the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD).
On the brownfield grant side, Environmental Specialist Matt Wagner, with Tetra Tech, opened with the latest information about environmental testing at the former gas station site in Grover Hill. The readings received were very positive, confirming that no contaminants were seeping into the groundwater. There will be some additional geotechnical samples taken at the site next week, but beyond some surface soil removal and replacement, the project should be complete later this fall.
A new project that was awarded ODOD funding is the village-owned, former Winkle Chevrolet building, located on the square in Paulding. Starting on October 6, Tetra Tech will have representatives on site to remove asbestos floor and ceiling tile and pipe insulation. The entire process will only take a few days. This will allow for a clean building in the opportunity of a future sale if needed.
The Stokely ponds property and former Grizzly manufacturing facility continue to be researched, monitored, and reviewed for site clean-up and future remediation.
Abby White, representing Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO), who facilitates the ODOD projects and funding for all NW Ohio Land Banks, updated the team on completed projects all around the county from this round of funding. Projects have already been completed in Antwerp, Grover Hill, Haviland, Latty, Melrose, and Paulding villages, and in Crane and Jackson Townships. Additional projects are now scheduled in Antwerp, Broughton, Oakwood, Paulding, and Payne villages, as well as Brown and Harrison Townships. Demolition will take place based on the bid-winning contractor’s schedule.
Estee Blair, also with MVPO, shared updates on the growing list of projects associated with the $300,000 WHO funding grant. The Land Bank is hoping to rehabilitate 10 homes with grant-qualifying buyers by June 2027. The committee just purchased a home at 108 S. Main Street in Cecil. There is a pre-approved buyer who will purchase the property once the home is remediated. The Land Bank also owns a home at 621 Sugar Street in Paulding. Bids will be going out to rehabilitate that dwelling soon. The team is currently looking for a prospective buyer who may be able to help design the interior and exterior colors.
Now that the projects for this round of funding have been clearly identified, the committee will look at properties that were left over on the 2025 list, but were excluded in this round and consider additional properties that have been brought to the team for potential development in the future. Review by the committee will take place over the next few weeks to determine the best list to submit at the opening application period for 2026 funding.
Other items of note included:
- A speculative new home build, and where the best placement of that may be.
- The basement has started in the new Vantage Career Center in Latty Village
- Noted a current Land Bank account balance of $230,391.89
- Heard from Economic Development Director Tim Copsey on several property discussions taking place around the county for future project consideration.
- The committee agreed to provide stamps and envelopes to the PCED office for inquiry mailings to property owners.
- Changed the date of the next meeting to October 1 at 8:30 am to accommodate member schedule conflicts
Heard that MVPO will be in attendance at the new “No Wrong Door” event in Paulding on October 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., representing NW Ohio Land Banks.
by Isabella Carwile | Sep 9, 2025 | Business Expansion, Community, Funding, Membership, PCED Office, Property Development, Workforce
Paulding County Economic Development Press Release September 9, 2025
PAULDING – The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) Board of Directors held their bi-monthly meeting this week. The Board held in-depth discussions on the potential for speculative commercial development at the 52.958-acre Gasser Road industrial park in Paulding. The team recently received a letter from the Army Corps of Engineers confirming the site is free of wetlands and ready for construction.
To date, there has not been any serious interest shown in the property, which has led to further discussion if an existing building would be more enticing to interested parties. Economic Development Director Tim Copsey shared that there have been several recent calls looking for existing buildings that serve 5-10,000 square feet and have a truck dock. Due to the lack of available buildings with truck docks, these opportunities are often lost.
The Paulding Community Improvement Corporation owns a nine-acre parcel on the west end of the Gasser Road property and 19.978 acres on the east end, and has an option to purchase 23.98 acres privately owned in between. The Village of Paulding, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative, Ohio Gas, and MetaLink Technologies all have utilities to the site. The PCED board will continue the discussion and try to understand speculative development building funding options.
Discussion then turned to residential development. With the new Vantage Career Center built home starting in Latty, the Welcome Home Ohio (WHO) Grant funding appropriated to the county Land Bank for adding ten livable homes to the county, and upcoming Ohio Department of Development grants for residential infrastructure, there is a sense of excitement around residential development.
Many individual projects were discussed in regard to building homes on open lots and types of new housing or rehabilitated homes that could be offered. This could include clustered developments or as fill-in housing on open lots in villages. The hope is that interest rates will slightly drop soon to entice buyers for the affordable grant-funded projects.
Other items discussed in the meeting included:
- Marketing Committee shared information on a new marketing grant opportunity and what that could look like for the office. They also noted they are acquiring quotes to identify the new company vehicle with a PCED wrap, or at least window cling identification when staff are out in the county.
- Shared updates on the completed hotel feasibility study. The interest seems to be in identifying partner businesses that would be built beside a potential hotel at the US24/Highway 49 intersection in Antwerp.
- Updated about the ongoing progress with the Grover Hill Wind Turbine project, with 16.5 of the new 23 windmills completed.
- Shared thoughts about what the potential absence of property taxes would look like in the county and the PCED office.
- Was notified that the OhioMeansJobs/PCED commercial advertising will carry on through the 2025-26 sports season on Mysports.Live
- Went into executive session to talk about personnel and land acquisition, with no decisions on either subject after coming out.
The next PCED board meeting will be held as the annual Member Business and Industry Appreciation banquet on November 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Grant’s Catering in Antwerp, Ohio. For details about the banquet or to explore development opportunities in Paulding County, contact the PCED office.
