Scrap Yard, University Face Off over Eminent Domain

Rich Farmer, president of Tiffin Iron and Metal, said a petition was filed late last week seeking to use eminent domain to acquire the 10-acre scrap facility. However, despite local press reports stating that the university has been attempting to negotiate some type of settlement, he has not had any discussion with representatives from the university.

Farmer says that after being served paper, he has 28 days in which to respond.

He does note that while he had only purchased the facility Feb. 13, 2006, the yard had been a scrap yard for around 70 years.

He complains that the university is using its position to wield an inordinate amount of clout. Also, Farmer says that he has heard that the university is hoping to take over ownership of the land by this coming June, a time frame that he feels is unrealistic.

As for Tiffin Iron and Metal, the company will continue to service its customer base, while they continue to clean up the scrap yard.

According to local press reports, the Ohio Board of Regents acknowledged - at a special meeting March 21 - the conflict between the two entities and established the college plans to use the land for valid and education purposes.

Upon board approval, the institution returns to the local judge to seek court action.

Adding to the overall uncertainty of the issue is the fact that there are questions over who owns the land. Farmer says that he leases the business, and does not technically own the land on which he operates.