FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — Owners of a troubled west side apartment complex asked for a hearing with Prairie Township to avoid the township from taking possession.
The two-hour-long meeting was held Thursday as trustees ultimately decided to take possession of the complex.
The property had been declared a nuisance because of trash piles, open electrical, holes in walls and sagging roofs. In addition, there were security concerns. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office was called to the Galloway Village Apartments more than 400 times in 2023.
“It's hurting all the residents. We can't keep up and continue residential services. It puts our employees at risk,” said Prairie Township Administrator James Jewell.
Presentations were made by the Franklin County Public Health Department, the Fire Marshal, zoning and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office detailing the problems and concerns at the 350 apartment complex.
“I think there's mostly concern about the residents. This has been going on for a year and a half. A lot of our resources have to help with this project and the site and keeping it safe for the residents. Ultimately it's not our responsibility to keep taking care of this property,” Jewell said.
A potential buyer also spoke at the meeting saying he understands the issues at the complex, but his group, Rockcrest, based out of New York, wants time to work on a deal with current owners in hopes of rehabbing the complex.
“If you choose to condemn, we understand. You don't know us from a hole in the wall. Give us 3 weeks. I can give you a budget and timeline,” said Rockcrest representative, Michael Stimler.
The current owners signed an agreement today for waste removal and the potential owner says if they enter into a contract in three weeks to buy the property, they will secure the buildings and hire 24/7 security.
“We wouldn't be here if we didn't think this property couldn't be fixed,” Stimler told trustees.
The trustees voted to move forward with taking possession of the property.
“You are asking for time to get a plan together, which should have been done by now. The owners have never tried to work with us,” said Prairie Township Trustee Rod Pritchard.
Trustees said they will work with the seller and potential buyer in the next 30 days and add if they can come to an agreement they can rescind this order.