Time to clean up Fasnacht Farm in Perry Township? Trustees considering building options

PERRY TWP. – Trustees are mulling whether to tear down several aging buildings on the A.D. Fasnacht Farm Park due to safety concerns.

Following a public discussion at Tuesday night's meeting, officials postponed action that would have accepted a bid to demolish six outbuildings on the historic property at 1126 Jackson Ave. NW.

Park damage: Fire destroys storage barn at Fasnacht Farm in Perry Township

Cost for the potential demolition of the run-down structures is $12,000, in addition to an approximately $4,000 rate to remove debris around the buildings and property.

"We've had a fire out there, now (in May), and our risk management company (Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority) says we're at risk," said Trustee Lisa Nelligan. "We have to start cleaning up the area."

Last spring, a fire at Fasnacht Farm destroyed a storage barn on the property.

Trustee Ralph DeChiara Jr. argued against an immediate removal of the old structures, saying that preserving part of Perry's history is paramount.

"You lose character when you tear down old buildings," he said. "Maybe we can secure them and come up with another solution."

Trustees decided Tuesday to take a closer, in-person look prior to coming up with a permanent plan or fix.

The more than 30 acres of Fasnacht farmland and facilities were purchased by Perry Township in March 2007. The land includes the original farmhouse built in 1877 and an adjacent barn.

The historic farmhouse and main barn will remain intact and not be taken down.

Over the years, the township has leased the land to local farmers and hosted farm tours and hikes, agricultural classes and a community garden.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Perry Township trustees mull demo of old buildings at Fasnacht Farm