since we don't get much north central ohio news updates:

 

Sandusky must continue growing, city manager says

BOB ZOELLNER, Morning Journal Correspondent02/25/2005

 

 

SANDUSKY -- Communication difficulties are something City Manager Michael Will says he has experienced with the seven city commissioners recently, but yesterday Will had no trouble communicating his vision for the future of Sandusky.

 

©The Morning Journal 2005

paper district?

Since you asked....

 

The Paper District (pic at end):

http://www.ci.sandusky.oh.us/San2-PaperDistrict.htm

 

Firelands Regional Medical Center ($150M project):

http://www.ci.sandusky.oh.us/San2-FRMC.htm

 

 

 

wow that looks reaallly niiiice --- now that is how to use the lakefront property! thanks for finding and posting the rendering!

 

"you're wrong.???"

 

What...you don't like my sig line?  :D

 

Yeah, that Paper District pic looks pretty cool.  It looks like a great re-use of old industrial buildings.

oh i didnt realize that was your handle.

 

i was looking at those links. very impressive. the city street side rendering is worth putting up too,eh?:

 

more movement on this from today:

 

Wave pool site eyed for condos

By RICHARD PAYERCHIN, Sandusky Bureau Chief03/15/2005

 

SANDUSKY -- A 10-story condominium building is one possible use for the Surf's Up Wave Action Pool on Sandusky's waterfront, according to a pitch made yesterday to the Sandusky City Commission.

Excellent!

So cool..thats one of those industrial piers isnt it?...they are turning it into "lofts on the water"......wow..way to go Sandusky!

The plan drew no criticism but prompted an inquiry from Jim Eiselstein, commodore of the nearby Sandusky Yacht Club.

 

hmm, i see a lot of "captains" of industry and finance running around noo yook --- but i think a "commodore" trumps them!

 

i wonder how does one get to be a commodore? is that like a kentucky colonel? hehe.

 

 

^ Hehehe...I love how any organization that's involved with sailing uses "commodore" instead of president.

From the 5/15/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Magnet in the works

Cedar Point's hometown branches out

By MARY-BETH McLAUGHLIN

BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

 

SANDUSKY - Dan Delahunt admits he's not a professional developer, so it was more of a gut feeling that led him to buy and renovate a downtown building into nine condominiums and three retail spaces.

 

Contact Mary-Beth McLaughlin at

[email protected] or 419-724-6199.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050515/BUSINESS06/505140341

 

From the 5/28/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Port Clinton opens downtown marina

Plan would greatly expand 8-slip site

By STEVE MURPHY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

PORT CLINTON - City officials have opened Port Clinton's first municipal marina, just in time for the boating season.

 

The Portage River dock, which has space for up to eight boats, was dedicated on Thursday at the foot of Jefferson Street. Space in the transient facility will be rented on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Contact Steve Murphy at:

[email protected] or 419-724-6078.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050528/NEWS17/505280384/-1/NEWS

 

From the 7/1/05 Toledo Blade:

 

PHOTO: Second Chief Larry Angelo discusses the federal lawsuit filed by the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, as Bert Kleiden, secretary of council, left, and Chief Charles Todd look on.  (THE BLADE/LORI KING)

 

Tribe sues to acquire state land on North Bass

Oklahoma Ottawas seek fishing rights too

 

An Oklahoma-based Native American tribe whose ancestral roots lie in northwest Ohio yesterday filed the first of two lawsuits in federal court related to its claim to state-owned land on North Bass Island in Lake Erie.

 

The Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma claims a treaty it made with the federal government 200 years ago provides the tribe with unrestricted fishing and hunting rights.  The tribe is seeking recognition from the state for those rights that would allow it to establish a commercial fishery on North Bass Island.

 

Richard Rogovin, the Columbus attorney who filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court, said a second lawsuit would be filed later this year in an attempt to pursue the tribe's property rights to about 300 acres on the northern half of the island.

 

The tribe claims the land was not among property that was relinquished to the federal government with the signing of the Treaty of Fort Industry on July 4, 1805, and that the Ottawas retained ownership of the property when the Canadian border was moved north of the island in 1822.

 

MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050701/NEWS02/507010560/-1/NEWS

 

Hmm can they say  claim to any piece of land? if so why not claim downtown cincinnati..;)

My guess is that the commercial fishing is better in Lake Erie than it is on the Ohio.

