Commissioners approve transfer of 1315 East Main to nearby resident for $500

Delaware County Commissioners voted June 2 to transfer the county-owned property at 1315 East Main Street to Arlene Thomas for $500 following a public hearing and public comment.

At the hearing, Sandra Bass, speaking on behalf of herself and her daughter, said she had submitted letters of recommendation from the East Central Neighborhood Association and others and urged the commissioners to consider the family’s redevelopment plans for the lot. "I just wanna say I again, I appreciate you all's time, in hearing my daughter and myself, on our interest for 13 for 1315," Bass said during public comment. She added, "it is well with my soul whichever way it goes because it's according to God's plan."

Commissioners discussed the offer during the meeting. The record shows the county considered an acquisition amount between $500 and $2,100 (the property's assessed value), and the board selected $500. A motion to transfer the property to Arlene Thomas for $500 was moved, seconded and approved in a roll-call vote with all voting commissioners recorded as "yes."

The transfer follows earlier cleanup and administrative steps the county took on the parcel. Commissioners said they received recommendation letters and public support for a resident-led reuse plan; several public commenters afterward thanked the board for approving the transfer and asked for updates as the project proceeds.

The action taken was a direct county property transfer approved by vote; no ordinance adoption or wider policy change was made at this meeting.