I had posted enough in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park thread about Peninsula specific projects I figured it might be time to start its own thread. 

 

Summit County wants to move Peninsula to a sewer system. Peninsula residents want transparency

Ideastream Public Media | By Abigail Bottar

Published December 5, 2023

 

Quote

Peninsula has two problems according to officials: failing septic systems and a lack of water.

 

Summit County presented a solution to one of these issues in a joint special village council and planning commission meeting Tuesday night. The county is proposing using $7.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars to build a centralized wastewater management system in the village but not all residents are on board. And they say the county has not been open with them about the costs and effectiveness of other sewage options.

 

...

 

However, there is still a chance to link solutions to these two issues together, according to Summit County Director of Sanitary Sewer Systems Michael Vinay. The county is working with Akron on its fourth amendment to the United States EPA consent decree the city is currently under. The fourth amendment proposes putting money the EPA originally wanted to go toward a $209 million water treatment plant toward Peninsula's sewage project.

 

https://www.ideastream.org/environment-energy/2023-12-05/summit-county-wants-to-move-peninsula-to-a-sewer-system-peninsula-residents-want-transparency

Some of the relevant posts from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park thread:

 

On 5/3/2022 at 7:56 PM, Luke_S said:

This is pretty big for the Village of Peninsula. Having water and sewer could lead to a little development boom in the village since they now have to have water delivered by truck from Akron. I'm glad that they are taking a closer look at their zoning laws to keep the character of the village intact if the development does in fact come. 

 

 

https://www.ideastream.org/news/peninsula-and-cuyahoga-valley-national-park-settle-their-differences-after-decades-of-tension

 

On 11/4/2022 at 7:46 AM, YABO713 said:

Heard some rumblings about an expansion of the central business district in Downtown Peninsula - nothing major, looking to add a denser on-street presence with 2-3 more buildings and 8-10 shops/restaurants. 

 

I hope it happens, within the bounds of historical reverence for the area, but that would be terrific for CVNP. 

 

On 11/4/2022 at 8:04 AM, Luke_S said:

 

That is great news, and what I was hoping would be the outcome of the agreement Peninsula came to with the park to add sewer and waterlines. At the time when Ideastream reported on this back in the spring they included mention that the Village was revisiting their zoning in anticipation of new construction and hopefully those revisions were to maintain the downtown's character. 

 

 

 

On 11/4/2022 at 10:48 AM, LibertyBlvd said:

Great news.  I like downtown Peninsula, but I had always hoped they could add a few more shops for coffee, ice cream, etc. and give it a bit of a Chagrin Falls vibe.

 

On 11/5/2022 at 6:54 AM, E Rocc said:

 

As it's Peninsula, in the "borderlands" burbs between Cleveland and Akron that don't particularly identify with either over the other, I'd expect spread down 303 or maybe Locust (?), not densify.   Politicians down there pronounce the word "density" like some here would say "sprawl", and while they mostly mean residential the principle carries over.   

 

On 11/5/2022 at 10:15 AM, Whipjacka said:

im not so sure. their officials were talking last year that the town needs to develop more commercial tax revenue to maintain its city services and we're complaining that the park was eating into developable land.

 

On 11/5/2022 at 12:27 PM, surfohio said:

Last I heard Peninsula was having some kind of major issue with their water supply. So bad that Winking Lizard was having to bring in their own water. 

 

On 11/5/2022 at 12:39 PM, Luke_S said:

 

They don't have water or sewer lines and they can't access ground water. 

 

The village and the national park came to an agreement in the spring to run sewer and water lines into the village, likely causing the interest in new development. 

 

On 11/6/2022 at 9:25 AM, YABO713 said:

 

I'm not as looped in on this as other topics, but I've heard from a couple people that Peninsula has a vision of becoming a "country house" town for Cleveland, Columbus, and Akron. Meaning, they'd like to have enough shops, restaurants, etc. in town to make it worth staying a few days at a time or, even better, retiring there. 

