Trending
WARREN -- The Trumbull County commissioners are expected to hear Trumbull County MetroParks Board Executive Director Zachary Svette outline options the metroparks board can take in selling a historic log cabin in Braceville.
Terrance Shavers of the Braceville Historical Society recommended this week to the commissioners that they provide a written proposal for the acquisition of the log cabin at 3256 Nelson Mosier Road, and he provided the commissioners with a draft proposal.
In the proposal, the county will seek to contract with Barnwood Builders of West Virginia to restore the cabin to its original 19th century condition.
The West Virginia-based television show, which has been on for 19 seasons, salvages, restores and rebuilds pioneer-era log cabins and timber-frame homes.
"The structure will remain in its current location, preserving its historic relationship to the landscape, Eagle Creek, and the surrounding natural environment," the proposal states. "The site will be enhanced with future opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, hiking trails and public access to Eagle Creek."
Cindee Mines, a member of the Howland Historical Society, said the MetroParks board may need an actual proposal from the commissioners.
Commissioner Rick Hernandez said they should request the five acres with the cabin.
The concern is the Metroparks board received a grant from Ohio Department of Natural Resources and they do not know if there are restrictions for them to transfer the property.
Commissioner Denny Malloy said the cabin should not be allowed to be moved out of the county.
"We are willing to take it over, but we don't know exactly what (the Metroparks board) wants from us," Commissioner Tony Bernard said. "It should go to the historical society."
Hernandez said it should remain in Braceville.
PARK BOARD MEETING
At Thursday's park board meeting, the board passed a motion to initiate the process for the sale of the log cabin parcel and that any interested political subdivision to have an official action sent to the metroparks.
Svette said the information will be sent to the county commissioners and Braceville trustees.
Officials said they will see if the county commissioners are interested in acquiring the cabin and property.
Svette said the cabin can be restored as long as it supports the primary outdoor recreational use of the property as recommended by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The board also acknowledged the receipt of two proposals submitted for the log cabin and associated logs. The board approved pausing the process until the August board meeting to allow local communities to submit a plan for the property, log cabin and associated timbers.
Mines, who attended the meeting, suggested since the metroparks board does not have the money for maintaining the cabin it should be given to another corporation.
Board member Randy Fabrizio said he wishes the park board and the county commissioners could be partners regarding the log cabin property.
"We would get a lot more done if we were a team,'' he said.
Mines suggested the park board partner with a local historical society who can help.
Fabrizio said the park board has received less funds in recent years from the commissioners for projects.
Svette said one option is for someone to get the logs and cabin and remove it off the property as the most cost effective way.
Fabrizio said he welcomes the county commissioners to take ownership of the cabin and keep it in Trumbull County.
"I hope it can be rebuilt to the way it used to be. I hope the commissioners are able to do what they say they will do," Fabrizio said.
Board member John Brown said he also would ike to see the cabin restored and stay where it is.
"Everyone says grants are available but no one provides any help to us. We would like to see that cabin stay in the county if possible. Let's see if the commissioners come through," Brown said.