Commissioners transfer two long‑unsold parcels to redevelopment authority; appoint Benjamin Bush to unexpired term

Lawrence County commissioners approved two transfers of long‑unsold, tax‑exempt parcels to the county redevelopment authority and appointed a new member to fill an unexpired term at their June 17 meeting.

One parcel dating to a treasurer’s sale in 1951 lies on Lafayette Street in Newcastle’s Seventh Ward; an adjacent neighbor, Donna Baas (name as stated in the record), has applied to take ownership. Commissioners authorized transferring that parcel to the redevelopment authority so the authority can process the neighbor’s request and return the property to the tax rolls, planning staff said.

A second parcel on Pearson Street in Newcastle’s Fourth Ward, with sale records in 1951 and 1966, will be transferred for similar processing at the request of Shepherd’s White Ministry, the planning director said. Staff said previously that transferred parcels, once conveyed and returned to private ownership, would be placed back on the tax roll.

The board also filled a vacancy on the five‑member Lawrence County Redevelopment Authority by appointing Benjamin Bush to serve the unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2027. Commissioners noted the authority members are volunteers and that the vacancy followed the resignation of Robert Donadio.

Why it matters: Transferring long‑unsold parcels to the redevelopment authority can enable property reuse, return parcels to the tax rolls, and allow demolition or rehabilitation that addresses blight.

Votes and next steps: Commissioners approved the two transfers (resolutions 125 and 126) and the appointment (resolution 132) by roll call. Planning staff will work with applicants and the redevelopment authority on closing and tax‑roll updates.