The Lake Erie Western Basin is THE best place to fish on all the great lakes... and it's really not even close otherwise.  There are some rather absurd statistics that I have been told in the past to the equivalent that more fish are caught there than the rest of the great lakes combined, and the like.  May not be true but lets just say the fish are biting.

From the 7/9/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

MIDDLE BASS

State seeks approval to expand island park

 

By the 2009 tourist season, Middle Bass Island State Park could feature 360 boat slips, a boat launch ramp, sand beach, and an expanded campground, state officials said.

 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources took the first step yesterday when it filed permit applications with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

 

Those permits are required by federal law and must be issued before the other work can begin at the 124-acre Middle Bass site, which the state bought in 2001 for $6.75 million from Mantey-Mon Ami-Lonz Wineries Corp.

 

Read More...

 

From the 7/25/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

PHOTO: Ohio Department of Natural Resources official Jane Beathard checks out the shoreline of Middle Bass Island State Park. Tight state budgets have held back development of the park. This spring ODNR began offering tent camping at 21 sites equipped with fire rings, charcoal grills, and picnic tables. ( THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH )

 

State has big ideas for Middle Bass Island

An $11.4 million plan envisions marina and campsite upgrades

By STEVE MURPHY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

MIDDLE BASS ISLAND - In the five years since the Ohio Department of Natural Resources bought 124 acres and the former Lonz Winery on Middle Bass Island, progress toward developing a state park has been slow.

 

The winery, a landmark that dominates the island's south shoreline, has remained empty and unused since a terrace collapsed in July, 2000, killing one person and injuring 75. The park has no beach, no cabins for rent, and no sources of potable water.

 

A series of tight state budgets have limited planners to modest improvements. ODNR installed a 50-slip marina in 2001 and added electrical hookups to about half the docks a year later.

 

Read More...

 

From the 7/29/05 PD:

 

Ottawa tribal leaders visit islands as returning exiles, not tourists

Friday, July 29, 2005

Austin Arceo

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

North Bass Island - Larry Angelo, an Ottawa Indian, was smoking as he crossed Lake Erie with a blessing in his pocket - another cigarette.  Angelo, second chief and historian of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, came to this island in western Lake Erie searching for remnants of a rich Ottawa history in Ohio.

 

He was accompanied by two other tribal officials after the Ottawas filed suit in U.S. District Court in Toledo last month, seeking fishing and hunting rights in Ohio and Lake Erie.  Their attorney, Richard Rogovin, said the Ottawas plan to file another suit this year for the island's northernmost 300 acres, which they say belong to them.  Their claim is disputed by some historians.

 

On June 30, Angelo led Charles A. Todd, chief of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, and Bert Kleidon, the tribe's secretary-treasurer, in prayer on the island.  Then he tore open a cigarette and tossed tobacco in four directions in a traditional Ottawa blessing.

 

MORE: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1122629415108980.xml&coll=2

 

From the 8/1/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

MIDDLE BASS ISLAND

Marina work may leave islanders high and dry

By STEVE MURPHY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

MIDDLE BASS ISLAND - Ohio's plans to expand the state park marina on Middle Bass Island have some islanders concerned they might lose their dock space.

 

First, to make room for the bigger facility, the state is buying a private marina where many islanders and seasonal residents dock their boats.

 

Second, the expansion project calls for the state's marina to be closed from fall, 2007, to spring, 2009, while it's enlarged from 50 slips to at least 360.

 

Read More...

 

From the 8/25/05 Toledo Blade:

 

Petro urges U.S. court to dismiss tribe's suit seeking fishing rights

BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU

 

COLUMBUS - Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro yesterday asked the U.S. District Court in Toledo to throw out the Oklahoma-based Ottawa Tribe's claim to unrestricted hunting and fishing rights off North Bass Island in Lake Erie.

 

The motion for dismissal argues that the tribe's lawsuit improperly hinges its claim on treaties ratified by the United States in 1805.  "The only reference in those treaties that dealt with hunting and fishing rights dealt with rights south of what is now Akron in Summit County," Mr. Petro said.

 

The tribe sued at the end of June in hopes of establishing a commercial fishing operation on the island.  Later this year, it plans a second suit claiming outright ownership of 300 acres on the northern portion of the island, which the tribe claims was part of Canada when Native American tribes surrendered their land to the United States under the Treaty of Fort Industry.

 

The undeveloped land was purchased by the state from Paramount Distillers two years ago for $17.4 million.

