South of Main Blockwatch

South of Main Wants to Know

Where's our money going

South of Main Blockwatch
489 Linwood Avenue
Columbus, Oh 43205
December 4, 2006



Lana J. Vacha, Director
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Columbus Field Office
Office of Community Planning and Development
200 N. High Street
Columbus, Oh 43215


Re: EPA Remediation 1179 E. Main Street


Dear Ms. Vacha,


The South of Main Blockwatch (SOMB) is requesting answers to the following questions that relate to the purchase and remediation of 1179 E. Main Street all of which is occurring with the use of Federal tax dollars through the Enterprise Zone. We, the taxpayers are bearing the cost of the clean up of said property and we want to know who made that decision and why.

1. Were the services of a professional realtor used? If not, why not.

2. Was the extent of the needed remediation fully disclosed by the
previous owner. Where is the supporting documentation?

3. Was the extent of the remediation factored in the price offer?


4. Is it normal practice to agree to the full asking price for properties
that have serious remediation issues?

5. Were there competing bids to purchase the property. What were the offers?


Your timely consideration to this matter will be much appreciated.




Sincerely yours,



Kathleen Bailey
President, South of Main Blockwatch
kathleendbailey@hotmail.com

Cc: The Honorable Pat Tiberi
The Honorable Deborah Pryce
The Honorable Sherrod Brown
The Honorable Michael B. Coleman
The Honorable Matt Habash
The Honorable Charleta Taveres
The Honorable Mary Jo Hudson
The Honorable Maryellen O’Shaughnessy
The Honorable Kevin Boyce
The Honorable Patsy Thomas
The Honorable Michael C. Mentel
The Honorable Rick C. Pfeiffer
Gregory Winbush, Special Assistant to the Mayor
Boyce Safford, Deputy Chief of Staff Mayor’s Office
Mark Barbash, Director of Development
Sherry R. Bodine, Policy Advisor
James Schimmer, Economic Development
Janet San Fillipo, Chair Columbus Compact
South of Main Blockwatch
Olde Towne East