Sandusky Land Bank grants conditional extension for 411 Meg Street, approves home sale and program changes

At its Nov. 17 meeting, the Sandusky Land Bank voted to grant a final, conditional extension to the owner of 411 Meg Street while approving several other dispositions and policy changes intended to move vacant parcels back into productive use.

Staff told the committee that owner-developer Theo Kameen did not complete the required single-family home within the 12-month performance period after transfer (transfer date noted as July 23, 2024). Kameen responded to staff on Oct. 15, citing a death and illnesses in the family and damage to a Florida property from a hurricane; he confirmed he intends to be the full-time occupant and supplied documentation staff said demonstrated financial capability. Staff recommended allowing one final extension, with clear timelines tied to permit activity.

After discussion about permitting steps and planning review, the committee approved an amended motion that requires the applicant to apply for building permits within four weeks and demonstrate measurable progress within six months, with authority to revert the parcel to the city if those conditions are not met. The committee recorded the action as an approved extension with conditions.

The Land Bank also reviewed proposed changes to the side-lot disposition policy (listed in documents as Resolution 204-11R). Staff recommended removing references to accepting in-kind maintenance as payment and combining two price items into a single clause: purchase price shall be no less than fair market value as determined by the City of Sandusky in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and land reutilization policies, typically $200 for an additional combined lot plus deed, survey, transfer and recording costs. The committee voted to forward the amended document to City Commission with a recommendation for approval.

Separately, the committee approved a purchase request from Devania Newell to buy parcel 507-0293.000 at 1428 McKinley Street for construction of a single-story, approximately 1,493-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bath owner-occupied home. Staff recommended a sale price of $1,500 plus closing costs, contingent on any outside board approvals and a 12-month completion requirement; the motion passed.

Staff presented a list of up to 20 parcels requested by the Welcome Home Ohio program (and Community Building Partners) for potential acquisition. The Land Bank authorized making those parcels available under standard terms ($1,500 plus closing costs, with side-lot pricing options if lots are combined) and noted that not every lot would necessarily be purchased at once; purchases will proceed in clusters as need and readiness dictate and will be presented to City Commission for final approval when individual sales are executed.

The committee also approved a proposed 2026 meeting schedule (third Monday every other month at 2:00 p.m., with the January meeting moved to Tuesday, Jan. 20) and noted a new commission liaison will be appointed by City Commission in January.

Actions taken at the meeting were approved by recorded roll calls and, where recorded, were unanimous among the members present. Staff will prepare the amended resolution for the City Commission agenda and will draft purchase-and-sale agreements and any required contingencies for the approved property sales.