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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
As Fort Rapids sale looms, Columbus church eyes plan to redevelop waterpark
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Plans to transform Fort Rapids into an affordable housing complex may include redeveloping the property's waterpark into a community center organized by a local church. Drever Capital Management, a California-based real estate company known for revitalizing buildings, has long planned to purchase the 16-acre Fort Rapids property on Columbus' East Side. Led by company chairman Maxwell Drever, the acquisition is awaiting court approval and could yield community programs inside the property led by WorldFire Church, a multi-campus church with Columbus and Lancaster locations. Out in Ohio: How Granville, Grove City and Gahanna are celebrating Pride 2025 'I've got older teenage sons now and we took our kids to that waterpark years ago, and they were toddlers and so we've got memories of that waterpark,' Josh Lawrence, senior lead pastor of WorldFire, said. 'We've just seen it kind of slowly go downhill ever since then, and it's such an eyesore as you drive by.' Watch a previous NBC4 report on the former Fort Rapids property in the video player above. Lawrence told NBC4 he was drawn to the project about four years ago, when Drever stepped in with an offer in 2021 to flip the former resort into apartments for low-income families. Drever's proposal mirrored similar workforce housing developments that the company has transformed from 'broken hotels' in other U.S. states. Although Drever knew he wanted to renovate the property's former hotel rooms into at least 240 apartments, his vision at the time lacked a crucial puzzle piece: What to do with the property's 60,000-square-foot waterpark? Dan Sheeran, a Columbus real estate agent working with the company, connected Drever to Lawrence, who dreamed up a plan to launch a variety of community programs inside the waterpark. Although still in the early planning phases, Lawrence said the renovation could include a daycare, athletic facility, social services like drug and alcohol addiction counseling, and a drive-up food bank. 'We think that we could deliver a really great solution, not only for the housing crisis that Columbus has been very vocal about being an issue, but also food scarcity, where we could get some fresh produce and some good quality food on the tables of the residents,' Lawrence said. 'It's less about dollars and cents, and it's more about how can we impact the community for good?' Dispensary reacts to Ohio marijuana limit changes Karl Zavitkovsky, a Dallas-based real estate finance executive advising Drever, echoed Lawrence's goal and said the company is aiming to renovate Fort Rapid's existing structures rather than construct new buildings to keep costs down. The lower the project's price tag, the lower rent will be for the property's future residents, Zavitkovsky said. 'I think we're kind of coming to the conclusion and trying to put together a successful partnership, and I think we feel like we can convert this into something that would be very good for the city of Columbus,' Zavitkovsky said. Zavitkovsky noted the longtime plan has been plagued by various stages of litigation. If approved, Drever's acquisition will be made possible in part because of a summary judgement granted in February in favor of the Jizi Cui estate, dealing a blow to Fort Rapids' current acting owner, Jeff Oh Kern. The ruling cleared a legal hurdle that was preventing a sale of the property, meaning Drever's plan could move forward. A California investor, Kern bought Fort Rapids for $2.5 million at an auction in 2017, a year after the city of Columbus ordered the resort to close due to a history of health and safety complaints. Sheeran told NBC4 in 2023 that Kern was planning to transform the site into a part-hotel, part-soccer facility. That plan faded when Kern learned the land next door, which he intended to buy, was already under contract and later bought by Mount Carmel Health System. At that point, the out-of-state investor lost interest in revamping the resort 'because his dream was not really going to happen,' Sheeran said. Central Ohio bitten by price cycling bug at the gas pump Kern gave up and transferred ownership of the site to Cui but backpedaled on that plan when Cui died without a will in 2019, Sheeran said. He then successfully moved a Franklin County probate court to restore his ownership status. Since then, Kern has let the abandoned Fort Rapids fall into a state of disrepair, racking up code violation after code violation from the city while threatening to sue anyone who sells the property out of his hands. In 2018, millions of gallons of water poured out of the hotel's windows after a pipe burst on its upper floor. Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein in August 2021 declared the site a nuisance over Kern's failure to get it into compliance and secure the proper permits for renovation, Pete Shipley, a spokesperson for the city attorney's office, said. A year later, the work still wasn't finished. Klein ordered Kern in contempt of court and issued a $1,000 fine per day until he brought it into compliance. Last June, Kern was ordered by the Franklin County Municipal Court's Environmental Division to pay $199,000 in contempt fines to the city, as well as being hit with $1,000 in daily fines. When a warrant was issued for his arrest this past August, his daily fines were increased to $2,000 and his bond was set at $2.5 million. After three years of attempts to purchase the property, Sheeran and Drever finally got their initial approval last October to begin trying to purchase the former waterpark. Days later, the building was struck by a significant fire. Sheeran and the developers told NBC4 in November that they still intended to go through with the purchase, having already invested nearly $500,000. Drever is expecting the court ruling on the acquisition to be released later this summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Toronto Sun
05-06-2025
- Toronto Sun
34 Bengal cats seized from B.C. property by SPCA
