LEBANON — The city might end its effort to save this historic community's oldest house — a move one preservationist called “a crime.”

        At a special meeting Monday, City Council will consider dropping legal action to seize a Federal-style house at 27 N. Mechanic St.

        Councilman Ben Cole said Friday he thinks he has the votes to end the lawsuit, although at least two of the other six council members — Mark Flick and Mayor James Mills — say they want it to proceed.

        “If the house was savable I would continue, but I don't think it is,” Mr. Cole said. “Let's stop it now before it costs any more.”

        Council's attempt to take the property through eminent domain is scheduled to go to court in May, where a judge would decide how much the city would have to pay local businessman John McComb for the property. The city also will likely have to pay Mr. McComb's legal fees, regardless of what happens with the case.

        Mr. McComb could not be reached for comment.

        The house was built about 1808, according to the Lebanon Conservancy Foundation, a nonprofit group that has promised to find private money to restore it.

        Conservancy officials were stunned to learn the city might give up on the suit.

        “It is the first house in Lebanon,” President Marilyn Haley said Friday. “How can we do that? It looks bad, but it has not deteriorated beyond repair.

        “This is a crime.”

        Bruce Goetzman, a Cincinnati restoration architect, evaluated the building last year for the group and said the building could and should be salvaged.

        It includes typical Federal features such as an elliptical fanlight — a type of window — above the front door and a squarish, symmetrical facade.

        The house's future has been precarious since it was damaged by a fire in late 1999. Mr. McComb bought it in early 2000 and was preparing to tear it down and build a parking lot when the conservancy persuaded council to intervene.

        The city offered Mr. McComb $81,500 — $6,500 more than he paid — but he wanted far more. That leaves the decision up to the court.

Wedded bliss amid political mess
Lawyer claims Henry made innocent billing mistakes
Prisoner will die Tuesday - maybe
Lebanon may drop effort to save city's oldest home
Civil War flag lands in a place of honor
Church groups sharing 'Jesus' - and popcorn
Easter fund-raiser a chance to parade pets
Ex-Lebanon official strikes deal
Hamilton cop arrests 2 in holdup
Illegal OxyContin trade proves hard to wipe out
MCNUTT: Good business
Needy kids get computer aid
Place to tour: Madison on national list
Police: DNA points to convicted killer
Report issued on shooting
Teen touts ponies
Young artists draw prize winners
Tristate A.M. Report