The Delaware County Land Reutilization Corporation on Nov. 12 authorized staff to advance demolition grant applications and approved preparing four prioritized brownfield applications for submission to the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD).

Chair Jeff Benton and consultant Brent Smith of CEC briefed the board on timelines and project lists: demolition grant applications are due Nov. 19 and brownfield applications are due Dec. 5. Smith said CEC was preparing narratives and cost estimates and identified three demolition projects (including two county-owned properties and a City of Powell site) with estimated demolition costs totaling about $70,000 based on preliminary contractor estimates. To provide flexibility, the board approved language to advance those three projects and to authorize up to $100,000 for them, with an additional placeholder authorization of up to $150,000 should another project emerge before Nov. 19.

On brownfields, Smith outlined four priority projects: a Powell village-green phase‑1 assessment and asbestos survey; Ohio Wesleyan University’s library renovation (which Smith said already has phase‑1 and asbestos studies and a $750,000 preliminary project estimate from the university); the county fairgrounds (which needs additional environmental assessment and asbestos surveys for several buildings); and a City of Delaware site described as a former BP station where staff recommended an assessment-only approach because the site remains an active gas station and a responsible party may exist. "We can't help out a property owner that could be a responsible party," Smith said, explaining assessment-only work would be the appropriate path for that site.

Board members discussed the state's competitive scoring rubric and transparency. Smith urged strong narratives, required assessments and appropriate letters of support. The board moved and voted to instruct staff to prepare and submit applications for the four prioritized brownfield projects for up to $1,000,000 in aggregate and separately authorized CEC to review, provide letters of support, or submit applications for Phoenix Environmental projects if the consultant requests Land Bank assistance. Benton said staff could call a brief emergency meeting before Dec. 5 if final dollar allocations required board approval.

Emily Rasswerfer of CEC provided project updates: the demo-1 final report has been submitted and ODOD is processing outstanding asbestos reports; the Wild Oak Market project on Dublin Road (a Phoenix Environmental file) still awaits a no‑further‑action determination; the Channing Street project final report and draw request have been submitted and reimbursement work is in process; and Bashford Hall demolition is complete with reimbursement requested.

The motions passed by voice vote. Staff will finalize checklists and cost estimates and proceed with state submissions before the respective deadlines.