Sandusky continues MacArthur Park revamp

SANDUSKY — Sandusky officials continue to fight blight in the MacArthur Park neighborhood, acquiring yet another property for overall enhancement purposes. During a recent public meeting, officials committed $45,000, plus closing costs, to buy a quadplex at 2132 Parkview Blvd. "The city plans to (perform) asbestos abatement and, ultimately, demolish and hold for future redevelopment," city chief development officer Matt Lasko said. "Demolition is anticipated for late fall or early 2021." Officials might need to spend an additional $20,000 for demolition-related expenses. If so, they'll withdraw previously banked money coming from a federal grant. Since 2015, the city has acquired almost 20 properties in this area. "The method of site control has differed," Lasko said. "Some properties have been bought by the city while others have been forfeited to us via foreclosure and eventual sheriff sale." Also referred to as Churchwell Park, this zone falls within the South Side Neighborhood, one of six residential areas city officials previously targeted in their ongoing neighborhood initiative plan. Officials reserved $1.25 million in public funds for various quality-of-life improvements. History lesson MacArthur Park was originally built as temporary housing for residents recruited to create weapons for Allied troops during World War II, and it has lasted a lot longer than anyone anticipated. The ranch-style, multifamily residential structures in MacArthur Park provided many first-generation city residents their initial — or, for some, their forever — homes in Sandusky. Crews built these homes to provide employees at the Plum Brook Ordnance Works, the modern-day NASA Plum Brook Station, with adequate shelter. In the following decades, it remained a popular Sandusky neighborhood. After the war ended, people still moved into MacArthur Park to work at a major, nearby employer: the New Departure plant, later renamed to Delphi and KBI. Now, almost 80 years later, city officials want to strengthen the historic zone by, among other ways, demolishing dilapidated and dangerous homes. "The city ultimately desires to undertake an extensive master plan for the area, exploring improvements that can be made to housing conditions, parks and green space, infrastructure, transportation, connectivity and programming," Lasko said. What remains in the neighborhood today: about 120 units spread across 45 properties, many of which lack modern amenities and go without upgrades or renovations. "Although we do not believe it is realistic to assume we will acquire every property, we desire to acquire as many as possible to provide the most flexibility in reimagining the neighborhood," Lasko said. "However, we remain committed to working with all stakeholders who will continue to reside in or own property within the area to help us plan for future investments and improvements that benefit all."