By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Groveport Madison Schools is looking to purchase the four parcels marked at the upper left on this map. The parcel marked to the right of the four parcels is already owned by Groveport Madison Schools. The properties are situated on the north side of the big bend in Noe-Bixby Road between Stratford Lane and Sedalia Drive.
The Groveport Madison Board of Education is taking steps to purchase land along Noe-Bixby Road.
According to Groveport Madison Treasurer John Walsh, the property is located at 3465 Noe-Bixby Road and consists of four parcels totaling about 11.6 acres.
“It’s mostly a wooded area with a couple outbuildings,” said Walsh. “These four parcels are contiguous to a parcel of about 14 acres which is owned by Groveport Madison Local Schools.”
The board authorized the purchase of the four parcels with the caveat that district officials come back to the board with another resolution to affirm the purchase at a future board meeting.
“The purchase price ranges from $255,000 to 265,000 depending on the length of the due diligence period,” said Walsh. “The 30 day due diligence period is $255,000 and the 90 day due diligence period is $265,000.”
When asked if there are any problems with drainage or wetlands areas on the property, Walsh said the due diligence period will determine those answers.
“We are not obligated to purchase if the due diligence reveals aspects of the property which are counterproductive to our needs,” said Walsh.
Added Groveport Madison Communications Director Jeff Warner, “We have the authorization to purchase the parcels, but the district can get out of it at any point. If the district would decide not to purchase, it would get its $10,000 down payment back and the district’s only costs would be that of the survey and soil studies.”
Warner said the purchase of the parcels is not contingent on the passage of the district’s upcoming levy/bond issue on the May 7 ballot.
“There are so few available properties in the district that are not in flood plains,” said Warner. “This gives us flexibility and options.”
When asked what the district intends to use the four parcels plus the existing district owned parcel for, Walsh, said, “The five parcels could be a site to construct a school. However, discussions to build on this site have not taken place.”