 

On 11/4/2022 at 8:08 AM, Luke_S said:

Akron, Peninsula, Cuyahoga Falls to become 'gateway communities' to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Listen here

 

 

Guests: 

-Lisa Petit, Superintendent, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

-Nancy Holland, Ward 1 Councilwoman, Akron City Council 

-John Krusinski, Councilmember, Village of Peninsula

-Cindy Billings, Mayor, Village of Hartville

-Andrew Meyer, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media 

-Christine Fowler Mack, Superintendent, Akron Public Schools

 

On 8/28/2023 at 9:42 PM, Luke_S said:

I've never actually been to The Quarry, but from the description it sounds like a cool property. Ideally the Conservancy for CVNP would buy it and incorporate it into the park, but Peninsula probably needs a win for it's tax base after loosing out on the opportunity to develop the golf course. It's listed for $3.175M, down from $3.485M earlier in the spring, so apparently little interest in the property. 

 

The Quarry in Peninsula announces that this summer was likely its last for public swimming

Craig Webb

Akron Beacon Journal

August 28, 2023

 

"Situated along state Route 303 just outside of the heart of Peninsula, the quarry is part of a 85-acre parcel that is up for sale.

 

...

 

[Carol and George Haramis] plans to keep the 10-acre [Christmas Tree Farm] but is looking to sell the large [85-acre] swath of undeveloped land around it that includes a few ravines, a few ridgetops, two creeks, a pond and the sandstone swimming quarry.

 

...

 

It is situated outside of the boundaries of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park so there are no scenic easement restrictions on the property."

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2023/08/28/the-swimming-quarry-in-peninsula-may-be-closed-for-good/70698552007/

 

On 8/29/2023 at 11:49 AM, Ethan said:

Here's a map of the relevant area if anyone's interested. 

 

 

I'm torn on if this should become part of the park. On one hand I sympathize with the plight of Peninsula, but on the other I'd hate to see more development in/around this national park that I think struggles with a lack of strategic depth and far too many private inholdings.

 

I guess on balance I'd prefer to see the vast majority of this go to the park, though perhaps retaining a bit of the land near the road for private development makes sense. But even then it depends on the sort of development. Single family homes would be a waste, retaining the current use of the quarry as a privately owned natural swimming pool for public use might be the best option as it is a great park adjacent land use that will also bring in some taxes to Peninsula. 

 

Earlier article on the same subject with more background. 

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/03/01/heritage-farms-selling-85-acres-wont-affect-christmas-tree-operations-peninsula-carol-george-haramis/69892615007/

 

On 8/29/2023 at 12:20 PM, Luke_S said:

Based on the topology described (and looking at the topological map on google maps) the land may not be all that buildable outside of making a few lots along the road. I think that would also be the ideal balance; that would give Peninsula some tax base without greatly expanding needed infrastructure while also protecting the greenspace around the three watersheds flowing into the Cuyahoga to hopefully help improve the water quality.

 

Also, based only on the description of the property from the article, it sounds like there could be some unique habitats in the area that would help protect certain species like bats. 

 

 

On 8/29/2023 at 12:53 PM, ink said:

Given the location in Penisula, that property seems like it could be an interesting location for a small resort--grouping of cabins--maybe eco-friendly, with a swimming hole and small common building with food. CVNP lacks both an in-park campground and substantial overnight lodging that is geared toward the park and not just suburban Cleveland/Akron hotels.

 

There was discussion recently of extending Summit County water lines to Peninsula. I would assume you would want to do that sort of infrastructure work at the same time you would install a sewer system — assuming there are cost savings from what would be joint costs. The city is also discharging E. Coli into the Cuyahoga through the storm sewers so this needs to happen...

 

I would think (hope) having water lines and a sewer system would make peninsula more attractive for a bit more dense development which could make it a really dynamic town! 

 

Peninsula Village Council passes sewer plan that residents say was rushed

Ideastream Public Media | By Abigail Bottar

Published December 21, 2023

 

Peninsula Village Council unanimously voted to approve a plan to move from septic systems to a centralized wastewater management system Thursday night.

