Nuisance property could become pavilion in Barnesville; township approves fire co. LSA grant application

BARNESVILLE – A nuisance property in this Ryan Township village will soon be brought down and could be replaced by a community pavilion.

After a legal battle, Ryan Township is acquiring a collapsing barn just off Mansure Road which was previously owned by Willis Garber.

The barn, which is largely collapsed at the rear of the property, has been subject to scrutiny for several years.

Township supervisors discussed the matter at Monday night’s council meeting.

Solicitor Christopher Riedlinger provided an update at last month’s meeting that Garber will sign the property over to the township.

The township, however, will be on the hook for both this year’s and next year’s property taxes, as they have to file for a property tax exemption, which won’t be processed until next year’s bills are out.

Supervisor Lori Feldish-Ludinsky suggested turning the property into a pavilion and saving the lower half of the barn, if possible.

Concerns were raised about cost, the structural integrity of the lower level, and zoning setbacks, though supervisors agreed the matter was worth exploring.

The demolition of the structure will be paid for by the county.

In other business, the township approved a request to allow the Ryan Township Fire Co. to apply for a Local Share Account grant on the township’s behalf.

Jack Hurst, assistant chief, said the grant would be for a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) equipped with a skid unit for use on brush fires and search and rescues.

He said the equipment is especially beneficial with two state parks and state game lands located within the township.

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Kaylee Lindenmuth

Kaylee Lindenmuth is a Shenandoah native with a passion for journalism and the community she calls home.

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