COLUMBUS, Ohio — The City of Johnstown and Johnstown-Monroe School District aren’t going down without a fight to preserve the land once owned by one of Licking County's most decorated veterans.
Before Brigadier General Perry L. Miles died, he made a will that spelled out what should happen to his land, a 177-acre plot on Dutch Lane, after he died.
Miles was no average Licking County resident. While his teenage years were spent here, he eventually went on to become Brigadier General Perry Miles. His decorated career involved a purple heart, distinguished service cross, distinguished service medal, silver star and more.
Miles’ will says the property should be “preserved as the Longwell-Miles Memorial Estate for the purposes of religious, educational, and recreational good and benefit to the resident of Johnstown, Liberty Township and surrounding communities.”
The trust that controls the land decided the land should be donated to the Licking Park District.
That sparked a lawsuit by the city of Johnstown claiming that would violate the intent of the will.
Johnstown sued and lost.
It’s believed to be the longest land trust dispute in county history.
This week, the city filed an appeal with the Fifth Appellate District.
The motion also contains a stay to prevent the transfer of property until the appeal is decided.
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