Odd Fellows, Part 2

So,we learned last time that the stately building at the corner of Fifth and La Belle Streets belonged to the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) until 1982.   Today, we will learn about the building itself, and its history since the Odd Fellows sold the property.

The Montgomery County tax records indicate the building consists of 16,235 square feet of space that sits on 0.1235 acres of land.   According to the Sanborn Insurance maps, available online from the Dayton Metro Library, here's what that southeast corner at Fifth and La Belle Streets looked like in 1918:

Now we'll see what the property looks like today.  In the following map, note that the surrounding properties have changed, except for the corner property, which today is the St. Anne's Hill Violin Shop.   Here is an overhead map, courtesy of Google:

Tax records indicate that the building has changed hands a number of times in the 28 years since then.   Several of the owners appear to have been faith-based organizations.    The sales were as follows:

21-APR-84      unknown       individual
02-APR-85      $21,000        individual

09-NOV-90    $35,000         individual

05-NOV-93    $100,000       ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC.

10-OCT-03     $175,000      HORIZON HOPE MINISTRY

05-JAN-05      unknown        JESUS COMBINE NETWORK INC

11-DEC-07     $0  (gift)        WHITE DOVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Recently, things have not gone well for the turn-of-the-century building.   The current owner appears to have done little to maintain or renovate the building.   As of this writing, there are over $43,000 in delinquent property taxes dating back to 1997.   Somehow, this property has transferred 3 times without anyone paying their taxes!

It is interesting to note that the last two owners shared the same mailing address on Indianola Avenue.   The property located there is today owned by "Family Home Church, Inc." which itself owes over $55,000 in delinquent property taxes on that property as well.   Although the Oddfellows Hall may seem abandoned, rumor has it that several people have talked to the owners over the last few years, so someone is watching.

Unfortunately, it appears that the only way to save this building is for an investor to apply for the City of Dayton "Lot Links" program, formerly known as the "Reap" program.    This program allows an individual or company to force a tax foreclosure in order to remove the taxes and ultimately purchase a property through the Sheriff's auction process.

If you or someone you know might be interested in taking on this challenge, please contact the City of Dayton Planning Department at (937) 333-3670 or contact us with the St. Anne's Hill Historic Society at news@stanneshill.org today.

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Grants

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Two big grant announcements this week that will definitely have a positive impact on our community! Both were reported in the Dayton Daily News.



First, an expansion of the popular "De-Construction" program that saves historic building materials and sells them for re-use...

DAYTON — The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission said it will administer a $1.5 million federal economic stimulus job-training grant that will pay for work by various organizations to dismantle old, vacant houses.

East End Community Services, PowerNet, Architectural Reclamation Co., St. Vincent de Paul and Dayton Works Plus LLC are involved in a partnership effort to dismantle the vacant homes.

They will be displaying materials at this weekend's Home Show at Hara Arena.

Even bigger news, the City of Dayton and a coalition of regional partners won a huge $29 million stimulus grant!

The cities of Dayton, Kettering and Fairborn along with Montgomery County and the Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority jointly applied for the Neighborhood Stabilization II funds to finance purchase of foreclosed homes for either demolition or rehab.

The goal is getting properties back on the housing market, Sorrell said. The award will address approximately 1,000 structures with work expected to get underway by late February.

Dayton neighborhoods likely impacted by the grant are Santa Clara; a swath of houses west of Main Street in the 45406 ZIP code; the Greater Inner West area, Westwood, Twin Towers, Walnut Hills, Linden Heights and Inner East.

Congrats to the community leaders who make these projects happen. More good news is on the way!

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Storm of the Century

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It certainly seemed like the Storm of the Century on St. Anne's Hill. As most know by now, a severe windstorm blew through the Dayton Region as a result of Hurricane Ike. Winds reportedly reached upwards of 65 miles per hour. Many trees and branches were sent tumbling to the ground.

SAH lost power around 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Some residents had service restored around 8 p.m. but others had to wait until 6 p.m. on Monday. Other parts of the Dayton Region are still waiting for power to be restored, which may not happen until next weekend according to Dayton Power & Light's ironically named website, WayToGo.com - seriously, that's what it's called.

As our new Sheriff warned of looters throughout the County, several break-ins were reported in the neighborhood over the weekend. Meanwhile, the City of Dayton, Montgomery County, and the State of Ohio all declared a State of Emergency. Neighbors are urged to follow safety precautions and look out for one another. Always report any suspicous activity to 333-COPS.

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In the News

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Thanks to all who attended the meeting last night. We had a great turnout to hear Deputy Julie from the County Sheriff's office talk about the Montgomery County sex offender programs.

The most interesting thing I learned was that there are over 1,000 sex offenders but only 5 not accounted for in Montgomery County (and 2 of them are believed to have left the State). Other Ohio counties have hundreds of people they can't find. Kudos to Montgomery County for making sure we know where all these offenders live.

Speaking of the County, the Montgomery County Auditor will be sending out a mailing to let property owners know the results of the tri-ennial property tax appraisal process. We should get them later this week. After that, you have the opportunity to appeal. This number will determine your property taxes for the next three years. The Auditor reported that residential rates are only going up 0.5% county-wide, compared to 11 or 12% in past years.

Finally in City news, the Bomberger Teen Center will be celebrating the grand opening of the "Snack Attack Kafe" on Monday, September 8 at 5:30 p.m. at 1306 E. Fifth Street in Dayton. According to their announcement, they are "a new business venture for the City-Wide Teen Council" and they will be "serving light and healthy snacks." It is not yet clear if it is only for teens, or if it is open to the general public as well. Operating hours are also unknown, but presumably they will close early since the Kafe will be operated by teens.

Got news that impacts our neighborhood? Post it here!

Ps. Don't forget to sign up for the 1st Annual Neighborhood Conference!
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