WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — The Downtown Vitality Task Force held a brief meeting on Monday at 9 a.m to discuss Christmas plans and a proposed ordinance for vacant buildings. The task force meetings are usually on the second Tuesday of the month, but changed for this and next month to the Monday prior.
Mandy Miller from Main Street Fayette was in attendance to talk about the Downtown Live on Dec. 14, and the horse and carriage have been scheduled for the event in downtown. They want to schedule more activities, and Miller said they need more volunteers and sponsors for their events.
A new proposed ordinance was presented for review, and input was given regarding the program for identifying and registering vacant buildings in the downtown area. It can be used as a tool to protect and preserve the commercial areas from becoming blighted through lack of adequate maintenance and security concerns.
It was suggested that owners of vacant buildings register with the Washington Fire Department within 90 days after a building has become vacant. Owners would also need to file a plan, such as renovations needed, listed with a real estate agent for sale, if to remain vacant, why, and how the building will be secured for safety.
After discussion, more updates to this proposal will be made and represented. Several task force members were absent from the meeting today, so more discussion is needed. For example, buildings that have a first floor vacancy, but the upper floor(s) have rented apartments for living space need more specifics.
The next meeting will be Monday, Nov. 4 at 9 a.m in the Administration Building on Main Street.