 

The plan, proposed by Summit County, will use $7.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars to address the village's failing septic systems, officials said. However, not all residents are on board with the county's plan and want more transparency from the county on the costs and effectiveness of other sewer options.

 

... 

 

After passage by Peninsula Village Council, Summit County Council now needs to vote to approve the village's entrance into the Summit County Metropolitan Sewer District, before ARPA funds are committed before the end of 2024, council members said.

 

https://www.ideastream.org/environment-energy/2023-12-21/peninsula-village-council-passes-sewer-plan-that-residents-say-was-rushed

14 hours ago, Luke_S said:

There was discussion recently of extending Summit County water lines to Peninsula. I would assume you would want to do that sort of infrastructure work at the same time you would install a sewer system — assuming there are cost savings from what would be joint costs. The city is also discharging E. Coli into the Cuyahoga through the storm sewers so this needs to happen...

 

I would think (hope) having water lines and a sewer system would make peninsula more attractive for a bit more dense development which could make it a really dynamic town! 

 

Peninsula Village Council passes sewer plan that residents say was rushed

Ideastream Public Media | By Abigail Bottar

Published December 21, 2023

 

Peninsula Village Council unanimously voted to approve a plan to move from septic systems to a centralized wastewater management system Thursday night.

 

The plan, proposed by Summit County, will use $7.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars to address the village's failing septic systems, officials said. However, not all residents are on board with the county's plan and want more transparency from the county on the costs and effectiveness of other sewer options.

 

... 

 

After passage by Peninsula Village Council, Summit County Council now needs to vote to approve the village's entrance into the Summit County Metropolitan Sewer District, before ARPA funds are committed before the end of 2024, council members said.

 

https://www.ideastream.org/environment-energy/2023-12-21/peninsula-village-council-passes-sewer-plan-that-residents-say-was-rushed

I beleive the proposed water supply lines would come from Hudson so the lines would run from East to West into Penninsula down 303.  The sewers would have to run south to the Akron Wastwater plant.  So I would imagine the only overlapping work for the two proejcts would be in the heart of downtown Penninsula.

Summit County Council votes to accept Peninsula in sewer district

Ideastream Public Media | By Abigail Bottar

Published January 29, 2024

 

Summit County Council voted unanimously to accept Peninsula into the Summit County Metropolitan Sewer District Monday night. The vote is the next step in the county's plan to move the village from septic systems to a centralized wastewater management system.

 

...

 

Summit County is also working to find Peninsula a water source, according to officials. District 2 Councilmember John Schmidt asked why the county is only helping Peninsula with this problem.

 

...

 

Summit County Director of Sanitary Sewer Systems Michael Vinay said pushback is due to worries about Peninsula becoming over developed.

 

https://www.ideastream.org/environment-energy/2024-01-29/summit-county-council-votes-to-accept-peninsula-in-sewer-district

Summit County, Akron awarded funds to remediate contaminated land

by Arielle Kass

August 28, 2024

 

More than $840,000 in state money is coming to Summit County to assess the steps that should be taken to clean up five properties with hazardous materials in the soil — most of them in Akron.

 

The funds are part of a $175 million annual allotment to clean up contaminated areas — known as brownfields — with $4.5 million statewide going to assessment projects such as the local efforts.

 

...

 

1594 Main St., Peninsula — $139,103 to assess a property that was used for commercial and residential purposes, including a service station and automotive sales/repair business from the early 1900s. The property, vacant since 2019, has potential contamination from petroleum or other hazardous substances. The assessment will determine the extent of soil contamination and prepare a plan for remediation, which might include removing the soil. The intention is to enable future redevelopment while maintaining the character of the area, a tourist destination near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Once redeveloped, the project could create five new jobs.

 

https://signalakron.org/summit-county-contaminated-land-funds/

 

Edited August 29, 2024Aug 29 by Luke_S

I know that something of this scale is unlikely due to parking limitations in Peninsula, and is would be much larger than all of the surrounding buildings, but I would like to see a 3 or 4 story building with first floor retail fronting S Locust St and W Streetsboro Rd with apartments or a hotel above. You could put a lot behind the L shaped building with access on both Streetsboro and Locust. 

