By Andrea Cordle
Southwest Editor
About three years ago, the state of Ohio set up a racetrack facility community economic redevelopment fund to assist in the redevelopment of abandoned horse racing tracks.
Now, the city of Grove City wants a piece of that pie for the Beulah Park property.
In order to receive state aid, the city must form a racetrack redevelopment committee.
City Administrator Chuck Boso is part of the committee. He said the group’s goal is to define projects and make redevelopment recommendations to council. Since the city formed the committee, it is now eligible to receive up to $3 million to assist in the redevelopment of Beulah Park.
“We are fortunate the state established this fund,” said Boso.
According to Boso, state funds could be used for planning, demolition or repurposing the property. Funds could even be used to redevelop the area surrounding the Beulah Park property. Council is considering legislation that would set aside some of the aid to help fund the Columbus Street extension project.
The committee consists of a collaborative partner, Joe Ciminello; community representatives, Christine Houk and Andy Furr; Chuck Boso, as the economic development representative; and a non-voting member from the Ohio Development Services Agency.
Community representative Furr said he was interested in a committee seat because he wants a say in shaping the city’s future.
“It was an honor to be asked to serve,” said Furr.
Furr, who has been an active community advocate, is also part of Town Center Inc., a group that helps to attract business and patrons to the downtown area.
“This committee could have a great impact on what could happen in the city and in the Town Center,” said Furr.
Ciminello is listed as a collaborative partner because he has an option to buy agreement with Penn National, the current owner of Beulah Park.
Ciminello was the city’s developer for the Pinnacle. He has submitted a preliminary Beulah Park redevelopment plan to council. The proposal is a mixed-use development on the 212-acre site. It includes approximately 81 acres of single family homes, 20 acres of smaller homes for empty nesters and 26 acres of multi-family homes. There is about 12 acres of space for commerce and around 70 acres of recreational or park space.
Council approved this proposal last month.
Ciminello has an agreement with Penn National where the company will hold the option to buy so no one else can make a deal until he decides whether to move forward.
Furr said he supports the concept and believes it could bring more people and business into the Town Center.
