By KATIE WHITE

Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Firestone Homestead LLC is in the process of selling just over three acres of land near the Town Center development to the Prima Healthcare Facility, for an expansion of the business.

Firestone Homestead owner Tom Mackall told the city’s planning commission last week that Prima plans to add onto their existing building on Royal Birkdale Drive and construct another building at the back of the property.

Mackall said when Prima bought two acres of property from Firestone two years ago, his company gave them the option to buy the acreage behind them as well and they are now exercising that option.

“They are still planning to add on to the building in the front and planning to add another building in the back, which would be across the street,” he explained.

Mackall went before the planning commission to request a replat of the property in preparation for the sale, which he said has not been finalized yet. An easement is not required since the private road going through the property will not be dedicated to the city. The commission approved the replat request.

“I’m very happy that they are there. They are a wonderful company and will do a great job. They will enhance and make our development better. They are bursting at the seams in Columbiana,” he said.

Exactly what the healthcare company intends to do with the new building remains unknown. Mackall said the company did an excellent job on its new offices on Market Street in North Lima. The company was previously located in Boardman, but recently relocated to North Lima. Prima also has an office in Salem on East Second Street.

kwhite@mojonews.com