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Commission approves Tie 9 lease for Fort Pickwick Plaza after debate over process and library protections
Summary
The Pickwick City Commission adopted resolution R-72-26 to authorize a lease with Tie 9 for the Fort Pickwick Plaza restaurant space; the decision followed hours of public comment focused on transparency, competing proposals and protections for the library space.
The Pickwick City Commission voted 3–1 on July 7 to adopt resolution R-72-26, authorizing a lease agreement to bring the Tie 9 restaurant brand into the Fort Pickwick Plaza restaurant space.
The vote followed a staff presentation reviewing a multi-year marketing and solicitation history for the plaza and a side-by-side financial comparison of proposals. Staff said the Tie 9 proposal is structured as a net lease with no city contribution to upfit costs, includes a short rent-free upfit window, and equates to roughly $11.75 per square foot after netting taxes in staff's calculations. "Your comparison here is a lease rate of $11.75 on the Tie 9 proposal," staff said during the presentation.
Why it mattered: Many residents urged thoroughness and transparency. Opponents said competing offers should be updated to current market numbers and asked for stronger protections for the library tenant; supporters emphasized Tie 9's track record and the potential to draw visitors downtown.
What speakers said: Don Smith urged commissioners to protect the library and the building's historic role in downtown Piqua. Tom Liddicraft asked the commission to pause and restart the procurement so competing proposers could update offers to 2026 figures. "If we expect our citizens and businesses to follow established rules and procedures, then our city government should be held to the same standard," Liddicraft said.
Tie 9 owner Tony Clark addressed the commission and community support for the brand: "We felt that we can be a big asset to that part," he said, thanking staff for coordinating site visits and the community for backing the proposal.
Commission reaction and next steps: Commissioners asked staff to confirm utility-cost assumptions and equipment conditions; staff reported annual utility costs for the building at about $26,008 (water, sewer, electric, gas and refuse), or about $2,234 per month. The resolution authorizing the Tie 9 lease passed on a roll call vote. Staff said further implementation will follow the approved lease terms and invoicing/draw procedures for upgrades and will be reported to the commission as the lessee moves forward.
What to watch: Residents who raised transparency and process objections may press for records or procedural clarifications; staff indicated bids and lease paperwork would be finalized and executed per the approved resolution.
