Erie County Port Authority & Economic Development Corp. get $6M for redevelopment project
By By NICO SAMANIEGO
Erie County EDC
Sandusky, Perkins Twp – 2509 Hayes LLC. in partnership with the Erie County Economic Development Corp. & the Erie County Port Authority have been awarded a $6 million grant from the Ohio Department of Development for the remediation of 2509 Hayes Ave. – the large industrial site in Perkins Township known locally as the former KBI site.
“Perkins Township is very appreciative of the recent announcement by Gov. Dewine that 2509 Hayes Avenue has been awarded a brownfield grant that will make this large, fully-serviced industrial property more attractive for redevelopment,” said Gary Boyle, Perkins Township Administrator.
“Such redevelopment will return this property to productive use and will generate employment opportunities for our residents and residents of neighboring communities. Perkins Township has continued to support the redevelopment of this significant property since the former KBI operation ceased, and our joint efforts with ECEDC to foster new industrial development on this property will hopefully come to fruition through the securing such important grant funding.”
The Department of Development’s Brownfield Remediation Program is an initiative to revitalize industrial sites that are abandoned, idled or underutilized. These grants will be used to remediate brownfield sites across that state including 2509 Hayes. To receive funding, the site’s owners of 2509 Hayes LLC partnered with the Erie County Port Authority, to complete a competitive application process that required input and support from various stakeholders and a vision for future economic activity.
The Erie County Port Authority is administrated by the Erie County Economic Development Corp. By partnering with the Port Authority, this project was best positioned to receive funding. The Port Authority can be involved in a wide range of economic development projects, including retail or public improvement projects, but their mainstay is a focus on industrial development and creative financing to attract and retain businesses. This is one tool the Erie County Economic Development Corp. utilizes to assist in the economic development of Erie County.
“This grant is a significant step in repositioning the site into the economic driver it formerly was. By investing in redevelopment and improvement of this site, we have set the stage for additional development and the potential for a new catalyst for economic growth in the region,” said Abbey Bemis, executive director of the Erie County Economic Development Corp. and the Erie County Port Authority.
Many individuals played key roles in the pursuit and procurement of this remediation grant. and the project.
“We want to thank the State of Ohio; Erie County Port Authority; Biggins, Lacy, Shapiro & Company LLC; and Perkins Township for their continued support of our investment in the redevelopment of this key site for the community,” said Stu Mills, wwner, 2509 Hayes LLC.
Nico Samaniego is Business Development Coordinator for Erie County Economic Development Corp., a private non-profit organization serving the community through comprehensive economic development programs. The group helps individuals and businesses start, stay and grow in Erie County. For information, call 419-627-7791 or email office@eriecountyedc.org.