The wild-hybrid domestic cats were assessed by a veterinarian who determined all of them 'met the definition of being in distress' These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA Animal protection officers have seized 34 Bengal cats from a property in Vernon after an investigation into an 'irresponsible breeder,' says the B.C. SPCA. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The wild-hybrid domestic cats were assessed in late May by a veterinarian who determined all of them 'met the definition of being in distress,' said Eileen Drever, senior protection officer for the animal welfare agency. 'We were alerted to this situation by someone who visited the property,' said Drever. 'They were considering buying a cat from the breeder and were concerned about the conditions the cats were living in' and called the animal help line. Drever said it was 'another situation where someone is breeding animals in conditions that do not support their physical or mental well-being.' These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA 'The officers who visited the property reported an overwhelming smell of ammonia in the rooms where these cats were housed, so intense their own noses were stinging. An ammonia gas test registered at the highest level, further proving that the ventilation and cleaning were insufficient.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ammonia exposure is dangerous for animals and the 'exceptionally high levels' on the property posed serious health risks. 'These concentrations can lead to severe respiratory irritation and, in extreme cases, even ulceration of the eyes.' The cats were kept in dirty cages with overflowing litter boxes, and some were crammed into cages together. 'Bengal cats are typically larger than domestic cats,' said Drever, and though they had access to an outdoor space, some spent most of their time in cages. Bengals are also intelligent and energetic, so many need more stimulation and enrichment than other feline breeds. These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA 'Most of the cats are fearful, but they were very brave during their intake exams,' said Shannon Paille, manager of the SPCA's Kelowna animal centre. 'We were able to get all the treatments done with light towel wraps and only some of them were growly. Bengals can be quite vocal.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Paille said the vet found that almost all the cats were underweight and some had diarrhea: 'We have already been giving the cats regular treatments for skin issues but, because of some suspicious hair loss, they are also being tested for ringworm.' All the cats will need spay or neuter surgeries as well. These Bengal cats were seized in late May 2025 from a Vernon property where the wild hybrid domestic felines were being kept in a state of distress, says the B.C. SPCA. Photo by B.C. SPCA Bengals are a mix of wild Asian leopard cats and domestic breeds and need specialized care. The B.C. SPCA says it's opposed to the breeding of wild animals with domestics and the breeding of wild animals as exotic pets. The animal welfare agency also argues that importing, breeding and keeping exotic animals — such as Asian leopard cats and servals that are bred to create hybrid cats — should be prohibited under the controlled alien species regulation of B.C.'s Wildlife Act. The Bengal cats aren't yet available for adoption but the B.C. SPCA is encouraging anyone who can help with the cost of their care, or that of other animals in distress, to visit the donation page at jruttle@ Read More Columnists NHL Columnists Columnists Toronto & GTA
Vancouver Sun
04-06-2025
- General
- Vancouver Sun
34 distressed Bengal cats seized from Vernon property by B.C. SPCA
Animal protection officers have seized 34 Bengal cats from a property in Vernon after an investigation into an 'irresponsible breeder,' says the B.C. SPCA. The wild-hybrid domestic cats were assessed in late May by a veterinarian who determined all of them 'met the definition of being in distress,' said Eileen Drever, senior protection officer for the animal welfare agency. 'We were alerted to this situation by someone who visited the property,' said Drever. 'They were considering buying a cat from the breeder and were concerned about the conditions the cats were living in' and called the animal help line . Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Drever said it was 'another situation where someone is breeding animals in conditions that do not support their physical or mental well-being. 'The officers who visited the property reported an overwhelming smell of ammonia in the rooms where these cats were housed, so intense their own noses were stinging. An ammonia gas test registered at the highest level, further proving that the ventilation and cleaning were insufficient.' Ammonia exposure is dangerous for animals and the 'exceptionally high levels' on the property posed serious health risks. 'These concentrations can lead to severe respiratory irritation and, in extreme cases, even ulceration of the eyes.' The cats were kept in dirty cages with overflowing litter boxes, and some were crammed into cages together. 'Bengal cats are typically larger than domestic cats,' said Drever, and though they had access to an outdoor space, some spent most of their time in cages. Bengals are also intelligent and energetic, so many need more stimulation and enrichment than other feline breeds. 'Most of the cats are fearful, but they were very brave during their intake exams,' said Shannon Paille, manager of the SPCA's Kelowna animal centre. 'We were able to get all the treatments done with light towel wraps and only some of them were growly. Bengals can be quite vocal.' Paille said the vet found that almost all the cats were underweight and some had diarrhea. 'We have already been giving the cats regular treatments for skin issues but, because of some suspicious hair loss, they are also being tested for ringworm.' All the cats will need spay or neuter surgeries as well. Bengals are a mix of wild Asian leopard cats and domestic breeds and need specialized care. The B.C. SPCA says it is opposed to the breeding of wild animals with domestics and the breeding of wild animals as exotic pets. The animal welfare agency also argues that importing, breeding and keeping exotic animals — such as Asian leopard cats and servals which are bred to create hybrid cats — should be prohibited under the controlled alien species regulation of B.C.'s Wildlife Act . The Bengal cats are not yet available for adoption but the B.C. SPCA is encouraging anyone who can help with the cost of their care, or that of other animals in distress, to visit the donation page at . jruttle@
