Corso's withdraws plans for housing project

SANDUSKY — After days of public debate, many eagerly awaited the Sandusky planning commission's decision on Corso's Flower & Garden Center's proposed housing project. Its members, however, didn't vote for or against the project — Corso's wouldn't even give them an opportunity to weigh in on the matter. Kicking off Wednesday's meeting, city ex officio mayor Dick Brady informed planning commission members how Corso's withdrew applications to build a dormitory for its workforce. Along with city manager Eric Wobser, Brady met with Corso's representatives earlier on in the day. Neither Corso's representatives nor Brady specified the reason for such an action. "They wish to reserve their right to resubmit this application for this location, or any other potential locations, within the city at a later date," Brady said when referencing Corso's. Corso's original plans showed crews building a residential complex on Mills Street and West Perkins Avenue where St. Paul Lutheran Church's building stands today. Before construction could occur, the project required affirmative votes for zoning changes: first from Sandusky's planning commission and then, second and finally, from city commission at a later date. Project background Corso's representatives previously explained how the residential complex would cater to its H-2A — a visa for temporary, non-immigrant — workers along with college interns. Today those groups "are currently housed at multiple locations from Sandusky extending out to Sheffield Lake," according to a letter Corso's executive Chad Corso wrote to the Register. "Our goal is to adapt the St. Paul's church property to house the agricultural workers and adjacent houses for the college interns. We see Sandusky as an ideal solution for these workers." Sandusky officials worked with Corso's representatives on a tentative plan. "The project will add to the city's tax base, support the continued growth and success of a local company and be a nice location for workers and college interns to reside," Jonathan Holody, the city's community development director, said earlier this month. In his letter, Chad Corso stressed the many pluses that would arise from this proposal. Among them: "We are a family-owned and managed business in Erie County dating back to 1941 that employs 200 area residents. The multi-cultural enrichment to community bringing in workers from localities of North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia benefits our community." For and against Many residents, including those on Mills Street, expressed opposition to the project. Matt Ames, who lives on the road, wrote a letter to the editor outlining his viewpoints. "After hearing the proposal to rezone St. Paul's Lutheran Church and converting it into a 160-plus, male-only dormitory for H-2A agricultural workers, I'm confused how this benefits our neighborhood and the city," Ames wrote. "We see this proposal putting into question our increasing property values enjoyed over the last decade," Ames continued. "We are hoping that the city planning commission can balance progress with keeping vital communities intact and putting forth policies and proposals that further enhance our neighborhoods." Dennis Murray Jr., who serves on Sandusky's planning commission and city commission, didn't reveal how he would have voted. But, like Corso and Ames, he also penned a letter to the editor and offered up his beliefs on this topic. "My confidence that what is proposed is the right answer for this property is buoyed by the fact that it is the Corso family that is proposing this," Murray wrote. "They have been outstanding corporate citizens for many decades. They do things the right way. They are good partners, and I am confident that they will be in this venture." He ended his letter by stating the following: "And if we are going to call ourselves a welcoming community, let's prove it."