 

MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050825/NEWS24/508250390

 

From the 9/27/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Port Clinton marina plan gets $1.25M

 

PORT CLINTON - Port Clinton's plans for a large municipal marina got a boost yesterday when the Ohio Controlling Board approved a $1.25 million grant toward construction of a breakwall needed to protect the proposed facility from Lake Erie storms.

 

The grant was among more than $3 million in funding released for projects that will improve recreational boating access, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050927/NEWS17/509270390/-1/NEWS

 

A public meeting with the EPA will take place October 11 at the Middle Bass Island town hall.  I would ecpect more news on the marina shortly thereafter.

 

Here's the press release which describes the environmental impacts and their mitigation.  It also has details on the meeting:

http://www.epa.state.oh.us/pic/nr/2005/september/MiddleBassIsland.html

From the 10/12/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

PHOTO: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources would like to expand its marina on Middle Bass Island from 50 to 360 slips. ( THE BLADE )

 

Marina expansion debated at hearing

Plan would affect island's wetlands

By STEVE MURPHY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

MIDDLE BASS ISLAND, Ohio - Boaters, environmentalists, and residents of Middle Bass Island debated yesterday during a hearing on water quality impacts conducted by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency whether the state should expand a public marina on the island.

 

As part of a $11.4 million plan to improve recreational offerings on the island, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has proposed enlarging its marina from 50 to 360 slips. That would disturb or destroy 4.25 acres of wetlands, mostly on a peninsula built from material dredged when the original harbor was built in the early 1960s.

 

ODNR, which bought 124 acres on the island in 2000 for a state park, applied in July for water quality permits from Ohio EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the project, which it plans to complete by the summer of 2009.

 

Read More...

 

From the 10/19/05 PD:

 

 

Environmentalists object to state plan for Middle Bass Island park, marina

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Molly Kavanaugh

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Middle Bass Island -- Two environmental groups oppose the state's proposed state park and 360-slip marina, arguing that the project will destroy high-quality wetlands and disrupt the threatened Lake Erie water snake.

 

"We are disappointed that a state agency normally charged with protecting natural resources is actively seeking to destroy them," said Jerry Tinianow, Audubon Ohio's executive director. Ohio's Sierra Club also opposes the project.

 

In 2000, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources purchased the property, which includes the old Lonz Winery and a small marina. The plans were to turn it into a first-class marina and lakefront park with a campground and cottages.

 

Read More..

 

From the 11/27/05 Toledo Blade:

 

MAP: Border dispute

 

BATTLE FOR NORTH BASS ISLAND

Tribe's land claim centers on treaties from early 1800s

By JIM PROVANCE

BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU

 

COLUMBUS - Arcane language in two treaties between a young United States of America and Native American tribes is being used by the Ottawa Tribe to lay claim to North Bass Island in Lake Erie.  Geographic points referenced in the 1805 and 1807 treaties have prompted a Kent State University geography professor to plot what she believes was the U.S.-Canadian border through Lake Erie in the early 1800s.

 

Armed with this map, Oklahoma's Ottawa Tribe, which originally planned to file a federal lawsuit in January laying claim to the northern half of North Bass Island, now wants the entire 677-acre island, both public and private lands.  It also wants the $17.4 million Ohio paid Paramount Distillers two years ago to buy 87 percent of the island with the intention of largely protecting it from development.

 

If the suit is successful, Dick Rogavin, Columbus attorney for the tribe, said the scenic island could become home to a fishing village, walleye fish hatchery, marinas, a fish-processing and freezer plant, hotels with indoor pools, condominiums and parking, tax-free tobacco and beverage shops, and an expanded air strip.

 

MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051127/NEWS17/511270329/-1/NEWS

 

From the 12/15/05 Toledo Blade:

 

 

Sandusky getting $2.7M grant for lakeside complex

 

SANDUSKY - The city of Sandusky will receive more than $2.7 million from a state brownfield redevelopment fund to help buy and convert a lakefront storage dock into a marina, a condominium complex, and a commercial development, the Ohio Department of Development announced yesterday.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051215/NEWS17/512150394/-1/NEWS

 

From the AP, 11/28/05:

 

Indian tribe lays claim to 677-acre island

Not covered by treaties that passed land to U.S., it says

By the Associated Press

 

COLUMBUS | An Indian tribe that has been fighting for fishing rights on a northern Ohio island now wants ownership of the 677 acres.  Based on a new interpretation of two treaties from the early 1800s, the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma claims that it should have the entire North Bass Island in Lake Erie.

