The special Galion City Council meeting on Thursday night was a unique, cross-country affair.

Seated around the table in Council Chambers were all members of the legislative body. At the foot of the table, a computer monitor displayed the faces of a couple from Oregon, Jeffrey and Debra Conklin, their attorney, and the current owner of the Carter Crossing Apartments near Discount Drug Mart and Galion High School. That owner currently resides near Canton.

The purpose of the meeting was for Council to consider a proposed revision to the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Agreement originally entered into in May 2019 between the City of Galion and Five Galion Company LLC. That agreement led to the construction of the existing apartment buildings on Carter Drive, providing the developer with a 100%, 15-year tax abatement in exchange for a $4.2 million investment to build 36 apartment units.

Developers Eye Galion Investment, Cite Landlord-Friendly Climate

Several days ago, the City was contacted by representatives of Conklins Carter Crossing, LLC—an Ohio-based limited liability company managed by the Conklins, who currently reside in Oregon but are considering retiring to Ohio. Through conversations involving the Conklins and the current property owner, it was revealed that the new company is negotiating to purchase the Carter Crossing properties from Five Galion Company LLC.

The property in question includes both the existing apartment complex and the adjacent vacant lot situated between those buildings and Arby’s.

Council was asked to approve the assignment of the existing CRA Agreement to the prospective new owners, thereby allowing them to continue receiving the associated tax incentives.

Councilperson Mike Richart opened the discussion by calling the proposal a “no-brainer,” citing the significant benefits it would bring to the community. Mayor Tom O’Leary emphasized the speed of the process—from the initial inquiry to the special Council meeting—highlighting the City’s strong commitment to encouraging development. “It is,” he said, “a pretty clear indicator” of that support.

When Councilperson Brian Palmer asked the Conklins what attracted them to Galion, they responded that Oregon lacked the “landlord-friendly” environment they were seeking. With over 30 years of experience in property rental and ownership of a residential construction company, the Conklins saw Galion as a promising opportunity.

Future Development Could Complete Carter Drive Project

Mr. Conklin also expressed interest in developing rental units on the adjacent vacant lot, which would be included in the property purchase. This caught the attention of Mayor O’Leary, who noted that such development would finally complete the Carter Drive project.

City Council unanimously approved the ordinance to assign the CRA Agreement and invited the developers to attend an upcoming Council meeting.

The ordinance and the original CRA Agreement can be viewed below. Hover over the image with your cursor to read the entire document.

Photo: 1831Galion