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Resident urges city to pursue Ohio capital funding to stabilize Cortona Theatre property
Summary
A Circleville resident asked the council to pursue funding and stronger city action to address deterioration and potential hazards at the Cortona Theatre on Pinkney Street, suggesting grant work and possible condemnation if owner inaction persists.
At the public-comment portion of the February 2025 Circleville City Council meeting, resident Dave Horning urged council and the mayor to take an "aggressive approach" to preserve the Cortona Theatre on Pinkney Street. Horning said the city should pursue the Ohio Capital Budget Fund and prepare grant materials, including engineering studies, to rehabilitate the property.
Horning told the council he has tried contacting the property owner without success and expressed concern that the vacant building has become an attraction for people seeking shelter during cold weather; he said he had no proof of current occupancy inside the building. He recommended citizens and the city collaborate on the up-front costs needed to apply for capital funding.
Mayor Michelle Blanton responded that Horning had provided contact information and that she would work with the city planner and the law director to review city code and identify possible city actions under local ordinances.
Why it matters: The Cortona Theatre is privately owned; Horning framed the building as a historic asset that may pose health and safety concerns if it continues to deteriorate. Pursuing state capital funding and completing the engineering work needed for grant applications would be preliminary steps before rehabilitation could proceed.
Ending: Council members acknowledged the issue and the mayor indicated staff would review legal and code options; no formal action or timeline was recorded.
