Sandusky shows support for Sortino's new hotel

SANDUSKY — The finances checked out, so Sandusky officials approved a property tax break for a local hotelier to continue pursuing a multimillion-dollar project.During Friday's public meeting, city commissioners supported a 10-year tax abatement for Sortino Management & Development for its ongoing expansion at Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Cedar Point Drive.The abatement translates to city officials forgiving 75 percent of all taxes produced strictly from new development once construction ends over a decade-long period.Sortino management, meanwhile, will commit the necessary funds, estimated between $5.9 million and $6.8 million, to complete this renovation. As of today, officials haven't put forth any public tax dollars toward the project.Among the commissioners voting "yes" included Sandusky city commissioner Dick Brady."Partial tax abatement is meant to encourage investment," Brady said. "It makes good sense to support the Sortino family's request. They have supported this city for more than 50 years with investments that have employed hundreds of our residents in their hotels and restaurant. The expansion of the Holiday Inn Express means millions of construction dollars and 15 new full-time jobs."The projectDocuments show the Holiday Inn expanding by 66 rooms and building upward to reach a five-story height. Once work is completed, which must end by mid-2020 but could realistically wrap up sometime in 2019, the hotel should offer 139 guest rooms. Construction began a few weeks ago."We are excited to announce this major reinvestment into the property," said Mike Sortino, the operations director for the Sortino Co., which owns the Holiday Inn. "This investment has been made possible by the success we have enjoyed at the property since opening (in spring 2016)."Sortino revealed some more details about the neighboring Quality Inn & Suites Rainwater Park, also owned by the Sortino Co."During construction (the Quality Inn and water park) will close. When complete, the complex will rebrand as The Cedar Corners Hotel and Entertainment Complex, and the existing Quality Inn Hotel will be transformed into a boutique-style hotel called The Stables at the Thirsty Pony."All renovations circle back to improving a guest's overall experience."We look forward to continued success and to being of service to our community and providing a first-class hotel experience, accommodations and guest serves to all our patrons," Sortino said.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Construction work continues to expand the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Cedar Point Drive in Sandusky. During Friday's public meeting, city commissioners approved a tax abatement related to the project, estimated between $5.9 million and $6.8 million.