In a news release dated Oct. 23, 2026, Canton officials said representatives from the Mayor’s Office, Law, Building and Code, Health, Fire, Zoning and Police departments carried out an administrative search warrant on Oct. 15 at the former Republic Steel complex near 8th Street NE and Georgetown Road. The city said the inspection followed concerns about property deterioration and sought to investigate possible violations of municipal ordinances.
According to the city, inspectors found numerous conditions that may violate local rules and could lead to enforcement. The administration said it is reviewing the findings and intends to take appropriate steps to secure compliance and protect nearby residents. The release did not specify what conditions were observed or what enforcement steps are planned.
The city said Republic Steel stopped operations at the site in 2023 and has since shown visible deterioration. It also said the company owes nearly $2 million in property taxes tied to the facility and has given Canton little information about maintenance or future use. City officials said Republic has discussed its idled facilities with other communities but not with Canton, and that no redevelopment proposal, restart timetable or clear statement of intentions has been presented.
The release also said an attorney for the property owner asked on Aug. 13, 2026, about zoning and allowed uses, including manufacturing, warehousing, research facilities and data centers. The city said it received information suggesting possible restoration of electrical service, despite a 2023 state consent order that described the closure as permanent.