POLAND, Ohio -  The Poland School Board on Wednesday heard a proposal for what to do with the empty former Union Elementary School building and property.

 

The presentation by Dominic Marchionda Jr, and Patrick Burgan behind Poland Union Property Group to build around 28 high end one, two and three bedroom apartments but retain the school's historic features was professional. The sketches appealing.

 

The rent's are estimated to run from $1.500 for a one bed room apartment, $1,750 for a two bedroom apartment, and $2,000 for a three bedroom apartment.

 

Some people at the meeting believe this will help with a need for housing in Poland, while others ask who will pay those prices to rent?

 

Other residents concerned with preserving history they are against the school being turned into apartments.

 

Many residents have concerns about green space and told school board members green space should be included in any contract for development.

 

Several residents who live near the school are worried about the effects apartments will have on their property values. 

 

One resident explained that people who live in apartments, even high end apartments, act different than people who in their own living quarters that are paying a mortgage.

 

Some people questioned the developers experience.

 

When asked Dominic Marchionda Junior explained he has experience includes assisting with development of the Erie Terminal,  Wick Towers, and the Stambaugh Building in Youngstown. 

 

Some people asked who will be responsible if the project fails? There was no answer, but the school board wants to make sure there is no liability on it's part for any problems that could arise.

 

 Others people here believe it's ridiculous for the school board to sell the building and property for one dollar to the Port Authority, which would sell the property to the developer for one dollar so the developers could potentially make a big profit.

 

"The taxpayers, this is our building and we are going to sell it for a dollar, then the developer is going to get grants, and that's our money to since we pay state and federal taxes also. Then they are going to make money on what we have essentially paid for and then the board is going to come forward in November and say we need a levy passed," said Marsha Walkama.

 

Others emphasize the district needs to sell for a fair price.

 

"We are looking at an average price per acre of $56,000 raw land value," emphasized Brett Green.

 

The site has a building and a total of around 6.4 acres.

 

No decisions are being made tonight and more hearings will take place on what residents want done with the building.

 

The empty building is costing taxpayers about $50,000 a year just to maintain, and that is not counting other expenses from emergency repairs. 

 

The apartments would help bring revenue to Poland Village and meet a need for housing.

 

"This is an opportunity to listen to folks. We also have some other opportunities and other people interested and we want to hear them out as well. We want to find the best use for this building that is important to our community," Superintendent Craig Hockenberry said.