Strongsville council places Fultz Extension land listing agreement on first reading after members seek more time

Strongsville City Council on May 19 placed Ordinance 2025-064 — a proposed exclusive sales listing agreement for about 87.5 acres of city-owned industrial land on the Fultz Extension Parkway — on first reading and kept the item in committee for further review.

Council President Short said the measure would authorize a commercial real estate brokerage agreement to market the city parcels. Councilmember Roff asked for more time to review the proposed agreement and supporting materials, saying, “All I'm asking for is 2 weeks, Neil.” Several council members supported delaying final action so all members could review the selection process and proposals from the firms that responded to the city's request for proposals.

An administration staff member explained the process to council: a resolution previously authorized the request for proposals; four firms responded and were interviewed, and the listing agreement before council would authorize the mayor to execute a contract with the selected firm but would not finalize any sale. “It is your right to approve, modify, reject or disapprove any and all proposals and offers,” Councilman Clark added, noting council retains final approval over any sale terms.

Council placed the ordinance on first reading and kept it in committee. Council members discussed the potential market timing implications of a short delay; administration said postponing marketing by two weeks would slow outreach but would not finalize any sale without a later council approval. Several members also suggested an in-person briefing with the selected firm or a special meeting if council wanted a quicker review.

The item will remain in committee; council indicated it expects further briefings before any final vote on a sales agreement.