 

Ute Dymon, a cartographer at Kent State University, constructed a new map based on his readings of two treaties from 1805 and 1807 and said they show that the entire island was on the British side of the U.S.-Canadian border.  That means the island was not subject to treaties with the United States when the tribe relinquished its ownership rights, according to the tribe.

 

Other cartographers believe that the international border at the time ran through the middle of North Bass Island.  Based on that belief, the Ottawa Tribe had planned to sue the state for claim to the northern part of the land only.  Now, based on Dymon's findings, the tribe plans to seek control of the entire island.

 

MORE: http://www.daytondailynews.com/localnews/content/localnews/daily/1128ohtribe.html

 

But this is the problem with Sandusky; they have the nicest, trendiest, most thought-provoking ideas, BUT they never come to fruition.  I lived in Sandusky for about 12 years as a child and have lived in Erie County my whole life; and I have seen and heard of countless good ideas come and fade into the distance.  But, it's good that that city's leaders are thinking progressively (it's just that neighboring Perkins Township steals most of the business away, even without a lakeshore).  These indoor water parks would be very impressive if they were on the lake, but alas, one is next to Meijer's, Steak 'n Shake, and a mall parking lot.  While another is in a wide open, treeless, dull farm field; and another slated to open will be just across the street with a similar setting.  None of these 3 waterparks are in the city of Sandusky. Cedar Point's waterpark is, and it is on the lake (I like that).

 

But personally, I could care less about Sandusky and that part of Erie County (because that area is what the county government ALWAYS focuses its attention on).  Other areas, like where my parents live, Vermilion, Milan, Berlin Heights, etc. often get snubbed.

 

 

Oh well, at least we went to Kerry in the 2004 election!  :-D We're doing something right!

TC Joe, 

 

I disagree that the county government focuses on Sandusky at the expense of the rest of the county.  I grew up in Sandusky, and due to population loss in the central city (Sandusky is the Cleveland of Erie County), the county government has been increasingly taken over by suburban/rural interests.  While it is still the county seat, Sandusky now makes up less than a third of overall county population.  The current waterfront development and other impressive happenings in the downtown are the product of Mike Will, the ambitious City Manager who has nothing to do with the County gov.

 

I think that the County should focus on its waterfronts (Vermilion, Huron, Sandusky)  and historic downtowns (mainly in Sandusky, Milan and Vermilion), as they are easily its most important assets.  The Sandusky Bay Area has created a one-stop shopping vacation type area, ala Orlando, instead of leveraging its quaint downtowns, waterfronts, perch and Walleye fishing, Cedar Point, and the islands in a way that would allow it to maximize its potential.  People should be staying all summer, not just for the weekend.  Don't get me wrong, there is a strong real estate market for direct lakefront property, but  Downtown Sandusky should be the Petoskey or Cape of the NorthCoast.  It's got an abundance of historic homes just begging to be turned into summer cottages, and all are within walking distance, if not directly on the waterfront (which has breathtaking views of Cedar Point skyline and across the Bay). All this within a two hour drive of Cleveland (1 hour), Columbus (2 hours), Detroit (2 1/2 hours), and Toledo (1 hour).

^But I'm with you on voting for Kerry!  We are a swing county, and I've always voted absentee in Erie County, but now that I'm back in Ohio, I've begun voting in Cleveland.

You can still tell what area is most favored by the county government, though (Sandusky/Perkins/Huron/Margeretta)  and that area has most of the population.

 

 

Erie County spent millions in infrastructure and tax abatements, etc. for Kalahari; benefitting Perkins

 

Erie County decided to run water lines along all county and township roads, with Perkins/Huron/Margeretta township residents having to pay a lower rate

 

The county's involvement with Quarry business park in Margeretta

 

 

And I understand that this is the most populous part of Erie County (the northwest portion); and so development will occur at a much faster pace there.  I guess I'm just the typical rural resident ranting on about "those city slickers" LOL :)  But honestly, in my little part of Erie County, we are lucky to get the roads plowed! :)

What part of the county are you from?-I grew up off of Perkins Ave in Sandusky, but my parents moved to Berlin Heights when I was 16 (my mom got transferred to Cleveland, my dad worked at Union Chain on the western side of Sandusky), and I graduated from Edison in '97. 

 

Kalahari is technically in Huron Twp, not Perkins Twp, and is closer to Milan than it is to Sandusky proper. I would argue that people from all over the county work there, and that it is in the south/central part of the county, not the northwest. 

