Perkins open for business

Over the course of the last year, the world has undeniably changed. We conduct business differently, and many of the changes that society has gotten used to have changed us for the better. As the threat of COVID-19 simmers down, we are left to pick up where we left off a year ago. Perkins Township is and has remained open for business. Like townships and cities in the area, we adapted, worked from home and conducted business differently. Many of the township's planned projects were delayed or put off for a year due to budgetary constraints. But, in the past year, business has flourished in Perkins Township. I encourage you to actively look for changes that are taking place. Development is happening in every direction: • The Sandusky Mall Complex is a prime example. They are actively reinvesting into our community with the redevelopment of the mall and the addition of 100-plus new apartment units on the rear of the property. • Firelands hospital is building a beautiful new health care center on the corner of Perkins and Columbus avenues. • Raising Canes has started construction. • Work on the new Fairfield Inn has begun, which will change the skyline of U.S. 250. • Many new homes are being constructed throughout the township, which will only facilitate future growth. Looking ahead to the rest of 2021, there are dozens of new projects and exciting changes to come. Our recreation department is expanding its services, public works road projects are starting, sidewalks are being installed, and beautification projects are underway. As we plan for the future beyond COVID-19, the planning department has worked to finish a new comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan will serve to guide Perkins Township's growth and the quality of development as well as identifying the infrastructure and community facilities necessary to support growth. The updated plan, the previous one was adopted in 2005, will balance current needs with the township's projected future needs. The growth that the township has faced over the last 30 years has led to continued coordination of orderly development within the township. The plan touches on existing conditions and the township's goals, objectives and implementation strategies to address changes in the future. Neighborhood/district plans are also underway to provide in-depth analysis of the neighborhoods, amenities and their needs. The establishment of new districts and branding strategies will help foster community-originated identity for the township as a whole and its neighborhoods. Considerations from enhanced safety measures to increased transportation and mobility will be reviewed and recommended. As we progress forward into a new era, I believe Perkins Township will continue to move forward. Our successes can be contributed to those partnerships Perkins Township has found in Perkins Schools, nonprofit organizations, such as OHgo, and our many large and small businesses. We will continue to work and plan within state and local health guidelines as we conduct business to the best of our ability. We owe our local safety services departments and health care workers a great deal of thanks, as the last year has not been easy on anyone but especially them. As I reflect on the past year, I believe that the collaboration across the county has positioned our communities to rise from the ashes of this pandemic, with fingers crossed that we will only have to go through this experience once. Governmental entities in our area were arguably hit harder than most others in the state, but we are open for business and looking toward a bright future.