By Kimberly Pistone

For the Sidney Daily News

SIDNEY – The Shelby County Land Reutilization Corp. discussed the Wagner property and grants, at a meeting on Aug. 20.

According to Director Doug Ahlers’s report, the Land Bank has acquired a total of 124 units, of which 81 units have been demolished, and 79 units have been disposed of using various means. There are eight residential properties currently in foreclosure.

Phase II test collection on the Wagner Building proper has been completed, and the Land Bank is awaiting the results. Once that occurs, the Land Bank will determine how to proceed with the bidding process, which is to be completed by June 30, 2025. All fencing, trees and bushes will be removed and the property will be graded and seeded prior to winter.

Grant requests for the 2024-2025 Housing grant of $436,000 and a brownfield grant for just under $1,000,000 are both still in the review process. Once the grant requests are approved, the Land Bank will send out demolition bids for several properties. Work under these grants is to be completed by May 1, 2025 and June 30, 2025, respectively.

Treasurer Todd Lotz reported the current balance for the Land Bank is $511,778.05, which includes a loan from the Shelby County Commissioners for $200,000.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 1:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ meeting room.