IRONTON -- Several local groups are working together to get the land and find a developer for a Pullman Square like project at South 9th Street east of Park Avenue in Ironton.

The Lawrence County Port Authority, the Ironton Port Authority, the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation and the Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization will form a limited liability corporation to acquire more than 5 acres in a two-block area off the Ohio 93 interchange of U.S. 52, said Ralph Kline, assistant executive director of the community action organization.

Parcels that will be put together for the project include the former Dennis J. Boll Group and Shelter Home building, the county garage property and the former National Guard property. The county owns the group home and county garage property and expects to get $300,000 for the parcels, said Commissioner Jason Stephens.

The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners authorized the county port authority to borrow up to $200,000 towards the purchase. Kline said it would cost about $750,000 to secure the five acres.

"What a front door this would be for Ironton," said Bill Dingus, executive director for the development corporation. "I would envision a Pullman Square type project with a hotel, restaurants and theater."

"I think this is a great opportunity for the city," Stephens said.

Commissioner Doug Malone said the project could lead to development at two of Ironton's interchanges. City and county officials are working to develop a $20 million medical center off the Ohio 141 exit of U.S. 52. The property has been purchased and demolition of the homes on the property has begun, Kline said.

Other parcels could be included in the project as it develops, Dingus said.

"It will be easier to have the property and deal with one developer," Kline said. The project could take a while to develop, he said. "Economic development doesn't happen overnight."

Stephens said County Engineer David Lynd could move county garage operations to the former state garage property in South Ironton. The group home already has moved its operations to the former Rock Hill Middle School property on Ohio 93 north of Ironton.

The board also heard that a part-time assistant has been budgeted for the Lawrence County extension office to oversee 4_H programs. The position requires a bachelor's degree. The job could be filled by Jan. 1.

In other action, the board:

Signed a software license agreement to broadcast commission meetings on line starting Jan. 1.

Agreed to send a letter to the Ohio Department of National Resources asking to extend the deer gun season in Lawrence County or increase the number of deer tags available this year to thin deer herds.

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