BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Bucyrus City Council convened Tuesday night in the council chambers for its regular meeting, where concerns were raised about the deteriorating condition of the former Swan Hose building located on East Mansfield Street.
Bucyrus resident and City Council-At-Large candidate Ray Thitoff urged the council to provide an update on the city’s management of the property, which suffered additional damage during a tornado that struck Bucyrus in April 2024. “I want to go on the record as saying when this falls, it’s going to hurt somebody, kill somebody, and cause a lot of damage. It’s just sitting there,” Thitoff warned, expressing concern for public safety.
Thitoff noted that despite the placement of barrels around the building, pedestrians were still navigating around them, and he indicated that the structure’s facade was in danger of collapsing. “Flying bricks will be flying like bullets,” he added.
Councilwoman C. Aaron Sharrock inquired whether the Richland County Engineer’s office was still involved in addressing the situation, acknowledging that their past involvement had hindered progress. Law Director Brandon Gobrecht confirmed that they remain engaged in the matter.
Councilman Kevin Myers informed the council that the building’s owner was facing health issues, and that a recent potential purchase fell through. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Clarissa Slater voiced her agreement with Thitoff’s concerns, stressing the need for the council to take action. “I drive by there every day, and it is a clear danger,” she stated.
Gobrecht responded to the concerns by suggesting that court action is an option, and he emphasized the importance of involving the Property Maintenance Officer to address the imminent threat posed by the structure. Crawford County Now will continue to follow this developing story.