Pictured is a graphic outlining the Grail property. Image provided.
Supporters of the proposal to preserve the Grail property as greenspace have urged the Clermont County Commissioners to support the plan.
During the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Aug. 16, Andy Dickerson, Executive Director of Cardinal Land Conservancy, presented on the Grail Project.
The Grail Property is located between O’Bannonville Road and state Route 48. Parts of the property have been annexed into the City of Loveland, and parts of the property are located in Miami Township.
More than 100 acres are already owned by the Clermont County Park District and will be developed into the largest public park in the City of Loveland.
The Grail organization is selling its final plot of land totaling 108 acres.
Information shared by the City of Loveland explains that since early 2023, city staff has been in discussion with the Cardinal Land Conservancy regarding their proposal to apply for a grant through the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund to purchase 89 of the remaining 108 acres.
For the remaining 19 acres, the conservancy intends to utilize an alternative funding source. If acquired, the land would be deeded as dedicated green space in perpetuity.
During his presentation to the Clermont County Commissioners, Dickerson explained further that Cardinal Land Conservancy’s application to the Clean Ohio Greenspace Conservation Fund (per the Ohio Revised Code) requires that non-profits obtain formal resolutions of support from local government entities.
The plan has earned the support of Miami Township and the City of Loveland.
The organization is seeking a resolution of support from the Clermont County Board of Commissioners so that they can complete and turn in the grant application before Sept. 7.
Cardinal Land Conservancy is not seeking funding from Miami Township.
Tens of speakers were present at the meeting. Many spoke in favor of the project, and about the significant and positive effect that access to the outdoors has provided.
After the presentation, Commissioner Claire Cocoran said, “It was very, very enlightening to see people come in and have an interest in what is happening in their community, from the Loveland area […] it was so nice to see that people were concerned, and it was enlightening.”
The commissioners were expected to make a decision on the request at their meeting on Aug. 23.