Label
Housing and Community Development
Chief Clemens (x3647)
Title
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Lucas County Land Reutilization Corporation and accept conveyance of two (2) parcels of real property located at 2017 Lawrence Avenue (the former Braden United Methodist Church) and 2013 Lawrence Avenue (the adjacent parcel) from the Lucas County Forfeited Land List pursuant to TMC Section 187.19(a), R.C. Chapters 5722 and 5723, and the Memorandum of Understanding authorized by Ordinance 156-21; authorizing the execution and delivery of all necessary agreements and instruments; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Section 187.19(a) of the Toledo Municipal Code and Chapter 5722 of the Ohio Revised Code, the City of Toledo partners in the Land Reutilization Program with the Lucas County Land Reutilization Corporation (the “Land Bank”) under the Memorandum of Understanding authorized by Ordinance No. 156-21.
The real properties commonly known as the former Braden United Methodist Church, located at 2017 Lawrence Avenue (Parcel No. 04-57901), and an adjacent parcel located at 2013 Lawrence Avenue (Parcel No. 04-57394) (collectively, the "Subject Properties"), are nonproductive parcels that have completed tax foreclosure proceedings and are currently on the Lucas County Forfeited Land List under R.C. Chapter 5723.
The Subject Properties represent an important landmark situated within the Englewood Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA). In May 2026, a Preliminary Feasibility Study was completed regarding the redevelopment and adaptive reuse of the Subject Properties, which identified securing site control through public acquisition as an essential initial milestone to evaluate historic rehabilitation, community-serving space, and affordable housing.
To implement the recommendations of the preliminary feasibility study and coordinate with the Land Bank, this Ordinance authorizes the request to the Land Bank, approves the subsequent acceptance of title by the City.
Summary
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the Mayor, acting in conjunction with the Lucas County Land Reutilization Corporation pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding authorized by Ordinance No. 156-21, Section 187.19(a) of the Toledo Municipal Code, and Chapter 5722 of the Ohio Revised Code, is authorized to enter into a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Lucas County Land Reutilization Corporation for the acquisition of the following described real property from the Lucas County Forfeited Land List: Parcel No. 04-57901, located at 2017 Lawrence Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606; and Parcel No. 04-57394, located at 2013 Lawrence Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606.
SECTION 2. That the Mayor and the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, in coordination with the Division of Real Estate, be and they are hereby authorized to accept conveyance and transfer of fee simple title for the Subject Properties from the Lucas County Land Reutilization Corporation to the City of Toledo for no monetary purchase consideration.
SECTION 3. That Council finds and determines that the Subject Properties constitute nonproductive forfeited land under R.C. 5722.01 and TMC Section 187.19(a), that acquisition through the Land Bank and acceptance of title by the City aligns with the preliminary feasibility analysis completed for the site, is in the best interests of the City, and supports the long-term community revitalization objectives of the Englewood Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA).
SECTION 4. That Council hereby approves the acquisition, transfer, and conveyance of said Subject Properties from the Lucas County Land Reutilization Corporation pursuant to TMC Section 187.19(a), notwithstanding and as an exception to any other conflicting provisions of the Toledo Municipal Code.
SECTION 5. That the Mayor is authorized to execute and deliver such documents, certifications and instruments as are necessary to consummate the acquisition and transfer of the Subject Properties; and the Director of Housing and Community Development, the Director of Law, the Director of Finance, Clerk of Council and other appropriate officials of the City are authorized to enter into, execute and deliver such other instruments, agreements, documents and certificates and to take such other lawful action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to fully implement and consummate the conveyance of the Subject Properties.
SECTION 6. That the Mayor is authorized to execute and deliver needed instruments for the acceptance and acquisition of the Subject Properties, and to execute contracts or agreements for various services including, but not limited to, surveys, environmental assessments, testing, title work, appraisals, closing costs, recording fees, and other incidental fees and expenses associated with and required for securing site control and conducting preliminary due diligence, upon such terms and conditions as shall be approved by the Director of Law.
SECTION 7. That the expenditure of customary title, transfer, closing, recording, and incidental expenses necessary to consummate the acquisition authorized herein is approved, payable from funds previously appropriated within the Department of Housing and Community Development operating budget; and the Finance Director is authorized to draw warrant or warrants against available appropriations upon presentation of proper vouchers.
SECTION 8. That the City’s Real Estate Division is authorized to cause the proper recording of all needed deeds and conveyance instruments with the Recorder of Lucas County, Ohio.
SECTION 9. That it is found and determined that all formal actions of Council concerning and relating to the passage of this Ordinance were adopted in an open meeting of Council and that all deliberations of Council and any of its committees that result in such formal action were in meetings open to the public in compliance with all legal requirements, including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
SECTION 10. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force immediately from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that the same is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and property, and for the further reason that this Ordinance must be immediately effective to facilitate timely acquisition through the Land Bank, prevent further deterioration of the vacant structures, and resolve property and title matters without delay.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Passed: _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance passed by
Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council