Village ponders its role in the Groves building
What is the role of the village concerning the Groves' Bear building? That question was discussed during the Feb. 22 Bluffton council meeting. The answer, according to Steve Chamberlain, village solicitor, follows: The role of the village in this issue is safety and general zoning.
The issue was discussed as a result the heavy snow, which caused an apparent structural problem to the building last week. The building has been closed to the public since Thursday.
"We aren't in a position to do anything except for keeping people from going in and out of the building for public safety (if it is determined that safety is an issue)," he said. He added that the owners may go in and out as they wish.
Emerson Basinger, who owns the rental property on the north side of the building, attended the council meeting. He explained his situation to council this way: "My tenant was forced out until the building makes code. We don't know how long that is going to take."
He also said that there is a meeting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday (Feb. 23) when a contractor is going to look at the building to help determine what is to be done.
Rick Skilliter, police chief, told council that he was on the phone much of the day talking with persons from state agencies about building codes, adding that the village needs some help in knowing what to do because this sort of thing has never happened before. He said that nearly everyone he talked with said, "Get a structural engineer (to look at it)."
Fred Rodabaugh, mayor, said that he hopes by Wednesday or Thursday there will be more information available.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Village meetings announced, Feb. 18-25
- Bluffton K-12 schools cancelled on February 13
- Bluffton Beavers sports roundup, Feb. 5-11
- Bluffton American Legion Post 382 sponsors local students in Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State programs
- Allen County flu season update
- Applications available for Hancock Youth Leadership Class of 2026
- Feb. 18 Lions program to feature Ryn Farmer
- Going Viral: Health and the quad-demic
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
- Winter Weather Advisory for Wednesday-Thursday
- Pirate boys basketball win vs. Elida
- Pirate girls basketball victory vs. Bath
- Recap of February 2025 Bluffton School Board Meeting
- Bluffton University to host Readers Theatre on Feb. 16
- Student Senate candidates to debate at Forum
- Bluffton University fall 2024 Dean’s List
- Haitian painter spotlighted in fair trade shop
- Cory-Rawson Green & Gold Foundation Fund reaches milestone
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
- Ed Reichenbach was a State Farm insurance agent
- Join C-R superintendent for indoor walks on Wednesdays
- Taking name suggestions for new Bluffton Park through February 23
- Ryan Turner named next Bluffton University head golf coach
- February 14 Chamber breakfast to feature Southgate Lanes
- BHS Academic Team wins 2025 Ada Invitational Quiz Bowl