MANSFIELD — Mansfield Law Director Rollie Harper told lawmakers his office is working with the city’s Permitting and Development Office on a new demolition order for the West Park Shopping Center on Park Avenue West.
Harper made the announcement at Tuesday night’s Mansfield City Council meeting.
He said that new order should be filed in the next 60 days and will include the parking lot and the “correct commercial language.”
The city initially ordered the demolition of the 1157 Park Ave. West structure more than two years ago during the administration of Mayor Tim Theaker and Law Director John Spon.
That move spawned a myriad of discussions and arguments between the city and the owners of the property, West Mansfield Realty, and its parent company, New York-based Namdar Realty Group, and its ever-changing legal representatives.
“Frankly, we inherited this case and there was a faulty demolition order to begin with. It didn’t include the parking lot, which is what we have go back and re-do. That’s what we are doing,” Harper said in November.
In legislative action, City Council:
— approved payment of $2,600 to Donald Kaufman of 1196 Royal Oak Court for damages created by a water main leak at the main valve leading to the property from the curb in August 2024.
— approved payment of $1,665 to David Moore of 906 Linwood Place for damages caused by a sewer backup in September 2024.
— approve demolition of dilapidated structures at 509 Lida St., 339 High St. and 352-354 Third Ave.
— approved a “then-and-now” certificate of payment to the Canton law firm of Baker, Dublikar in the amount of $4,060. The city law director’s office contracted with the law firm in December 2023 to assist in an unfair labor practice lawsuit prior to submission of a purchase order.
— approved a “then-and-now” certificate of payment to the Columbus law firm of Bricker Graydon in the amount of $8,268.75. The city law director’s office contracted with the law firm to assist with the zoning code for cannabis control prior to submission of a purchase order.
— approved acceptance of a $33,931.10 grant from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant. Funds will be used to defray the costs of forensic science overtime, contracts, supplies and equipme