Corporation decides not to go forward with apartment complex for seniors in Mansfield

A chance for economic development for the city of Mansfield has slipped away.

In a letter to Mayor Jodie Perry , Daniel O'Harra, chief operating officer for Lawyers Development Corporation, said the company would no longer be pursuing a project to redevelop the Ohio Brass building at 380 N. Main St.

At Tuesday's Mansfield City Council meeting, attorney and developer Robert Meyers made a presentation, saying he wanted to convert the former office into a senior living building. He said he planned to have 82-84 units.

That project is now off the table, in part because of $84,000 in back taxes owed on the property, according to the city.

"The owner was unaware of the issue of taxes on the subject property, and being advised of the issue, payment has been processed," O'Harra wrote. "However, the manner in which council member Cheryl Meier presented the matter, together with the ensuing council action, has altered ownership's dedication and loyalty to the city of Mansfield, which was personally conveyed by the owner at the meeting of August, 6, 2024."

Perry attended the meeting by Zoom video conference. She reacted to the news when reached by phone Thursday morning.

"It's very disappointing because I think the project was going to be transformational for the community," the mayor said. "There's been a lot of work behind the scenes by a lot of people."

Perry said she didn't think it was anyone's intention to derail the project.

Council was asked to vote Tuesday to add the Ohio Brass building to the National Register of Historic Places. The Historic Planning Commission and the Mansfield City Planning Commission already had recommended the building at 380 N. Main St. for the designation.

Council delayed the vote until Aug. 20, however, in part because of the issue with back taxes. The designation doesn't appear to have any impact on the owner's decision.

Some council members reacted to the letter from O'Harra. Councilwoman Stephanie Zader emailed Perry, sharing that message with local media.

"While I appreciate the 'disappointment' you’ve shared in this email, I have a hard time believing that an investor of Bob's magnitude would pull a project for simply being asked about several years of back taxes. I also do not think it was unreasonable for City Council to delay the vote to be sure it was taken care of, simply holding him to the same standard that every other property is held to," Zader wrote. "Additionally, I have a hard time believing that with your history in the world of economic development, that you are unable to explain to him the reasoning and help save this project.

"Lastly, having received phone calls from citizens today affirming the concerns of City Council, I both stand by the decision made by this council and applaud Councilwoman Meier for obtaining this information that seems to have been missed by so many."

Councilman David Falquette was the lone member to vote "no" Tuesday on waiting until Aug. 20.

Falquette said he was impressed with how Meyers handled the news about back taxes.

"He seems to be the most straight-up developer we've had in awhile," Falquette said after the meeting. "I thought he was sincere. That was good enough for me to give him a break."

Law Director Rollie Harper spoke up for Meyers.

"I've known Bob Meyers for a long time," Harper said. "He'll take care of it (issue with back taxes)."

Falquette elaborated by phone Thursday morning.

"This is really disappointing," he said. "It's really important to our long-term growth."

In his letter, O'Harra further said that two pending sales of parcels to third party developers at Ohio 13 and U.S. 30 will not advance.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

X: @MarkCau32059251

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Corporation decides not to go forward with apartment complex for seniors in Mansfield