Vacant Homes in Russell Township, Ohio: Addressing Safety and Decay Issues

When I moved to Russell, I was immediately struck by the area's natural beauty. Whether I’m walking the dog through our neighborhood, hiking the trails at Westwoods Park, or simply driving through the township, I’m constantly reminded of how special this community is. But over time, I began to notice something troubling—several homes scattered throughout the township that were clearly vacant and left to decay.

One property in particular caught my attention: the house at the corner of Chillicothe Road and Ridgewood Lane. One day, curiosity got the better of me, and I stopped to take a closer look. From the roadside, I could see unregistered vehicles left to rust, and through the overgrowth, the outline of a decaying home was barely visible. I didn’t venture beyond the public right-of-way, but what I saw was deeply concerning. Then, while collecting signatures to run for Trustee and discussing our concerns about this property, a resident shared this video of the collapsed property with me.

As a former firefighter, I understand the serious risks that vacant and deteriorating properties pose. These structures are not just eyesores—they’re public safety hazards. They attract vermin and rodents, pose a significant fire risk, and can become dangerous playgrounds for children or others unaware of the dangers inside. With the median home price in Russell Township hovering around $400,000 (Realtor.com, August 2024), I found myself asking: how could this happen here?

Then, in March of this year, the inevitable happened—the house collapsed.

The property had been vacant since the owner died in 2019. It was left in the care of an out-of-state relative while the estate went through probate. In the meantime, no maintenance was done, and nature slowly reclaimed the lot until the structure gave way.

While I commend the current trustees for eventually declaring the property a hazard and initiating the demolition process, I can’t help but ask: why did it take nearly six years for action to be taken? And more importantly, how many other properties are quietly slipping into the same state of disrepair? Just two houses west of the collapsed home is another vacant, overgrown property. Will we wait for that one to collapse, too?

If elected, Amy Heutmaker and John Ishee will act promptly and decisively to address vacant and decaying properties. We believe in protecting the safety, beauty, and property values of our community. We will work to ensure that no home is left to become a hazard, and that the township has clear, proactive policies in place to address these issues before they become emergencies.