RV park gets go-ahead

PERKINS TWP. — Perkins officials green-lit a project to park a new RV resort in a southern portion of the township. During a recent public meeting, members of the township's zoning appeals board approved what's called a conditional use permit for a company called RVC Outdoor Destinations. Such a permit is required for unique projects, namely an RV park, in a specific area. While the project requires many other approvals, this represents the first major — and, likely, most pivotal — in ensuring this initiative moves forward, officials said. "We're thrilled to bring the RVC brand to the Midwest, and we could think of no better landing spot than Sandusky, Ohio," RVC's executive vice president Matt Uselton said. "We are honored to become a part of this community and look forward to partnering and supporting local businesses." Project primer Gary Boyle, the township's administrator, went into further detail on this initiative: • Who: "The site operator is affiliated with RVC Outdoor, a national operator of outdoor destination properties in nine states." • What: "Based on preliminary drawings on file, the community development department has advised that the project would include about 215 RV sites, an office, swimming pool/ playground/ pavilion area, cabins, etc. The total site area is approximately 49 acres." • Where: "The proposed RV resort park would be located on the west side of U.S. 250 just north of the Mobil gas station at 7001 Milan Road and opposite Kalahari Resorts." • When: Following the most recent meeting, officials believe construction could start in summer 2022 with a tentative opening slated for 2023. • Why: "The property in question has local ownership. The proposed RV resort operators apparently see a business opportunity related to the development of a luxury RV resort park, given the significant number of attractions in our area, including Lake Erie and the islands, Kalahari Resorts opposite this site, Cedar Point, etc. Lake Erie Shores & Islands has noted that our area attracts around 11 million visitors annually. Presumably, as a result of that fact, a large amount of visitors is attractive to a company involved with outdoor destination properties." Some other project details, such as a cost estimate, are not yet known as of today. Why Perkins supports the plan Some locals might remember the name RVC Outdoor Destination. RVC proposed a similar initiative in 2018 by the former Keys Golf Course & Driving Range on Boos Road. Huron Township officials, however, ultimately rejected the project due to many public concerns. Residents raised issues about the project potentially congesting roadways, tying up safety services, putting a strain on public utilities and lowering property values. So what's different in this plan? For starters, it's in Perkins Township on land where there aren't many homes, Boyle said. Additionally, it's on the area's largest corridor, Milan Road. Boyle then noted the following in support of this project: • "The property in question is designated in the township's comprehensive plan for future commercial use, and the development of the proposed RV resort park would be consistent with the long-term land use goals of the township." • "The proposed use seems to be ideally located from the perspective of access, and the nature of the proposed RV resort park would be compatible other business uses along this busy commercial corridor." • "The proposed RV resort park is seen as providing another option for visitors to our community and the region as well as providing another opportunity for those with RVs to vacation in our area." • The "township is supportive of economic development projects that are consistent with its planning guidelines, and such projects create construction as well as permanent employment opportunities in the community."