City, county reach deal on Blanchard River property

The Hancock County Board of Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of Findlay on Thursday for property along the Blanchard River. The brick warehouse is within the area east of the river where additional benching is planned for this year. The building is owned by Ra-Nik Construction and has been discussed for years as a potential purchase option. Bob Nichols and the late Bert Rayl owned the business. The building will be demolished as part of the benching planned for the north side of the river, from the Main Street bridge to the Dr. Martin Luther King Way overpass at East Main Cross Street. Benching work involves cutting into the riverbank and extending the open area to allow storm waters to rise during flood events before spilling over the riverbanks. As a result, flooding is reduced in the downtown area. The city will possess the title to the property, donated for a dollar, but the county will provide flood-reduction money for remediation of any environmental contamination. An estimated $160,000 is necessary to remediate the building and area around it. The commissioners approved up to $200,000 for the work. The Maumee Watershed Conservancy District Board of Directors met this week and approved a proposal from Stantec engineering firm to prepare final design plans for the additional benching. Final design and permitting is expected to be complete by November. Benching previously completed on the west side of the river was designed by Stantec. Maurer: 419-427-8420