Commissioners discuss Shady Lane Land Bank property; plan keeps driveway and addresses safety hazards

During the Nov. 4 meeting Commissioner James R. Morgan reported on a post‑Land Bank discussion with Pete Welch about the Shady Lane complex and the expected final disposition of the property.

Morgan said the Land Bank’s intent is to retain the driveway and parking area for use by the county dog warden, and to remove the other structures except for utility poles. Randal Strickler, the assistant prosecutor, said basements would be filled in to eliminate safety hazards. Steve Minor, the buildings and grounds supervisor, asked whether building power connections should be detached from the poles; Brady directed that they be removed and disconnected. Morgan said if traffic increases they could consider closing the road; Brady noted the lane is not a public road and "they could block it off." Pete Welch clarified the plan: maintain the driveway and parking, preserve poles and fire hydrants, and ensure utilities are handled safely. FirstEnergy is expected to remove the transformer.

These remarks were reported as part of the commissioners’ regular reports; no formal motion or vote on final disposition was recorded during the session. The board did not announce a timetable for demolition, utility work or further Land Bank action.