Intern outlines constraints on Stafford Act properties, urban‑farming options and county building‑permit recommendations

Abigail Wilson, a summer intern in the Lawrence County commissioners' office, told the commission Aug. 5 that several county properties are held with restrictions under the Stafford Act that permanently limit certain uses, including revenue-generating activities.

Wilson said the restrictions make it difficult to develop or sell produce from Stafford Act parcels. She reported that leasing Stafford Act parcels to another public entity — for example, the port authority — might allow development, but she advised the county to consult the prosecutor to confirm that option is legally viable. Wilson identified about 38 land‑bank properties that could be suitable for urban farming; she said many of those parcels are concentrated in Chesapeake and Ironton, with additional acreage in South Point and Colegrove.

Wilson also recommended exploring a partnership with the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association to develop workforce or fellowship programs, potentially funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission, and suggested using land‑bank parcels (not Stafford Act parcels) for revenue-generating urban‑farm activity. Separately, she reviewed county building‑permit practices and recommended the county pursue residential building‑department certification or at minimum create a county permitting information website to simplify permit navigation for homeowners.

Commissioners expressed appreciation for Wilson’s research and asked staff to coordinate with the prosecutor before pursuing leasing or development options. The meeting record contains no formal action to change the status of Stafford Act properties or to authorize leasing or program funding.