 

It's interesting that you lump Sandusky together with Perkins, Huron and Margaretta/Castalia.  Most people I know in Sandusky blame those places for their problems, and don't see development in those areas as a good thing (People in Sandusky bitch about the 250 corridor in Perkins all the time, it drains their tax base, kills the downtown, etcetera). 

 

I'm sorry about the roads at your parents' place, but not surprised!  The services in Berlin Heights were pretty poor as well.  I think that rural communities in otherwise populated counties get hosed all the time, they just don't have enough votes.  It costs a lot of money to extend infrastructure that far out, and without a lot of political clout, counties are hesitant to make that kind of investment. 

 

I'm glad to have a fellow Erie County area person on the board!

oops

From the 1/25/06 Port Clinton News Herald:

 

 

Hilton resort coming to town

By KRISTINA SMITH

Staff writer

 

CATAWBA ISLAND — The owners of Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery plan to open a posh, multi-million dollar Hilton resort and conference center in May 2007 next to the winery, developers said.

 

The 2.8-acre resort will also create 100 year-round jobs for Ottawa County, said Jenine M. Porter, director of R.F. Porter and Associates Inc., a local firm working with Hilton Hotels Corp. and winery owner Heiberg Inc. of Findlay.

I'd like to see beachfront hotels in that area.  I think that'd be a nice getaway for Ohioans (and I'm not talking about a Ramada near Cedar Point).

There is always Lindy's Beachside Resort in Marblehead.

'Nuff said.

From the 3/8/06 Port Clinton News Herald:

 

 

Marina project put on hold

By DAN DEARTH

Staff writer

 

PORT CLINTON -- The city's marina project is dead in the water until organizers can agree on a funding strategy.

 

Councilman Jeff Morgan said during council's Tuesday night Finance Committee meeting that some of the project's proponents think a developer should pay the $9.5 million cost. Others feel the city's best bet is going after public grants to foot the bill.

 

The project includes building a 161-slip marina at the Portage River's mouth and improving the adjoining Waterworks Park with commercial development.

 

http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060308/NEWS01/603080302/1002

 

From the 3/9/06 Port Clinton News Herald:

 

 

Hilton zoning request dropped

Future of project up in the air

By KRISTINA SMITH

Staff writer

 

CATAWBA ISLAND -- A week after guaranteeing to bring a posh Hilton resort to the island, the developer has pulled its plans and may not build at all, an official said.

 

Heiberg Inc. of Findlay withdrew its request Wednesday to change zoning on Mon Ami Winery's property that would have allowed construction of the 150-room hotel and conference center.

Port Clinton seeks to sell old city hall

Historic limestone building dates to 1912

 

By STEVE MURPHY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

 

PORT CLINTON - For more than 80 years, the limestone building at Second and Adams streets was a hub of activity in downtown Port Clinton, housing city and township offices, police and fire departments, a historical museum, and a public library.

 

But the two-story landmark, completed in 1912, has been empty and deteriorating since the city moved operations to a new complex on Buckeye Boulevard in 1996. Only an annex occupied by the fire department remains in use.

 

Full story at:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060311/NEWS17/603110359/-1/NEWS

From the 3/17/06 Port Clinton News Herald:

 

 

Official: Hilton project back on

By KRISTINA SMITH

Staff writer

 

CATAWBA ISLAND -- Despite pulling their plans for a Hilton resort last week, the owners of Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery still want to build the hotel on the winery's property, an official said Thursday.

 

And the township's land use committee might find a way to help them go ahead with the multi-million dollar project, despite the zoning board's rejection of a requested zoning change, said Walt Wehenkel, Ottawa Regional Planning director.

Catawba struggles with controlling growth

Port Clinton News Herald, 3/18/06

 

After two proposed housing developments threatened to increase the island's population and traffic last year, the township trustees might approve a plan that could limit the number of houses built.

 

A committee of island residents at their meeting Thursday recommended the trustees change the island's land-use plan, a guideline for how various areas can be developed, to reduce the number of houses per acre in medium density areas from 2-4 to 2-3.  Developers can only put four houses up if they are building a planned-unit development.  The trustees could vote on that suggestion at their March 28 meeting in the township building.

