Kettering to buy site of former motorcycle dealership

It is the former Vista Kawasaki dealership near Stroop Road, just northwest of the Dayton Metro Library - Wilmington-Stroop Branch.

Bryan Chodkowski, assistant city manager, said the property abuts an old railroad right of way. Reuse by the private sector would be limited because rules and standards have changed, he said.

The city plans to raze the building, which is 5,000 square feet and built in 1959, according to the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office website.

There is an ongoing effort among several jurisdictions to acquire the railroad right of way to extend the regional recreational trail, Chodkowski said.

“The idea is that in acquiring this property we can begin to plan what is a future trail access point, a future parking lot, restroom facility,” he said.

The trail would connect to the Iron Horse Trail, a paved, multi-use path that spans 19 miles, including all loops and branches, in Centerville, Kettering and Dayton. It starts at Iron Horse Park and connects to the Creekside Trail, according to Miami Valley Trails.

There is no timeline for the future trail access point.