Heath EDC debates fate of two Lawrence Drive houses, seeks demo quotes while RFP for 90-acre town center draws interest
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Summary
Board discussed management options for 217 and 305 Lawrence Drive — demolition, mitigation of pool liability, or preserving structures for the town-center concept — and directed staff to collect competitive demolition quotes. Separately, the 90-acre town-center RFP drew a large pre-bidder turnout and about 50 written questions; staff expects 6–10 proposals.
The Heath EDC/NBC board spent an extended portion of its Jan. 20 meeting reviewing proposals and options for two newly acquired properties, 217 and 305 Lawrence Drive. Staff and board members reviewed parcel sizes and tax implications as discussed with the county assessor, estimated remodel and demolition costs, and ongoing carrying costs. One presenter said remodel cost estimates for a named bidder exceeded $200,000 for a particular house. Board members repeatedly raised concerns about liability — especially the presence of an unused residential pool — and the administrative burden of operating as a residential landlord.
Views were split. Several board members argued for demolition to create a blank slate attractive to developers and to eliminate maintenance and liability. Others urged caution because an active RFP for the town-center master plan allows proposers to include or exclude the existing houses, and preserving elements of the facade could meet community nostalgia or provide historic continuity. The mayor urged careful consideration, noting the city has limited surviving historic fabric and that the board’s decisions on the 90-acre site will shape Heath’s long-term identity.
After debate, the board asked staff to obtain competitive quotes and return with pricing at the February meeting. The president directed staff to gather three competitive quotes for: demolition of 217 (including septic), demolition/backfill or removal of the 305 pool and ancillary outbuildings, capping pool equipment and utilities, and any necessary capping of outbuildings utilities. Several board members offered to meet on-site with staff to confirm the scope of work to be priced.
Separately, staff provided a follow-up RFP report for the 90-acre Heath Town Center activation: 27 parties attended the pre-bidder conference and approximately 50 written questions were submitted. Staff said it expects 6–10 formal proposals after an addendum is issued; the board will form a small review group to evaluate responses.