BELLAIRE, Ohio – A six-figure offer to demolish blighted properties in Bellaire to make way for new homes is now off the table.
Donn Sinclair of the Sinclair Foundation rescinded his $200,000 offer to the Belmont County Land Reutilization Corporation (the county land bank) in an email he sent Tuesday to Katherine J. Kelich, Belmont County Treasurer and land bank chairperson, and county commissioners.
Sinclair had planned a new housing development in Bellaire’s Rose Hill neighborhood of homes valued at $250,000 each.
Sinclair’s email cited 10 reasons for rescinding the offer, asking why other Ohio county land banks have reportedly built more than 398 homes in recent years but the Belmont County land bank has not built one.
Sinclair focused on what he calls the land bank board’s lack of planning, poor record-keeping, outdated technology (not having a remote meeting policy) and alleged “half-truths” by Kelich. Sinclair, a Bellaire native who now lives in South Carolina, questioned Belmont County commissioners at their July 15 meeting about whether he could attend land bank meetings remotely such as through the Zoom meeting platform.
Sinclair also questioned statements Kelich made about land bank policies.
Sinclair also mentioned the land bank’s refusal to allow him to choose the demolition contractor for the proposed project. Kelich and county commissioners previously informed Sinclair that the land bank must follow public procurement requirements by seeking competitive bids and selecting the lowest and best qualified contractor.
Sinclair contended that since he was providing his own private funds for the work that he should be allowed to choose the contractor.
Sinclair noted in his email to Kelich and commissioners that a licensed house inspector declared the 11 homes he proposed to demolish as “fire and safety risks” and that the homes were condemned by the Village of Bellaire.
Kelich stated in an email to this reporter that she respects Sinclair’s decision to withdraw his funding offer, but the land bank will continue to “address blight” in Bellaire and Belmont County.
“The Sinclair Foundation’s funding decision is, of course, entirely within the Foundation’s discretion, and we respect its decision regarding its funding.
“The Belmont County Land Bank remains focused on its mission of addressing blight and improving communities throughout Belmont County. We appreciate the interest and efforts of everyone who is working toward those same goals.”
Kelich continued her comments:
“Regarding Bellaire, the Land Bank will continue to evaluate the properties identified to address blighted and abandoned properties as resources and appropriate projects become available. We remain committed to working with local communities to pursue constructive solutions.”
Katherine J. Kelich, Belmont County Treasurer and Chairperson of the Belmont County Land Reutilization Corporation
Sinclair clarified in an email to this reporter that he is only withdrawing his offer to work with the Land Bank on the demolition.
“We have rescinded only our offer to partner with BCLRC to provide up to $200,000 in demolition services,” Sinclair stated.