 

Planned-unit developments are best for Catawba Township's future growth, committee members and Ottawa Regional Planning Commission Director Walter Wehenkel agreed.  The incentive for an additional home would help bring more of those types of subdivisions, members said.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060331/NEWS17/603310375/-1/NEWS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article published March 31, 2006

 

Port Clinton city hall may get a makeover

Prospective buyer envisions condos

By STEVE MURPHY

BLADE STAFF WRITER

 

 

PORT CLINTON - A Lorain County firm that specializes in rehabilitating historic structures has offered to buy Port Clinton's former city hall for $250,000 and convert the deteriorating landmark into a condominium complex.

 

The limestone landmark at Second and Adams streets, which dates to 1912, has sat empty since municipal offices moved out a decade ago.

 

Lighthouse Historic Development of Grafton, Ohio, plans to spend about $2.6 million to renovate the structure into 18 condominium units, a coffee shop, and an adjoining parking garage.

 

More at link above:

Commission approves $40K for four lake projects

Port Clinton News Herald, 4/2/06

 

The Ohio Lake Erie Commission has awarded nearly $40,000 for four small grant projects that will benefit Lake Erie and its environmental, recreational and economic resources.  Grant recipients include:

 

* The University of Toledo received $9,576 for its project "Survey Fish Diversity: Testing the impact of vegetative encroachment."  The project will compare the structure and composition of fish communities in agricultural streams with and without vegetated encroachment.  The research will be focused on the headwaters of the Ottawa River, a tributary to western Lake Erie.

 

* U.S. Geological Survey was awarded a $10,000 grant to continue the study: "Rapid Method of E.coli in the Cuyahoga River."  The survey will test the accuracy of a previously introduced model for testing E.coli and, if necessary, develop a more accurate model.

 

* Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Preservation Society was awarded $10,000 to construct a floating access dock and ramp system to allow visitors easier access to the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse.  This is the first step towards renovation of the lighthouse.

 

* U.S. Geological Survey received $10,000 to examine the discharge of E.coli and suspended sediment from the Berger Ditch and Maumee Bay State Park beach into Lake Erie.  The results will help in determining the E.coli levels in the water and provide information for the design of a wetland to treat water before it enters Maumee Bay.

Catawba land-use plan gets OK

Port Clinton News Herald, 3/29/06

 

The township trustees on Tuesday approved a plan that could limit the number of houses built on the island.  They unanimously adopted a land-use plan that will reduce the number of houses allowed in medium density areas from 2-4 per acre to 2-3 per acre.

 

Developers, however, could put up 2-4 units per acre if they use a planned-unit development.  Those types of developments group homes together and have larger open spaces, such as nature areas or marshes.

 

This change in the number of houses comes after two proposed subdivisions threatened to increase the island's population and traffic flow last year.  Residents vocally opposed them, and neither was built.  The land-use plan will be effective until 2015.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060408/NEWS17/604080380/-1/NEWS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article published April 8, 2006

 

Sandusky pushes harbor plan

 

 

SANDUSKY - The city has applied to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for permission to construct breakwaters in the harbor for a proposed 95-slip marina to accommodate visiting boaters.

 

Gary Packan, assistant city manager, said yesterday that the proposed marina at 401 W. Shoreland Drive dovetails with the conversion of a lakefront storage dock into a 191-unit condominium and marina complex called the Paper District. That redevelopment aims to convert industrial buildings along the lake to residential and retail uses.

From the 4/12/06 Port Clinton News Herald:

 

 

Legislation introduced to sell old City Hall

By DAN DEARTH

Staff writer

 

PORT CLINTON -- The sale of old City Hall moved closer to fruition Tuesday night after City Council introduced legislation that would give city officials permission to sell the limestone building for $250,000 to a Lorain County developer.

 

Before the city can go through with the sale, however, council must discuss the legislation at two more meetings, on April 25 and again May 9. Ordinances require three readings before they are adopted.

 

More at: http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/NEWS01/604120301/1002/rss01

 

Lawsuit filed over toxic land

Port Clinton News Herald, 4/13/06

 

An Akron company dropped its plans for an island housing development last year after discovering pesticides contaminated the land, according to a lawsuit filed Friday.  Land-owners James and Judith Rofkar of Catawba Island knew the 34 acres off Northwest Catawba Road near Linda Drive were toxically polluted but tried to sell them to Capital First Development LLC anyway, the company alleges in the lawsuit it filed in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court.

 

The couple owned and operated an apple orchard on the property and used chemicals and pesticides in that business, said Capital First's attorney, Craig Eoff of Akron.  The Rofkars' phone number is disconnected, and no one answered the door at their Northwest Catawba Road home Wednesday evening.  A family member was unable to put the News Herald in contact with the couple.