BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—During Tuesday’s regular Bucyrus City Council meeting, Bucyrus Mayor Bruce Truka expressed his appreciation to local businesses for their support of the Kiwanis Fireworks held last week.
Truka told the council that a meeting was held on July 3rd with key city officials, including Landyn Hill, Mike Keefe, Dylan Wyatt, Fire Chief Chad Schwemley, acting Police Chief Greg Stevens, Service-Safety Director Tommy Starner, Law Director Brandon Gobrecht, and others gathered to discuss the future of the former Swan Hose Building located on East Mansfield Street.
The meeting addressed the aftermath of a tornado that struck in April 2024, which damaged the back wall and facade of the building.
Owner Thomas Manley was directed to secure the premises but failed to do so, prompting Street Department Foreman Jeff Dunn to place barrels along the street to cordon off the area.
In April 2024, Gordon Grove issued a citation for the building being declared dangerous, a status that will remain until the engineer representing Manley and Swan Song LLC, Bruce Heinlen, deems it safe.
This incident occurred during a transitional period for the city’s Law Director.
The Administration conducted a site meeting with the Richland County Building Department in October 2024, resulting in violations against Manley and his company.
Following discussions, all parties unanimously agreed to authorize the Law Director to pursue appropriate legal motions.
Dylan Wyatt of Makeever and Associates will seek estimates from Great Lakes Demolition and D2 Excavating for the removal of the building’s facade, while Tommy Starner plans to contact the city’s insurance provider for assistance in resolving the building’s issues.
Additionally, Gordon Grove has been tasked with providing a report regarding his responsibilities as Bucyrus Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Officer. The report will be available during the upcoming Thursday city council committee meetings.
In another initiative, the City of Bucyrus and Village of Crestline have collaborated with Greg Timberlake from the Crawford Partnership to apply for a Brownfield Grant, which includes the Swan building.
The partnership has successfully secured $1.5 million for Phase I and II assessments related to the site.
Among expenses covered by the grant in Phase I and Phase II are asbestos inspection and removal.
Local officials recently convened with representatives from Crestline, New Washington, and the Crawford Partnership to aid in selecting an Administrator for the grant.
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