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Council hears plan to accept AEP parcels and sublease to AEP; residents demand clearer terms
Summary
The council discussed an ordinance (No. 20) authorizing conveyance of multiple parcels from American Electric Power for subsequent sublease to AEP; administration described a long negotiation and possible downtown job returns, while public commenters and a neighborhood advocate urged clearer disclosures of parcels, liabilities and measurable public benefit.
The Canton City Council on its April meeting agenda advanced consideration of an ordinance authorizing the city to accept conveyance of multiple parcels from American Electric Power (AEP) with a subsequent sublease to AEP through the Canton Community Improvement Corporation.
A presenter in finance described months-long negotiations and said AEP has agreed to convey the building essentially at a nominal cost and to provide associated parking. The presenter said the plan could bring jobs back downtown, asserting, "they're gonna give us the building for a dollar, and they're gonna give us every parking lot that's associated with that" and that the third floor could house 100 to 120 jobs. He also said the administration is applying for two $1.3 million state capital grants to help establish a safety center and relocate the crime lab.
The matter drew questions from residents during public comment. Kimberly Bell, who identified herself by name and address, challenged the city's budget priorities and asked directly, "Are you gonna charge the AEP rent when they on the 3rd Floor?" She also said, "Something's not mathing," referring to numbers in the proposed budget.
Leon Rycak, speaking during public comment on Item 20, urged clearer public explanations of the layered transaction. "When something that's layered comes before the council, the expectation should be clarity," he said, arguing that the packet of legal language and parcel numbers does not explain potential liabilities, maintenance responsibilities or the measurable public benefit of accepting the parcels. Rycak specifically noted the involvement of the Canton Community Improvement Corporation could increase distance between the public and the financial flows in the deal.
Finance committee members pressed the administration for timelines. The presenter said a tentative agreement is pending council approval, and that the council would vote on the matter the following week. The administration also said countywide jurisdictions and state legislators had toured the site as part of grant-application outreach.
No final land conveyance or council adoption of Ordinance 20 is recorded in the transcript of this meeting. The administration presented the plan and answered questions; council added Ordinance 20 to the evening's legal agenda for further consideration.
Next step: the administration indicated the matter is expected to return for a council vote at the next meeting, at which time members may seek more detailed documentation of parcels, liabilities, lease terms and any rent or revenue arrangements.
