Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler offers the oath of office to new Bellefontaine police officers Mason Treen and Braden Jacobs. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Members of the Bellefontaine City Council during a regular meeting this week saw two new officers sworn in to the police department, approved an additional position inside the fire department and authorized the annexation of 15-plus acres into the city limits.
Braden Jacobs and Mason Treen were sworn in to fill vacancies on the police department. One of the new officers will start in October and the other in November, members of council were told, to hopefully have them as patrol officers by winter/early spring. Both law enforcement professionals come over from previous stints as Hardin County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
As for action taken by council, an ordinance creating a fourth assistant fire chief position within the Bellefontaine Fire Department was approved on second reading.
Also on second reading, council approved an ordinance amending the city’s flood prevention plans, which includes incorporating new flood plain maps created by FEMA.
Peak Fiber Internet is in the process of being installed at the Bellefontaine Municipal Airport after council passed on first reading an ordinance authorizing the project.
In another step forward on efforts to expand its housing options, council on third reading approved application for annexation of a 15.058-acre property that will be the future home of a condominium development on the west end of the city.
The land is owned by Tod Johnson, and council’s final approval of the project signals progress for a housing project that could bring between 60 to 80 new condominiums to the area around Wren Avenue.
Action by the city council follows prior approval by the City Planning Commission for the annexation of the property, designating it as R-3C zoning. This zoning classification designates the use of the land exclusively to condominium development, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to address its housing needs.
The property is located at the eastern end of Wren Avenue and within Lake Township, had been under consideration for annexation and development for some time. This paves the way for the planned housing expansion, which is expected to not only enhance the local real estate market but also contribute to the city’s overall growth.
The proposed condominium development aligns with Bellefontaine’s commitment to providing diverse housing options for its residents. By earmarking this particular piece of land for condominiums, the city aims to meet the growing demand for modern, affordable, and conveniently located housing in the area.
The next regular meeting is Oct. 10.