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Council adopts emergency ordinance to buy Riverside Drive acreage with Clean Ohio match
Summary
Council adopted an emergency ordinance to authorize purchase of 3.86 acres on Riverside Drive (Schulde Meyer property) using Clean Ohio grant funding and a local match assembled from family bargain sale, city funds and a conservancy easement purchase.
City staff presented an ordinance authorizing the emergency purchase of 3.86 acres on Riverside Drive owned by the Schulde Meyer family (transcript spelling varies). Assistant City Manager Chris Wynich and City Manager Dave Kennedy explained the Clean Ohio grant process and the need to enact the ordinance to close within the grant window.
Kennedy outlined the appraisal at $1,100,000 and the city’s obligation to provide a 25% local match. Per the presentation, the Schulde Meyer family agreed to a bargain sale component of $100,000 toward the match, the city committed $150,000, and the Little Miami Conservancy will purchase an easement for the most sensitive riverfront area — bringing the local match to about $350,000 (~32% of the appraised value). Staff said additional land‑use restrictions and a declaration of restrictions will be recorded with the property as required by the grant.
Council voted on the emergency ordinance (Ordinance 41) and adopted it by roll call (7–0). Staff said the acquisition enables future master planning that will combine the newly acquired parcel with the Veterans Memorial property and position the city to pursue Land and Water Conservation Fund grants once a plan is in place.
No amendments were made on the floor; council expressed appreciation to the family and partners for support of the purchase.
