Housing discussion centers around State Hospital property

On Mar 11, 2022

Guernsey County Port Authority Director Norm Blanchard discussed the need for housing in the county and a potential location for a development on the former State Hospital grounds north of Cambridge. Blanchard said the State Hospital Property Consortium owns more than 46 acres that could be converted into a housing development by a developer. Local officials are checking infrastructure locations before soliciting potential developers.

Guernsey County Port Authority Director Norm Blanchard discussed the need for more housing and a local initiative to build new homes with board members during the March meeting on Wednesday.

Blanchard said the State Hospital Property Consortium is exploring options for creating a subdivision on approximately 46 acres adjacent to Old 21 Road north of Cambridge.

“They are discussing how to best use that property because it’s just sitting there right now,” said Blanchard. “Whatever is done now is going to cost money. But as much as we need housing in the county, you still have to spend money to get housing.”

The cost is engineering work that needs to be done at the site before lots can be plotted for future construction.

Blanchard explained there are no gas or electrical issues with the site, but a sewer line runs through the middle of the property to a nearby treatment facility.

“The consortium has not decided what to do, so it’s kind of at a standstill,” Blanchard said. He also asked the board member to think about potentially helping the consortium with the cost of the engineering work, if necessary.

“It’s going to be expensive,” said the director.

At a recent joint meeting of the Guernsey County Community Improvement Corporation and Planning Commission, Blanchard told board members that approximately 7,000 people who work in Guernsey County do not live in Cambridge or the county.

“We would love to capture those people and keep them right here in Guernsey County,” he added.

The acreage located between Altercare on Old 21 Road and the Cambridge Township garage on Toland Drive extending to the south, was obtained from the State of Ohio by local governments through the consortium.

In other business:

The Port Authority’s deed for the Harper-Hutchison building in Cambridge is in the process of being recorded, according to Blanchard. The building will then be sold to Jack Warne Construction upon completion of a hold harmless agreement.
Blanchard updated the board regarding businessman Larry Thompson’s effort to buy a portion of the D.O. Hall Business Center to build Ohio Valley Charcoal. Thompson is reportedly working with Ron Van Wey of V2 Architects in Cambridge to determine if the site is suitable for the business. “The demand keeps growing and he (Thompson) wants to break ground pretty quick,” said Blanchard. The company is expected to bring a significant number of jobs to the county.
The board discussed an effort by Dickens Victorian Village to acquire a building that’s for sale on Wheeling Avenue to establish a headquarters in downtown Cambridge. The selling price is reportedly listed at $319,000. Blanchard inquired if the board would be interested in helping Dickens Victorian Village if other funding sources are not available. No action was taken.
Blanchard reported the Port Authority and OhioMeansJobs will likely be involved in obtaining funding for an expansion project by Ohio Bridge in Cambridge. No other information was available at this time.
Treasurer Ed Wright reported the Port Authority’s account balance is $326,956 with approximately $222,000 in unrestricted funds. Recent expenses included real estate taxes and annual dues. The Cambridge Renaissance LLC balance was $32,255, as of Jan. 31.
Other topics discussed briefly by Blanchard included a half-dozen Business Retention & Expansion visits, recent public presentations and a 50-acre property south of Detroit Diesel targeted for brownfield development.