By Ken Mallett, Newark Advocate
NEWARK – The city of Newark has found another tool to help remove or improve run-down properties, such as the burned out building on South Second Street, a one-time Elks Lodge.
The new Licking County Land Reutilization Corporation can help communities across the county acquire blighted commercial or residential properties and make long-needed improvements.
The corporation, or land bank, board met Thursday at the county administration building, discussing sites such as the former lodge at 87 S. Second St., a vacant lot across from Yesterday’s Pub at 53 S. Sixth St., the Albert Building on West Church Street in downtown, a vacant home at Country Club Drive and the Ohio 16 westbound exit ramp, and an abandoned Clark gas station at Mount Vernon Road and Deo Drive.
The South Second Street property, the land bank’s first project, is being acquired and will be demolished after bids are reviewed and a demolition contract awarded. The building burned in 2014 and has since sat vacant.