Steve Leggo, executive director of Appalachia Ohio Alliance, told Grove City Council on Nov. 3 that his organization opposes using condemnation to take conserved property for a planned shared-use path tied to Ordinance C4025.

Leggo said the AOA parcel, which contains four bogs and planting buffers, is a preserved property outside the city limits that "has been threatened with condemnation." He said the land was conserved with state funding and that AOA is contractually obligated to oppose any condemnation. "We are not convinced that, the use of condemnation is a reasonable public exercise for this property," Leggo said.

The council heard the item as a first reading; no vote or final action was taken. The service department introduced three related ordinances on first reading (C4025, C4125 and C4225) that would authorize appropriations of property and easements for a shared-use path, a signal/roadway quick-take and a roadway/overpass project. Service staff said second readings and public hearings for the ordinances are scheduled for Nov. 17.

Leggo described ecological and operational concerns: the bogs are "very vulnerable to invasives" and to intrusion by people and pets, and AOA said prior nearby construction caused excess trash and security issues on the site that AOA had to address at its expense. "The taking of 30 feet of our frontage, and taking of the buffering that we have for the bogs is going to be a liability, for us and for the community," he said.

City staff responded that alternatives were analyzed during design and that staff had contacted AOA and its attorney before filing the legislation. City staff said an appraisal "was in the 6 figures" and that the city offered that amount; staff added that if talks fail the city could file for condemnation and that the court process could delay construction for years. "This is a first reading and normally we allow questions and comments at the second reading. The second reading will be on November 17. There'll be no action taken tonight," the service presenter said.

What happened next: Council took no formal vote on the appropriation ordinances at the Nov. 3 meeting; councilmembers and staff indicated further discussion and negotiation will take place before the Nov. 17 second readings.

Why it matters: The dispute pits municipal connectivity plans against conservation easements and recorded funding obligations; condemnation of a conserved property raises ecological, legal and funding questions that could delay the project.

Looking ahead: The ordinances will return for second readings and public hearings on Nov. 17. AOA and city staff indicated both sides expect continued contact; AOA said it will oppose any taking required by its funding contracts.