Opinion |

Lorain city, Port Authority make right move to seek waterfront development proposals | Editorial

The Lorain Port and Finance Authority and the city of Lorain, with the support of Team NEO and JobsOhio, are right to release Request for Proposal (RFP) documents for three waterfront development opportunities that could spur more economic development for the downtown area.

The three properties along the Black River and near Lake Erie, all are publicly owned by either the Port Authority or the city of Lorain.

These properties include: the Pellet Terminal, which the city of Lorain owns; the southern portion of Black River Landing and the boat launch facility, which the Port Authority owns.

Each of these properties were identified for its highest and best use for development through a market study commissioned by the Port Authority and the city.

This really is an exciting time for Lorain because the possibilities for the land are endless.

Developers can come in and transform the properties into something magnificent, masterpieces.

There could be housing and or retail shops.

There also could be a blend of retail and housing similar to Crocker Park in Westlake.

In the last five years, there has been a great deal of economic momentum taking place in Lorain, particularly, the downtown area and Leavitt Road near Cooper Foster Park Drive with restaurants and retails stores.

Several years ago, businessman Jon Veard proposed a Ferris wheel for the waterfront, which could be enclosed, used throughout the year and could draw many people to downtown.

Tom Brown, executive director of the Port Authority, and the city are hoping the limited waterfront space will attract developers.

Brown believes the amount of waterfront property that is available is unmatched throughout this entire region.

Between the Port Authority and city, there is about 80 acres of prime property ready for a new life.

So, Brown is enthusiastic about this opportunity because the time is right to showcase these very large waterfront sites for development.

Black River Landing has hundreds of thousands of visitors every year for summer concerts, markets and festivals, and is ready for its next phase.

Likely the largest of people to downtown Lorain is the Rockin’ on the River summer weekly concert series that will celebrate its ninth year in Lorain.

Promoter Bob Earley and his wife, Sandy, moved Rockin’ on the River to the International City from Cuyahoga Falls.

For those who didn’t know about Lorain, certainly did after they attended one of the affordable top-notch concerts.

But, a growing and vibrant downtown will complement each of these sites.

Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley shares a similar viewpoint of Brown adding there is not a better site available on the Great Lakes with as much available lakefront acreage, spectacular views of the historic Lorain Lighthouse and that the sunsets second to none.

Bradley stated Lorain stands ready to make the development of all of these sites a success for everyone and to insure equitable access to the Black River and Lake Erie to residents and visitors.

Team NEO also is eager to take this next step in facilitating the development of our waterfront community.

Bryce Sylvester, senior director of site strategies at Team NEO, and his agency are thrilled to be involved with the economic development teams in Lorain to bring these development sites to the market.

Sylvester pointed out that the sites serve as opportunities for catalytic development projects for the city and the region.

The groups are looking forward to engaging developers and market participants to advance opportunities forward.

Developing those properties will compliment downtown’s designated outdoor refreshment area, also known as a DORA.

A DORA is an area where at certain times, bar and restaurant patrons can ask for a cup to go and then take beer, wine and mixed drinks out to walk around.

But the overall objectives to selling the properties to developers must not be lost.

The city and Port want the property owners to restore and reuse the land that is protective of people and environment; facilitate an enduring and sustainable productive reuse of the property; provide an adequate return on investment to the city and/or Port based on direct financial payments through the sale of the property, total investment and economic benefits.

Other objectives are to create jobs and expand the city’s tax base, contribute to the vitality of the Lorain Harbor and link to the surrounding waterfront and community and ensure the reuse of the property is compatible with the city’s comprehensive goals.

The canvas is ready.

It’s time to create some waterfront masterpieces.