Land bank gets $1.8 million for Mosaic Tile demo
ZANESVILLE — Standing on the steps of the Muskingum County Courthouse on Wednesday, Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced a pair of grants that will help clean up blight and redevelop two long-vacant buildings in Zanesville.
Muskingum County Land Reutilization Corporation, better known as the land bank, was awarded $1.8 million for the demolition of the former Mosaic Tile factory on Pershing Road. The funds will provide for asbestos and lead remediation prior to demolition, and site-preparation for redevelopment.
The site consists of a little more than 15 acres, much of which is occupied by a sprawling factory complex that was partially demolished in 2016. The factory itself is made up of several structures built as the tile company expanded over the years.
"This funding will allow our community to heal a few blights that have been plaguing our south end communities for the last few decades," said Andrew Roberts, executive director of the land bank.
Muskingum County Commissioners Mollie Crooks praised Roberts for his visionary leadership with this project.
Zanesville Mayor Don Mason said he is excited for the work to begin, and points to the land bank as an important tool for economic development. He said he excited to work with the organization to help transform the property. He praised the cooperation at the local, county and state levels to move the project forward.
The land bank was previously awarded $120,000 for asbestos abatement at the former Munson Elementary School in Zanesville, paving the way for the building's demolition and redevelopment as affordable housing.
Woda Cooper Companies, a Columbus-based housing developer, will redevelop the Brighton Boulevard property once the building is torn down.
According to a letter from the company obtained by the Times Recorder, Woda Cooper plans to install 12 one-bedroom apartment, 26 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom apartments. All will be available to low-income individuals. Ten units would be set aside for those with an income at or below 30% area median income, 10 for those at or below 50%, 10 units for those at or below 60%, and 20 units for those at or below 80%.
More: Developer hired to build 50 affordable housing units at Munson Elementary School site
"We look forward to redeveloping the Munson site for affordable housing, and looking to the future on possibilities at Mosaic. This is what happens when government works together for the good of the community," Roberts said.
"What I love about these projects is this is rehabilitation, this is revitalization," said Husted. "They take a site that is not usable, and turn it onto one with great economic value."
The funds come from the state's Brownfield Remediation Program, which is distributing $192 million across 41 counties to clean up former industrial sites during its latest funding cycle.
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This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Land bank gets $1.8 million for Mosaic Tile demo
