FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — While the future of Galloway Village Apartments in Prairie Township remains uncertain, the complex faces additional challenges in the form of thieves and squatters.
Galloway Village Apartments was fenced off in March after being deemed a nuisance property for unhabitable conditions. Tenants who lived there were forcibly evicted from the complex in March.
Since the fence was put up at the apartment complex, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office has been called to the site 65 times in the past two months.
“We are still having issues with squatters and people stealing copper and things like that,” said Prairie Township Administrator James Jewell.
In the last week, the receiver of the Galloway Village Apartment complex in Prairie Township boarded up the first floors of every building trying to keep thieves out.
They are targeting copper and air conditioners still in the complex.
Even with regular patrols around the complex, Franklin County Sheriff's deputies have been called to the complex dozens of times since the end of March.
“They are averaging out here once a day, and that's not counting regular patrol coming out here. The deputies assigned to Prairie Township are keeping a close eye on the site,” Jewell said.
There is interest from potential buyers to rehab the dilapidated buildings on the 14 acres, according to Jewell.
“We are cautiously optimistic. We'd love to see someone come in and renovate the place. It is over 350 units. With the housing needs here in central Ohio we're hoping that it is something that can just be brought up to code,” he said.
Jewell added he has to be realistic and prepare for the possibility Prairie Township officials could demolish the buildings for public safety.
“It comes down to the trustees and what they want to do. We are being very patient trying to work with the receiver. We are being optimistic that this place can be brought back to life. The reality is because of the local residents out here, they do complain about the site and would like to see something done,” he said.