Announcing a grant awarded to the Village of Belle Center from the Ohio Development Service’s Agency (ODSA) Abandoned Gas Station (AGS) Program! Over the past three years, the Village of Belle Center and the Ohio UST Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) have been completing due diligence work in order to make this site eligible for an AGS grant. BJAAM Environmental, Inc. was privileged to assist with the grant application and looks forward to future assessment and corrective action activities.

The abandoned building on the corner of South State Street and East Main Street has remained an eye sore for the residents of Belle Center for nearly twenty years. Since 1920, this site was used as a gasoline and service station until its closure in the late 1980s. Due to these historic operations, a petroleum release was suspected to have occurred at the site. BJAAM professionals collected soil samples from the property that indicated chemicals of concern (COCs) above the BUSTR action levels. The release was given a Class C status when BUSTR found no viable responsible party.

The Village of Belle Center was awarded an AGS Assessment/Corrective Action Grant of $250,000 on April 8, 2019. Redevelopment of the site has potential to bring in a new commercial business opportunity, expand an adjoining organization/business, or even create a community park for the Village of Belle Center.

The ODSA, in partnership with the Ohio EPA and BUSTR, offers Abandoned Gas Station grants for demolition, cleanup, and property clearance. The grants can be applied for assessment/corrective action funding up to $250,000 and remediation activities for up to $500,000. Call BJAAM Funding Specialist, Jason Grecco at (330) 854-5300 to learn how your community can benefit from Assessment and Remediation grants.