Murray City resident asks Hocking County to help secure train‑depot parcel for community garden

Shannon Anderson told the Hocking County commissioners on April 30 that Murray City residents want county assistance to protect a 1.9‑acre parcel that includes a historic train depot and a ball diamond and to secure permission to use part of the land for a community garden.

Anderson said she purchased a warranty deed and read language she described as a reversionary interest: if the parcel ceases to be used for public purposes, she said, the deed provides it would revert to the grantor or successors. “This can never be made private. It has and must remain public purpose,” Anderson said, and she asked the county to help determine ownership and stop what she described as attempts to privatize the asset.

Anderson described community concerns about vandalism at the depot, limited civic participation in village council meetings, and a lack of funds to pursue projects. She urged the commissioners to coordinate with the state (including ODNR), county planning staff and other partners to open opportunities for grants and stewardship, and to verify whether the improvement committee or heirs control the property.

A commissioner (S3) noted the county secretary of state records can help determine corporate and ownership status and said, “Figuring out who actually owns and controls that property would be key.” Chair (S1) offered to gather information and meet with Anderson and county planning staff to follow up.

Next steps: commissioners said they would review the deed, consult the county planner and provide a follow‑up meeting or call with Anderson to review options for legal ownership, potential ODNR involvement and possible grant or partnership routes for a community garden.