Dayton accelerates demolition work, shifts funds to meet state deadline and approves $1.95M contract amendment

City staff told the Dayton City Commission on Tuesday that the city will accelerate demolition work and prioritize Ohio Department of Development (ODOD)–funded properties after the state indicated some funds must be spent by June 2025.

The change in priority comes as the commission approved the city manager’s recommendations, including a third amendment to the city’s demolition services agreement that “authorizes an additional $1,950,000 in funding,” City staff told the commission.

The vote to approve the city manager’s recommendations passed with Mayor Mims, Commissioner Shaw, Commissioner Fairchild and Commissioner Turner Sloss voting aye; one commissioner was excused.

Staff summary and why it matters

Steve Gondell, director for the Department of Planning, Neighbors and Development, told the commission the department recorded 28 demolitions in March: “7 were ARPA, 3 were general fund, 18 were, ODOD.” He said the March activity brought the year-to-date total to 62 demolitions and that the department has sped up pre-demolition steps — asbestos surveys and remediation — to move more properties into demolition quickly.

Gondell said the…