ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — The Sinclair Foundation is seeking greater cooperation from the Belmont County Land Bank as it works to advance neighborhood revitalization efforts in Bellaire’s Rose Hill area.
Foundation co-founder Donn Sinclair addressed the Belmont County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, expressing concerns about what he described as delays and obstacles affecting a proposed partnership focused on removing blighted properties.
The foundation is currently investing in a project that includes the construction of five new single-story homes in the Rose Hill neighborhood. Sinclair said the organization is also looking to expand its efforts by targeting vacant and deteriorating properties on Monroe Street for demolition.
According to Sinclair, the foundation has asked the Belmont County Land Reutilization Corporation, commonly known as the county land bank, to assist with acquiring tax-delinquent properties that could be demolished as part of the revitalization effort.
A key point of disagreement centers on how demolition work would be managed. Sinclair said the foundation wants the ability to select contractors for projects it is funding, while the land bank has indicated a preference for a competitive bidding process.
Foundation officials maintain that they are seeking collaboration rather than oversight, noting that private dollars are being used to support the demolition work.
Commissioners asked Sinclair what assistance was needed from the land bank. He responded that the foundation is looking for expedited acquisition of blighted properties and a commitment to participate in the redevelopment initiative.
Commissioner Jerry Echemann encouraged Sinclair to participate in the next Belmont County Land Bank meeting, scheduled for June 15. Because Sinclair resides in South Carolina, arrangements are expected to be made for him to join the meeting remotely.
The foundation has identified numerous properties in the Rose Hill neighborhood that it believes are candidates for demolition. Sinclair said removing blighted structures is an important part of improving the neighborhood and increasing the marketability of newly constructed homes.
He added that the project is personal for him, recalling his childhood in Bellaire and expressing a desire to help restore and strengthen the community for future generations.
The discussion is expected to continue as foundation representatives and land bank officials explore ways to move the proposed partnership forward.