 

Generally, Peninsula needs a street redesign, with left-turn lanes and signaling update at the intersection of Streetsboro and Locust. Hopefully the opportunity is taken when water and sewer lines are brought into the village to redesign the street configuration. I also think a parking garage would be a good investment to relieve some of the parking congestion and allow for the development of some of the surface lots. Most obvious candidate would be Fisher's parking lot. 

1 hour ago, Luke_S said:

I know that something of this scale is unlikely due to parking limitations in Peninsula, and is would be much larger than all of the surrounding buildings, but I would like to see a 3 or 4 story building with first floor retail fronting S Locust St and W Streetsboro Rd with apartments or a hotel above. You could put a lot behind the L shaped building with access on both Streetsboro and Locust. 

 

Generally, Peninsula needs a street redesign, with left-turn lanes and signaling update at the intersection of Streetsboro and Locust. Hopefully the opportunity is taken when water and sewer lines are brought into the village to redesign the street configuration. I also think a parking garage would be a good investment to relieve some of the parking congestion and allow for the development of some of the surface lots. Most obvious candidate would be Fisher's parking lot. 

A small hotel like you mention would be great in Peninsula. I could see a lot of locals using it for a weekend getaway too. CVNP also needs a few campgrounds, but that's a different discussion. 

Peninsula could definitely use more retail options. For as much as I like Kettle Corn, its weird to see a business like that occupy so much square footage at a prominent corner when there are so many other businesses that could be there. Its the gateway to CVNP.

 

Edited August 29, 2024Aug 29 by ASP1984

5 hours ago, ASP1984 said:

Peninsula could definitely use more retail options. 

 

Always thought this too. Something on the scale of this type of infill/redevelopment that blends into the town's historic character would be good on the south side of 303. Peninsula could potentially be much more interesting.

Downtown Douglas, MI

Edited August 29, 2024Aug 29 by Rustbelter

14 hours ago, Rustbelter said:

Always thought this too. Something on the scale of this type of infill/redevelopment that blends into the town's historic character would be good on the south side of 303. Peninsula could potentially be much more interesting.

Downtown Douglas, MI

 

Went to a meeting yesterday at Peninsula City Hall on their comprehensive plan - once the brownfield cleanup is complete, they're planning to reactivate that corner into a combination of a park + retail. Whether its a reactivation of the old building or new one remains to be seen, but its encouraging that the village is locked in on trying to improve things. That is, unless the nimby locals who showed up to discourage new visitors get their way (lol). 

23 hours ago, PlanCleveland said:

A small hotel like you mention would be great in Peninsula. I could see a lot of locals using it for a weekend getaway too. CVNP also needs a few campgrounds, but that's a different discussion. 

 

Agreed. One creative idea Peninsula should consider: a publicly-managed campground off the bike path catered to bike packing. Also love the Douglas, MI example. 

 

 

Edited August 30, 2024Aug 30 by ASP1984

1 hour ago, ASP1984 said:

 

Agreed. One creative idea Peninsula should consider: a publicly-managed campground off the bike path catered to bike packing. Also love the Douglas, MI example. 

 

 

 

Campgrounds are desperately needed in CVNP, I'm just not sure I like the idea of them in Peninsula. I'm not sure where there is a parcel that is reasonably large enough within village limits for a camp ground. Maybe the Christmas Tree Farm off of Riverview if/when the owners decide they want to sell? I believe they already allow camping, so would be a natural progression. But the village itself is so small I'd rather see something like a hostel that caters to bikepackers and through hikers. 

 

The old Brandywine Golf Course is probably the most logical spot for a golf course, with most of the land relatively level already. Would just need a pedestrian bridge over the Cuyahoga to connect to the towpath. 

