Statement from Celina City Councilman Thomas Sanford –

Thomas Sanford

Let me clear up some items regarding the re-zoning ordinance that recently failed in Celina.

Mercy Health wanted to build in Celina an urgent care center and the location they chose was zoned as M-2 Light manufacturing. In order for them to build there, the property needed to be rezoned as B-2 Business/Shopping. This 1 acre purchase in approximately 7 acres of land had a deed restriction on it that I will share about later.

In our first reading, I asked the question, “do you have any other places you are looking at for your urgent care?” The answer was no. Just that industrial space. I told the representative that Celina has limited industrial space and I was not in favor of losing that area that could be used for manufacturing. I believe that our local area is known for and honored by the goods we produce and export. My philosophy is to be more of a producer than a consumer. I agree it’s great to have more shopping, restaurants, etc, but I truly believe that manufacturing is a bright shining light for Celina. Celina Glass and Celina Tent are prime examples that bear our city’s name. Lots of great manufacturers have started off small in our local communities.

In our second reading I asked the same question, received the same answer, and reminded the representative that it was not personal but rather in the best interest of the city preserving the land that is currently zoned manufacturing to remain that way. I have maintained this position throughout.

There is the argument that Mercy Health will demolish Mercer Health and Grand Lake. That is not for our consideration as the ordinance considered zoning only. We don’t pick winners and losers and competition is healthy.

At the third reading, it was brought up that Jon Dingledine sent a picture of the Deed restriction declaring that:

“For the period of time that is the longer of: (a) thirty (30) years after the recording date hereof; and (b) the time period during which Grantee, or its affiliate, (collectively, ‘Mercy’) owns or possesses an interest in any real estate that is within a twenty-five (25) miles radius of the Remainder Parcel, no portion of the Remainder Parcel shall be used for any healthcare services, including but not limited to medical office, private medical practice (group or office), hospital, medical clinic, ambulatory care, surgery center, medical laboratory, radiology, medical imaging or other medical diagnostic testing, physical therapy, or other medical rehabilitation services without the prior written consent of Mercy, which consent may be granted, denied, or conditioned in Mercy’s sole discretion.”

Because this was brought to us, this was then a matter to be discussed. Councilors had new information and our law director had not seen the document in its entirety so we did not have legal advice on the matter. The ordinance was tabled for further research and the representative was asked to send the document so we could receive legal advice on this.

One argument was brought concerning Bob Evans and how their deed restriction has a 40 year policy that (to the best of my knowledge) another restaurant cannot go in there and compete. So Schwieterman Pharmacy bought it and has moved since and now it sits empty as a lakefront property and cannot be a restaurant. I am not advocating for this position but this was discussed as a concern and it is a sensible concern that a deed restriction could later on hurt the city in ways like this, though they are common in business practices.

In the fourth council meeting, it was asked if Mercy Health had sent further information regarding the deed restriction to the city and they had chosen not to send it, which is their right. I cannot speak for other councilors exactly and they can speak on their own beliefs. My concern was losing the potential manufacturing on 7 acres of land to business/shopping over the years. I stand for free market principles and competition. I look toward Celina’s future and encourage manufacturing/production facilities to make our city known for quality goods. No one has a crystal ball here so the council still has to decide what is best based on inputs given. I encourage all to presume positive intentions until evidence proves otherwise.

Thank you for taking the time to engage in civic matters and please consider attending meetings or watching the Facebook recordings. We all have a voice and let your councilors know your opinions with constructive feedback. We are all Celina family. I wish you all the best!