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Bodies ... The Exhibition
Warren County
Land for zoo cannot be used for proposed sports or arts centers, donor's will says
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
TURTLECREEK TWP. — Could land north of Mason donated to the Cincinnati Zoo be sold by the zoo for other uses like a national amateur sports complex or a performing arts center?
No, according to Dallas Bowyer's will.
Extras
The coveted 528 acres north of Brewer Road and west of Ohio 741 in Turtlecreek Twp. were donated by Dallas Bowyer, who died in 1994. Bowyer and his wife Helen wanted their land used to either support the zoo's Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife program or other zoological purposes. If the zoo doesn't fulfill their wish, the property will revert to a private trust, according to his will.
What zoo officials want to do is not clear.
Zoo officials spoke with county planning commission officials last month about preliminary plans to develop a small cat breeding farm on the site. Three years ago, former zoo director Gregg Hudson had a different idea for an annex that would expand the zoo's exhibits from its Cincinnati location.
The Bowyer's attorney Jack Hedges said Bowyer's heirs are not pressuring the zoo to take action to use the property, estimated to be worth $5.5 million.
"Nothing has come up and I can't believe the zoo would do anything to lose that property," Hedges said.
The land donated to the zoo is one of the sites identified as a possible location for a proposed performing arts center. However, Dan Cunningham, chairman of the newly formed Warren County Arts and Culture Center Board of Trustees, said a study of 11 potential sites has not been completed.
A meeting to discuss the land donated by the Bowyers between zoo officials and Warren County Commissioner Dave Young was scheduled and then cancelled. Young said county officials expect to purchase Armco Park in Turtlecreek Twp. from A.K. Steel, a deal he said would provide the site for the proposed sports complex intended to host regional and national amateur tournaments.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.
