The former site of T&J’s Smokehouse, and long ago The Crescent, (198 Delaware Street, Put-in-Bay) remains vacant and grows unsightly weeds as island residents express concern about its development. The Put-in-Bay Village Zoning and Planning Commission holds an open meeting on Tuesday, 1 August 2023, at 11am in the Town Hall, to address “former Crescent property zoning variances.” The general public is invited to attend and comment.
The 1.86 acre property was purchased by RJN Holding, LLC, on 7 September 2022 for $2,400,00, according to Ottawa County, Ohio, Auditor’s Office. While the registered agent identified for this company is Thomas E. Puffenberger Ii, ESQ, public knowledge associates the property ownership with island resident John Blanke. This point is the cause behind anxiety felt by some islanders because Mr. Blanke is linked to strip club ownership in 2015.
Recently, banners have been mounted to the fencing which depict before and after views of the property, as well as “For Sale” signs with a Ft. Lauderdale telephone number. It is unknown who is responsible for this action.