Forest Park council authorizes emergency purchase of Word of Deliverance building for proposed community center, approves funding amendment

Forest Park City Council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to execute documents to purchase property owned by Word of Deliverance Ministries for the purpose of pursuing a community or recreation center and to amend the city’s 2025 appropriations to cover the acquisition.

The council adopted Ordinance 31‑2025, which authorizes the city manager to complete the purchase of real property located at 693 Fresno Road and 690 Northland Boulevard and declares the measure an emergency under Forest Park Code section 13.96. Council then passed Ordinance 32‑2025, the fifth appropriation adjustment for the 2025 fiscal year, which the ordinance text says covers expenditures including the acquisition of real estate. Both votes were 7‑0.

Why it matters: the ordinances give the city immediate authority to close on the property and provide the finance director authority to make payments and transfers needed to complete the acquisition. City leaders framed the purchase as a long‑sought opportunity to establish a community or recreation center in Forest Park and repeatedly said further planning and resident partnership will follow.

Public input and city statements: Resident Margaret Stewart told council she helped convene a community steering group called Forest Park Neighbors for Active Living to study feasibility and community outreach, and said the group is prepared to assist with research, fundraising, facility planning, programming and engagement. Resident Kathy Gray asked several operational questions, including whether taxpayer dollars would be used, whether the existing ministry tenant would remain until relocated, whether the public would have access to the building after purchase, and who would pay for renovations. The mayor responded that city tax dollars would be used if council moved forward but that the city planned additional public engagement, including a timeline and FAQ for residents.

Legal review and process notes: Law Director John Wyckoff had previously said he reviewed and approved Ordinance 31‑2025 and the related purchase agreement. The ordinance text references compliance with Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code and declares the emergency status to allow immediate effect. The appropriation ordinance references prior appropriation ordinances and an amended certificate of resources requested from the Hamilton County Budget Commission.

What the ordinances do: Ordinance 31‑2025 authorizes the city manager (or appointee) to execute all documents necessary to buy the described parcels, to perform required acts to close the transaction, and to make non‑detrimental changes to the agreement. Ordinance 32‑2025 adjusts the 2025 appropriation ordinances and authorizes the finance director to make payments and transfers in accordance with the exhibits attached to the ordinance.

Unspecified details: The purchase price and the specific appropriation amounts are not specified in the ordinance text read into the record; exhibit details were referenced in the ordinance but not read aloud at the meeting. Council members said more public engagement and planning would occur before final program decisions and community access rules are set.

Next steps: Council members and staff said they will engage residents in planning and outreach if the acquisition proceeds, and the finance director will carry out payment and transfer actions described in the appropriation ordinance.