Candidates broadly back Mason Mile plan but stress property-owner buy-in and phased approach

At a candidate forum Thursday at Mason High School, candidates for Mason City Council voiced broad support for the Mason Mile downtown redevelopment plan but several said the project will require property-owner buy-in and a phased approach to produce measurable results.

The Mason Mile plan, developed with public input and consultants by the Mason Deerfield Community Development Corporation (CDC), is intended to reconnect neighborhoods, update zoning and spur private investment in downtown Mason. Supporters at the forum said the plan aims to create a more walkable downtown and to attract businesses; skeptics urged clearer timelines and short-term “quick wins” to sustain public confidence.

Incumbent council member Mark Hackie said the plan was built from data, professional input and public outreach and promised the city will work to convert that planning into development. "I am 100% in support of this," Hackie said, citing the recent planning commission vote to advance zoning changes tied to the plan. Former mayor and incumbent council member Barbara Spathe also voiced firm support: "I absolutely support the Mason Mile initiative," she said, noting the CDC’s volunteer base and community outreach.

Other candidates and incumbents described practical limits. Tony Bradburn, a longtime Mason council member, said the city cannot use eminent domain for economic development under Ohio case law and that private property owners ultimately decide whether to redevelop. "It becomes very difficult . . . because you have so many small parcels down there, and you have to get them to agree," Bradburn said.

Several candidates urged a phased rollout with measurable outcomes. Candidate Murali Swamy said he supports the plan and would push for a phased approach with short-term wins to build trust. Candidate Gina Sanders, who worked with community organizers on the project, praised the CDC for repairing relations between volunteers, business owners and city staff and said continued patronage and engagement will help the initiative succeed.

Planning commission members approved zoning changes for the Mason Mile in a meeting earlier this week; council will receive the proposed zoning amendments for their first reading in the coming month, speakers said. The forum indicated consensus on the broad goal but divergent emphasis on timing and tactics — particularly outreach to downtown property owners and ensuring the plan is implemented in stages.

What happens next: candidates and supporters said council should continue to leave day-to-day implementation to the CDC and economic development staff while using zoning and budget authority to support the project. Public hearings on the zoning amendments are expected before final council action. Election day is Nov. 4; voters in Mason will fill four council seats.