Ashland Leaders Seek Solutions for Hazardous Vacant Property

Neighbors raise concerns over deteriorating former Carter Lumber site posing public health risks

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:22pm

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A blurry, out-of-focus photograph showing the partially collapsed remains of a dilapidated building, with scattered debris and overgrown vegetation, conveying a sense of urban decay and neglect.A deteriorating vacant property becomes a growing concern for an Ohio neighborhood, exposing the challenges cities face in addressing neglected buildings.Ashland Today

Ashland, Ohio leaders are working to address the hazardous conditions of a vacant former Carter Lumber property that has fallen into disrepair, with neighbors complaining of loose debris, partial building collapses, and an overall eyesore that has plagued the community for years. Despite difficulties in reaching the out-of-state property owner, Karedon Inc., the city is exploring options to remediate the site, which has been declared a public health emergency.

Why it matters

The deteriorating vacant property has become a major concern for the Ashland community, posing safety risks and negatively impacting nearby businesses and residents. The city's efforts to hold the absentee property owner accountable and find solutions highlight the challenges municipalities face in addressing neglected properties that threaten public wellbeing.

The details

The former Carter Lumber site on Miller St. in Ashland has fallen into disrepair, with a partially collapsed building, scattered debris, and loose insulation that has blown into neighboring yards and businesses. Residents have complained about the property's hazardous conditions for years, but the city has struggled to reach the out-of-state owner, Karedon Inc., to address the issues. In January 2026, heavy snowfall caused further damage to the building's roof. The city's fire inspector has now declared the property a public health emergency due to the serious safety concerns.

  • In January 2026, heavy snowfall caused the building's roof to partially collapse.
  • In April 2026, Ashland City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to hire a contractor for $235,000 to remediate the site.

The players

Karedon, Inc.

The Florida-based company that owns the former Carter Lumber property in Ashland, Ohio and has failed to address the deteriorating conditions of the site.

Matt Miller

The mayor of Ashland, Ohio who has expressed serious concerns about the public health and safety risks posed by the vacant property and is working to find solutions.

Ashley Gough

An Ashland resident who lives near the former Carter Lumber property and has complained about the hazards and appearance of the site for years.

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What they’re saying

“If I could pick up my home and move it, I would. But I can't.”

— Ashley Gough, Ashland resident

“The building is a disaster.”

— Matt Miller, Mayor of Ashland

“Obviously tear it all down, whatever, even if you just flatten it all out.”

— Terry Lonsway, Ashland neighbor

What’s next

The city council has approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to hire a contractor for $235,000 to remediate the hazardous vacant property. The city is still hoping to work with the out-of-state property owner, Karedon Inc., to address the health and safety concerns, but is prepared to take action if the owner remains unresponsive.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges municipalities face in holding absentee property owners accountable for neglected and deteriorating buildings that pose serious risks to public safety. Ashland's efforts to find solutions for the former Carter Lumber site demonstrate the importance of proactive code enforcement and community engagement to address vacant properties before they become public health emergencies.