Will the city take a stand?
by M. Stewart
I don’t have much time this morning, but I do want to say something about Smith Auto Parts situation. Both papers carry stories today on the issue.
Willis Smith Jr., owner of Smith Auto Parts, appeared before the East Liverpool Board of Housing Appeals last night. The board decided to give him more time to repair his lost-cause building at the corner of East Fourth and Broadway. It’s a complete mystery why the city continues to placate this guy. My hope is that the board will eventually do what's right and quit listening to Smith's excuses.
According to The Review, “Smith said his building is on both local and state historic listings.” If this means anything at all, it serves only to demonstrate how he has thumbed his nose at the city, the state, and historic preservationists by letting the building fall apart.
It used to be Frank Dawson and the East Liverpool Alumni Association; now Smith has decided Kent State is the town’s enemy. Smith is quoted in The Review as saying, “Kent wants my building. They want to build two-story dorms, parking lots. … Are we going to tear things down to accommodate Kent?” He added that the city was “big on” KSU’s university district project.
The truth is that Smith has been successful for at least 20 years in putting his own interests before those of the city. He wants to blame everyone but himself for the gross neglect of his building. His plan to fix the building is preposterous. Again, from the Review:
“Smith [said he] would like to take the top floor off the building …. and [install] a flat roof. He said he would also like to take the deteriorating decorative ‘rickrack’ down, paint windows and replace boards on some. He mentioned that he has spoken to someone who would be willing to paint one side and put a sign up for the Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort.”
I won’t even bother commenting on that plan. Surely the Board of Housing Appeals and the Design and Review Board will not fall for this. It’s time to quit letting Smith wag the city’s tail. Let’s get this dump down now. No more delay tactics and kooky plans. Just do it.
I don’t have much time this morning, but I do want to say something about Smith Auto Parts situation. Both papers carry stories today on the issue.
Willis Smith Jr., owner of Smith Auto Parts, appeared before the East Liverpool Board of Housing Appeals last night. The board decided to give him more time to repair his lost-cause building at the corner of East Fourth and Broadway. It’s a complete mystery why the city continues to placate this guy. My hope is that the board will eventually do what's right and quit listening to Smith's excuses.
According to The Review, “Smith said his building is on both local and state historic listings.” If this means anything at all, it serves only to demonstrate how he has thumbed his nose at the city, the state, and historic preservationists by letting the building fall apart.
It used to be Frank Dawson and the East Liverpool Alumni Association; now Smith has decided Kent State is the town’s enemy. Smith is quoted in The Review as saying, “Kent wants my building. They want to build two-story dorms, parking lots. … Are we going to tear things down to accommodate Kent?” He added that the city was “big on” KSU’s university district project.
The truth is that Smith has been successful for at least 20 years in putting his own interests before those of the city. He wants to blame everyone but himself for the gross neglect of his building. His plan to fix the building is preposterous. Again, from the Review:
“Smith [said he] would like to take the top floor off the building …. and [install] a flat roof. He said he would also like to take the deteriorating decorative ‘rickrack’ down, paint windows and replace boards on some. He mentioned that he has spoken to someone who would be willing to paint one side and put a sign up for the Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort.”
I won’t even bother commenting on that plan. Surely the Board of Housing Appeals and the Design and Review Board will not fall for this. It’s time to quit letting Smith wag the city’s tail. Let’s get this dump down now. No more delay tactics and kooky plans. Just do it.
posted by M. | 7:06 AM
9 Comments:
I can't believe Smith would try to claim that his building is historic. He doesn't care aobut history, if he did he would do something to preserve the building, and he never has. I agree with you in saying you hope the city will finally quit letting this guy off the hook.
If that building is historic, then downtown East Liverpool should be the historical landmark for Ohio. The city should take the interest of the city into consideration. Unfortunately the city can't offer Smith a compromise for his cooperation because they have nothing to offer. However Kent State wanting to expand in East Liverpool shows some promise for growth of the city, and an accessible chance at higher education for its residents. The city should jump at any chance for improvement and growth.
I'm thinking that there should be some way to claim this property under eminent domain.
Smith isn't stupid. He just knows that the longer he holds onto that building, the more money he can demand for the property. If he were worried about the historic aspect of the building,then he wouldn't be talking about taking the top floor off.
Answer is no. The City will not take a stand on Smith. They will tear down every other building and house in town but they won't make Smith do anything. He must have something on somebody at City Hall.
In the same sentence Smith complains of Kent taking over, he actually slipped in that he would be interested in taking an offer if the price was right. That building is a disgrace and let him take his business with him as he said, I buy locally and I've never set foot in his store. Never see anyone there either, so I'm sure it would do us no harm to say goodbye.
Kent expansion is not a bad thing.
Does anyone know what the difference is between the Kent offer and what Smith wants for the building ?
I don't know that any specific numbers have been placed on the table, nor do I know whether Kent has made (or even would make) an offer for the building if it should come up for sale. As well, please know that I do not speak for KSU on this matter.
I have been told, however, that the Kent State East Liverpool Campus is not permitted to pay any more than the appraisal value for any property. I realize this isn't an answer to your question, but it should give you some idea of where the situation stands.
You would think that the mayor or other city leaders could find Mr. Smith another suitable location in the city that he could continue his business. Do a swap and then everyone wins. Hey it might even attract more people to his auto business if put in the right location.
I doubt very much if it's a case of Smith (or anyone) not being able to find another storefront downtown...God knows, there are plenty of empty ones.
It's more likely a case of him holding out to get the best price for HIS building.
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