STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Some Steubenville property owners are raising questions after receiving official notices regarding a proposed mineral lease involving city-owned property near residential areas.
According to notices sent by the City of Steubenville, officials are considering leasing oil and gas mineral rights on various city-owned parcels. Residents living within 500 feet of the affected properties were notified about the proposal and an upcoming public hearing.
The city later issued a correction notice after some letters mistakenly referenced the wrong location due to what officials described as a printing company error.
Officials said the parcel number and short property description listed at the top of the notices were accurate, but some letters incorrectly stated the property was near Beatty Park. The affected parcels may instead involve other areas, including near Jim Wood Park.
City officials emphasized that the proposed agreement would be a “non-surface lease,” meaning no drilling would occur directly on the property, no staging areas or equipment would be placed there, and no pipelines or surface operations would automatically be permitted without separate agreements.
A public hearing regarding the proposed oil and gas lease is scheduled for June 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Steubenville High School Auditorium.
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Steubenville Law Director’s Office.
RIVER NEWS will continue following developments and public reaction surrounding the proposed mineral lease discussions.
