Commissioners initiate process to vacate part of Big Indian Road despite ongoing litigation

County counsel briefed the board on a recommendation to initiate the statutory process to vacate a roughly 163-foot unimproved portion of Big Indian Road in Washington Township and set a viewing and hearing; the staff memo cited section 55 53 0 4 of the Ohio Revised Code for the procedural requirements.

Counsel said a property owner previously sued the township trustees seeking construction of a road segment, and that during litigation easements over neighboring parcels were identified, reducing the risk of a landlock. Counsel noted the property owner recently filed an appeal to the 12th District Court of Appeals. Commissioners debated whether to wait for the appeal or to proceed; one commissioner said vacating could resolve the dispute, while another argued caution. After discussion the board voted to adopt resolution No. 116-26 to initiate the vacation process, schedule a viewing for Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., and set a public hearing for Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the BCC office.

Counsel and staff emphasized this vote initiates the process and that a viewing and public hearing will precede any final decision. The appeal remains pending and could affect outcomes; counsel estimated an appeals decision would be unlikely before mid-next year.