Bellbrook moves to buy former Sugar Creek school site to pursue Brownfield cleanup and community reuse
July 27, 2026 | Bellbrook City Council, Bellbrook, Greene County, Ohio
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Bellbrook City Council voted to adopt Resolution 2026‑R‑22 authorizing the city manager to negotiate and enter into a purchase contract for a 5.1550‑acre parcel at 51 Southeast Street so the city can apply for federal Brownfield grant funds to test and remediate potential contaminants and, if awarded, assume ownership within 60 days.
Doug Cozada, superintendent of Bellbrook Sugar Creek Schools, told council the district has been engaged with the community about the property for more than two years and described the aging campus as a long‑term financial liability. "In my opinion, the cleanest, most responsible moves for the community is a clean slate," Cozada said, noting the district had appraised the entire property at $265,000 in 2024 and recently split the lots to allow different uses for segments of the site.
Resident speakers urged the city to honor the building’s history if demolition occurs. "I encourage you to create a committee of diverse individuals…whose goal will be to salvage architectural pieces that can become lasting reminders of the school's history," Anne Beeman told council during the public‑comment period.
City Manager Rob Schomer said the city cannot apply for certain Brownfield grants while the school district remains the owner, so the purchase and short‑term transfer of ownership would allow the city to be the grant applicant and use awarded funds for environmental remediation and demolition if necessary. Schomer said the city and district have committed that any redevelopment would favor public and community uses rather than private commercial sale.
Council discussion emphasized community control and minimizing taxpayer risk. Council members described the arrangement as a "win‑win" that keeps redevelopment decisions local and said that if the grant application is unsuccessful the property would revert to the school district under the contract terms. The resolution passed on a recorded voice vote.
Doug Cozada, superintendent of Bellbrook Sugar Creek Schools, told council the district has been engaged with the community about the property for more than two years and described the aging campus as a long‑term financial liability. "In my opinion, the cleanest, most responsible moves for the community is a clean slate," Cozada said, noting the district had appraised the entire property at $265,000 in 2024 and recently split the lots to allow different uses for segments of the site.
Resident speakers urged the city to honor the building’s history if demolition occurs. "I encourage you to create a committee of diverse individuals…whose goal will be to salvage architectural pieces that can become lasting reminders of the school's history," Anne Beeman told council during the public‑comment period.
City Manager Rob Schomer said the city cannot apply for certain Brownfield grants while the school district remains the owner, so the purchase and short‑term transfer of ownership would allow the city to be the grant applicant and use awarded funds for environmental remediation and demolition if necessary. Schomer said the city and district have committed that any redevelopment would favor public and community uses rather than private commercial sale.
Council discussion emphasized community control and minimizing taxpayer risk. Council members described the arrangement as a "win‑win" that keeps redevelopment decisions local and said that if the grant application is unsuccessful the property would revert to the school district under the contract terms. The resolution passed on a recorded voice vote.
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