ODNR Tree Farm For Sale
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, State Rep. Jennifer Garrison, and the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority announced plans today for the reuse of the 98-acre former ODNR Tree Farm in Reno.
ODNR Director Sean Logan and the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding that calls for the creation of a Master Plan for the reuse of now-shuttered ODNR Tree farm. The intent of the Master Plan is to create a vision for mixed use development of the tree farm in the best interests of the community. Because of the size and diversity of the site, local officials believe the property could accommodate commercial, light industrial, residential, recreational or agricutural uses.
Jobs, investment and usage compatible with neighboring properties are the goals. By the terms of the Memorandum, ODNR will work through the Port Authority to sell smaller pieces of the site to different buyers as sellers come forward. Officials hope this will lead to a better use of the property and more harmonious development.
"Normally when the state sells excess land, it is done through an auction, and the highest bidder ends up owning the entire property," according to Port Authority Executive Director Mike Jacoby. "In an unzoned township with a property as large and diverse as the tree farm, the number of bidders would be few, and there is the potential the site could end up being something like a gravel pit."
"Our hope is that through the Master Planning process and the Port Authority's ability to serve as a conduit for sales to private entities, a logical plan for the development of the property will emerge and we can sell portions of the property off according appropriate use types. This is a truly unique piece of property, and it is in everyone's best interest to proceed methodically and treat this project as the opportunity for the future that it really is. "
For more information contact the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority at (740) 568-1958.