Village of Plain City to Acquire Former RANCO Property from Schneider Electric for Future Recreational Use

The Village of Plain City is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Schneider Electric to acquire the former RANCO property, a 73-acre site located Village’s northern entrance along US Route 42. After decades of environmental remediation, the Ohio EPA has cleared the industrial site, which will now be transferred from Schneider Electric to the Village at no cost to taxpayers for future recreational development.

​The transformation of the RANCO site into recreational uses offers the Village a unique opportunity to repurpose an industrial legacy site into a safe, beneficial community asset. This project not only enhances recreational opportunities but also reflects the Village’s commitment to sustainable, strategic development. With proper planning and project execution, the site can serve as a cornerstone for Plain City’s future growth and prosperity.
 
“This is truly a transformative opportunity for Plain City,” said Jody Carney, Mayor of Plain City. “This site provides an opportunity to create a new, welcoming gateway to Plain City, and ensures that the land is preserved and revitalized as a lasting community asset.”
 
This generous transfer of property from Schneider Electric enables the Village to direct funds into the planning and development of the site with practices that align with the Village’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible growth. The Village plans to pursue state grant funding to aid in development costs and will work alongside residents and community partners to develop a master plan for the site.

“Brownfield greening” is a common and highly successful practice in Central Ohio. This practice repurposes previously contaminated or underused land into parks, trails, and other green spaces to improve the environment and increase the site’s long-term viability. Recent examples include Marysville’s Eljer Park, Scioto Audubon Metro Park, the Whittier Peninsula Development, and Columbus’ Brewery District Green Space.
 
A Site with Historic and Environmental Significance
The RANCO facility, which operated from 1952 to 2004, was once a hub of manufacturing for thermostatic controls, automotive parts, and HVAC components. Following the plant’s closure and demolition, Schneider Electric led a comprehensive cleanup effort in collaboration with the U.S. EPA and Ohio EPA to address soil and groundwater contamination. These efforts included waste removal, groundwater treatment, landfill closure, and long-term monitoring. In October 2024, the RANCO site was designated by the Ohio EPA as “Ready for Anticipated Use,” receiving official clearance as safe for redevelopment under controlled uses.
 
“This cleanup of the former RANCO property addressed more than 50 years of industrial use,” Ohio EPA Director John Logue said. “I’m so proud of the amazing work that has been done that will allow this once complex site to now be an example for how we are redeveloping and re-energizing land all over the state.”
 
An Environmental Covenant now governs its use, allowing recreational, commercial, or industrial purposes. The site also features existing safeguards such as soil barriers, groundwater treatment, and land-use restrictions to prevent exposure to any residual contaminants. The Ohio EPA will continue to oversee the site’s conditions, ensuring compliance with safety standards and maintaining public health protections.
 
Acquisition Details
Under the agreement, Schneider Electric will transfer approximately 66 acres of the site to the Village for public use, while retaining ownership and oversight of approximately 7 acres. Importantly, Schneider Electric will:

• Retain full responsibility for environmental monitoring and compliance.
• Indemnify the Village against environmental liabilities.
• Maintain access to the site for testing and oversight.

 
This ensures that the property can be safely used and developed for the community while ongoing
environmental responsibilities remain managed by Schneider Electric.
 
Future Community Benefits
The Village envisions the property becoming a vibrant recreational hub for residents and visitors. While a detailed master planning process will follow, potential amenities could include:

• Athletic fields
• Walking trails
• Festival and community event spaces
• Opportunities for future Village recreational development

 
“This project provides both immediate and long-term benefits,” said Haley Lupton, Village Administrator. “It relieves pressure on Pastime Park, offers space for new recreational facilities, and enhances our community’s appeal as we continue to grow.”
 
Commitment to Transparency and Safety
In the coming months, the Village will engage with local stakeholders and organizations to solicit input regarding the future use of the park. This feedback will be used to inform the master planning process for recreational uses, ensuring that future development maximizes the site’s potential while aligning with the community’s needs, priorities, and long-term vision.
 
A Gateway to the Future
The transformation of the RANCO property represents a landmark step in Plain City’s growth, providing new recreational opportunities, boosting economic development, and creating a welcoming entrance to the Village.
 
"We’re excited to work with Schneider Electric to turn this former industrial site into a vibrant part of our community," said Mayor Carney. "This project shows Plain City’s dedication to sustainability, smart growth, and creating a great quality of life for everyone."
 
As the Village’s population has grown in recent years, we have prioritized expanding recreational opportunities and increasing available parkland to better serve our residents. With the addition of the RANCO site, the Village has added 169 acres of usable parkland since 2020, representing a 275% increase.
 
Next steps include officially annexing this property into Village limits and developing a master plan for the site based on research and community engagement. The Village will also be working with regulatory agencies, including the Ohio EPA, to ensure the site remains compliant with the Environmental Covenant throughout the planning and development phases.