1 hour ago, ASP1984 said:

 

Went to a meeting yesterday at Peninsula City Hall on their comprehensive plan - once the brownfield cleanup is complete, they're planning to reactivate that corner into a combination of a park + retail. Whether its a reactivation of the old building or new one remains to be seen, but its encouraging that the village is locked in on trying to improve things. That is, unless the nimby locals who showed up to discourage new visitors get their way (lol). 

 

Were there any renderings? I'm all for public greenspace, but if there is a town that isn't lacking for it it's probably Peninsula. I think I'd rather see that lot fully activated in the say I mentioned above, though I'll hold my judgement until I can see what they have planned. 

39 minutes ago, Luke_S said:

 

Were there any renderings? I'm all for public greenspace, but if there is a town that isn't lacking for it it's probably Peninsula. I think I'd rather see that lot fully activated in the say I mentioned above, though I'll hold my judgement until I can see what they have planned. 

 

Sure but there aren't greenspaces in the downtown area. Most places have a public green where concerts, festivals, etc can take place. Peninsula doesn't have one.

 

No renders just bird's eye site plan concepts. 

 

Edited August 30, 2024Aug 30 by ASP1984

I found this slide deck from the July 2024 Area Master Plan Meeting. There's more on the Village's Area Master Plan site. There's a lot more to this slide deck, just pulling out the key planning slides;

 

 

Glad to see streetscape improvements are a priority

 

Pretty extensive expansion of multi-use trails, including additional towpath connections. The connection to Heritage Farms is interesting. 

 

 

 

Peninsula Quarry identified as a development area, along with the site that received the brownfield remediation grants, Die Casters, and what looks to be Ohio Hardwood Furniture's old space. 

 

 

Damn, I thought General Die Casting fully moved to Macedonia, but apparently not.   I can't find any reference to them being a brownfield online.  It surprises me if they are, they were always one of the sounder plants we called on. 

 

Edit:  it's one of those anomalies on Google Earth, the overhead looks busy the street view abandoned.

Edited August 30, 2024Aug 30 by E Rocc

Very sad, hopefully Eddy's can rebuild and operate out of a temporary location this summer. But will likely be at least one season without a great resource for park visitors. 

 

Eddy's Bike Shop in Peninsula destroyed by fire early Friday. What we know so far

Derek Kreider, Mark J. Price, Anthony Thompson

Akron Beacon Journal

 

A beloved bicycle shop in a historic Peninsula building was destroyed in a fire early Friday.

 

Fire crews were called to Eddy's Bike Shop along Main Street just before 1 a.m., with flames fully engulfing the property, according to Beacon Journal partner News 5 Cleveland.

 

Authorities spent multiple hours working to get the fire under control. Firefighters are still investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/fire/2025/02/28/eddys-bike-shop-peninsula-destroyed-by-fire/80822775007/

Really heartbreaking news, my dad used to run the shop decades ago. Lot of great memories there

Yes, that cool old building surely added to the vibe of Penisula. I hope when it's rebuilt the new design can somehow fit in.

Eddy's Bike Shop announces new Peninsula location after devastating February fire

Craig Webb

Akron Beacon Journal

Published April 8, 2025

 

 

Eddy's Bike Shop announced late Monday that it will reopen for rentals on Friday.

 

"While the old location was unable to be saved the amazing people in Peninsula helped us find a location we believe will be perfect for the cyclists in this area," the bike shop announced on social media.

 

The new shop is situated at 1655 Mill Street West in Peninsula near its previous location.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2025/04/08/eddys-bike-shop-opening-new-peninsula-location-friday-after-fire/82985531007/

Looking for a trip down memory lane? Apple Jax Toys in Peninsula specializes in nostalgia

Craig Webb

Akron Beacon Journal

April 19, 2025

 

Apple Jax Toys has opened inside of a former popcorn shop on Main Street.

 

The store, at 1595 Main St., specializes in vintage toys, along with new ones. It has been around since 2018 and has another storefront in Lakewood.

 

Apple Jax Toys recently closed up shop in Chagrin Falls and moved to Peninsula.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/entertainment/2025/04/19/apple-jax-toys-opens-toy-store-peninsula-village-ohio/83085652007/