Rossford council considers purchase of Rite Aid building for community development

The Rossford City Council meeting on June 23, 2025, focused on the potential acquisition of the former Rite Aid building, which is currently under a purchase agreement. Rex Hoffman from the Port Authority reported that the agreement, initially set at $1.2 million and extended to $1.3 million, is set to expire on July 8. The urgency of the situation was emphasized, as there is significant interest from other buyers.

Hoffman expressed that the Port Authority lacks the funds to purchase the property and suggested that the city take control to explore development options. Council members raised concerns about the timeline, noting that the next regular meeting would not occur before the expiration date of the agreement. Some members expressed discomfort with making a decision without public input, suggesting a special meeting to allow for community feedback.

The discussion also touched on the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds for the purchase, which was confirmed to not impact city operations or citizens. A member of the audience, Colin Bryce Fraser, raised questions about the future use of the property, suggesting a hybrid model that could include retail and residential components.

In conclusion, the council decided to proceed with a first reading of the proposal, while considering a special meeting to facilitate further discussion and community input before making a final decision on the acquisition. The urgency of the situation highlights the city's need to act quickly to secure the property and explore its potential for development.