Heir Force Director Advocates for School as Anchor of Community Growth

Willie Heggins III envisions Heir Force Community School driving local development

Heir Force Director Advocates for School as Anchor of Community Growth
Heir Force Director Advocates for School as Anchor of Community Growth

Lima: Willie Heggins III is all about bringing life back to the north side of Lima. He’s the executive director of Heir Force Community School, and he’s got big plans. They’re renovating the old Ohio Department of Job & Family Services building on North Main Street. Heggins believes that having the school there can spark some serious economic growth in the area.

He shared his vision with the Lima Rotary Club, saying, “This is an opportunity for us to work together.” The school is getting a makeover at 799 N. Main St. to prepare for more students, which Heggins says is crucial for bringing in new funds.

Heir Force started in 2001 and became a community school in 2012. It’s publicly funded but runs independently. The school currently has about 250 kids from kindergarten to eighth grade. They’re planning to move into the new building before the 2025-26 school year kicks off.

Heggins also bought two more lots on North Main Street to build a playground and outdoor exercise area. He hopes this will be open to both students and the public if his plans come to life.

He’s dreaming big for the north side of Main Street, not just downtown. Heggins pointed out that there’s $30 million in investments happening just south of Main Street. He even showed slides of what he imagines North Main Street could look like in a few years, featuring mixed-use apartments and a revamped gas station, along with the new school and playground.

He believes that more development will boost property values and tax revenue for Lima, making housing more affordable. “Let the school be an anchor for helping to revitalize the economic makeup on the north end of town,” he said.

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