Bellbrook updates council on concept to partner with Lions Club and CIC to redevelop former school site

City Manager Rob updated council on a concept to redevelop a vacated school property in partnership with the Lions Club and the city's Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).

Rob said the plan is a concept only: the CIC would acquire the land and enter a development agreement with the Lions Club to create public and recreational space with some single‑family residential development along existing street infrastructure. He emphasized the concept is not a finalized sale or development and that the city intends the transfer and redevelopment to proceed at no cost to taxpayers.

Rob identified two primary challenges: the cost of demolishing existing buildings and ensuring both buildings would be taken down as part of any transfer. He said the city and partners will pursue potential funding sources, including Brownfield grants, demolition grants and community improvement grants, and that the Lions Club would seek grant funding and contribute capital where possible.

Council members said earlier outreach to neighbors and school‑sponsored meetings had produced public input favoring residential uses compatible with the existing neighborhood. Rob reminded council the site remains subject to normal public processes — planning‑board review, public hearings and any rezoning — and said the next steps are to formalize agreements with the school, finalize any legal documents, and bring any transfer or development agreements back to council for review.

No formal action was taken; staff will continue discussions with the school, the Lions Club and the CIC and pursue potential grant sources and formal agreements.