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Franchisee seeks city acceptance of half-acre parcel as gift in Tallmadge McDonald’s rebuild
Summary
A McDonald’s franchisee asked Tallmadge City Council to accept a roughly half-acre parcel as a donated public parcel after an extended redevelopment; council members agreed next steps require an ordinance sponsor and a formal legislative acceptance.
John Blickle, president of Rubber Arches LLC, told the Tallmadge City Council on Jan. 9 that his company completed a multi‑parcel purchase connected to rebuilding the McDonald’s at Tallmadge Circle and wants to donate a roughly half‑acre parcel to the city for public use.
Blickle said the project has taken about eight years and that the company bought two parcels in addition to the original restaurant parcel to assemble the site. He said the additional parcel was intended “to transfer by gift” to the city and that donating it was part of the financial structure of the franchise deal.
Why it matters: Blickle said acceptance of the parcel by the city would fulfill part of the negotiated outcome between his company and the city and would allow him to comply with franchise rules that prohibit a franchisee from owning land contiguous to the restaurant. He also told council the city previously entered into a development agreement with McDonald’s Corporation covering maintenance and stormwater obligations for the redeveloped site.
Blickle described negotiations with Summit County stormwater reviewers, saying the county’s recommendations forced a larger detention area than he’d expected and required placement of stormwater retention closer to the trail and “on the easterly portion” of the site. “I don't like what ended up there,” Blickle said, but added he believes the resulting space can function as green public space.
Council and staff described the legal process for accepting a donated parcel. The city’s law department advised that a council member must sponsor an ordinance that sets out terms and conditions for acceptance; the ordinance would follow the city’s normal readings and voting schedule. The law director also said staff would review any correspondence and take the matter “under advisement” until legislation is requested.
Council member Jonathan Bolas, describing himself as the resident’s ward representative, told Blickle he would work with the law director and attempt to provide a definitive vote for Blickle’s purposes.
No formal vote or ordinance was taken during the meeting. Mayor Kilway and other council members thanked Blickle for the investment and for appearing to explain the situation.
The next step described on the record is for a council member to request legislation; if introduced at a regular meeting it could require up to three readings (about six weeks) before final passage, depending on calendar placement.
