Maumee City Council convened a special meeting on Wednesday, March 11, to authorize a purchase agreement with Sandor Development for a 21‑acre parcel of vacant land located at S. Detroit Avenue and the Anthony Wayne Trail, formerly the site of Value City.
The action was prompted by the City’s ongoing Sewer System Evaluation Survey (SSES) agreement with the Ohio EPA, which requires the construction of sanitary storage tanks if the inflow of sanitary water into the stormwater system is not sufficiently reduced. This property has long been identified as the most suitable location for such infrastructure due to its strategic position within the sewer remediation project area; however, the developer’s asking price—previously upwards of $20 million—made the purchase financially impractical. Recently, the price was reduced substantially, prompting the city to act quickly. Other parties had also expressed interest in the land, and delaying action could have jeopardized Maumee’s ability to secure the site for critical public infrastructure needs.
While the property will serve as the location for sanitary storage tanks if they are required, the final determination will depend on the results of ongoing remediation efforts. If the tanks are ultimately not needed, the city will have the option to sell the land for private development. Additionally, even if tanks are constructed, they may not require the full 21 acres, allowing portions of the property to be sectioned off and made available for future development opportunities.
This purchase ensures that Maumee is prepared to meet its environmental compliance obligations while also preserving long‑term flexibility for economic development. The city remains committed to transparency throughout the sewer remediation process and will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.