With the imminent coming of Spring and the construction season, I am happy to report the Ironton Port Authority (IPA) expects to soon be ready to go to closing on the lots where the former River Valley Hospital once stood in the south end of town.

The Bellemont Subdivision, as the area will be known, will feature underground utilities and large lots between South Eighth and South Ninth streets, running from Scott Street to near Pleasant Street.

These slightly smaller, but wider than average lots are located on the river side of Eighth Street, downriver from the EMS building at the corner of South Eighth and Pleasant streets.

This will provide a good location for professional and business people who want to live in our town.

You may wonder why it has taken 10 years to bring this project to fruition.

The fact is the removal of the hospital building and navigation of the many statutes, rules and regulations associated with establishing a new subdivision within the city are complex matters requiring many contracts, meetings and notices to protect the rights of all concerned.

We were blessed with the donation of the property by Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital and the grant of funds by the Clean Ohio Fund officials in Columbus.

Without the help of these two fine organizations and the officials of the city sewer and water departments, it could not have been done.

We hope you will be as proud of the completed neighborhood as we of the IPA are to have been a part of it.

Paul Woods is chairman of the Ironton Port Authority, a volunteer organization focused on economic development in the city.