Creating a new Columbus Avenue

SANDUSKY — One of the region's most prominent and historic streets needs a makeover. Earlier this year, city commissioners signed a contract to redesign, and ultimately reconstruct, Columbus Avenue between Adams and Water streets. But to what extent? That's up to those who drive by, work on, walk along and do business along this significant street. Sandusky officials and its consultant team recently launched a public engagement process for what's called the Columbus Avenue Streetscape Design and Reconstruction Project. "We are looking for your input on the design and character for this major downtown streetscape," city chief planner Arin Blair said. Those interested can take a survey by visiting surveymonkey.com/r/YQVBW2B up until Aug. 7. Insight into the initiative Blair broke down some notable project aspects for this section of Columbus Avenue, a central arterial within Erie County's roadway system: • Project background: "Sandusky has made incredible progress in revitalizing downtown infrastructure, most notably in the recently finished Jackson Street Pier and Shoreline Drive projects. We are already seeing the benefits of these improvements through increased daily pedestrian and bicycle usage, increased patronage of area businesses, new private investment and a full calendar of events and programming." • Project reasoning: "Future phases of downtown infrastructure improvements will continue the revitalization process by bringing the next set of key places up to the quality and usefulness of these recent improvements." • Project importance: "Columbus Avenue is identified in (Sandusky's) downtown master plan as the next major project for public realm improvements. As the central spine of downtown, Columbus Avenue terminates into Schade-Mylander Plaza with iconic views of the water. Columbus Avenue is Sandusky's Main Street, anchored by City Hall and the Sandusky State Theatre. The street also functions as the center of downtown's retail environment, connecting the bustling retail spaces along Market Street, Water Street, and Shoreline Drive." • Project scope: Among the "planning objectives for the Columbus Avenue focus area include: — Making Columbus Avenue downtown's most vibrant street — Fostering a connection to Shoreline Drive and Jackson Street Pier — Anchoring the civic and retail core of downtown — Increasing waterfront connection and outdoor dining opportunities — Continuing the transformation of experience at the terminus to Sandusky Bay The draft components are built upon the community vision for Columbus Avenue depicted in the downtown master plan that was adopted in 2021 and close engagement with Columbus Avenue stakeholders — building owners, business owners, residents and employees — over the past several months." • Project process: "The draft concepts and components will be updated based on public feedback, then presented to city commission for a project update before moving into the construction documentation process. Construction documents are expected to be completed in early summer 2023 for bidding in the fall." A possible new look While plans could change, a conceptual design for Columbus Avenue in Sandusky's downtown master plan calls for: • Increasing the size of the sidewalks • Expanding areas for outdoor dining and retail displays • Designing the roadway and curbs in a way to prioritize pedestrian safety • Adding better street trees and public art "These items were all based on feedback we received during the planning process, and we look forward to working with our stakeholders on figuring out the details," city manager Eric Wobser said. "We want to ensure that the street is a functional and attractive space that will continue to spur more development in our downtown core." Making sense of the dollars and cents The reconstruction contract follows a top recommendation, turn Columbus Avenue into downtown's most vibrant street, outlined in a master plan adopted by commissioners in 2021. A nearly 100-page document outlines ambitious initiatives to make Sandusky more of a year-round destination. The plan calls for, at least, $100 million in new investments by 2026. Other suggestions involve bringing an "anchor hotel" and conference center to downtown along with creating programming 12 months a year in Sandusky's central business district. Regarding the Columbus Avenue project, it won't require one cent of taxpayer money coming from Sandusky's everyday operating budget, about $25 million, which funds many vital services like police, fire, streets, recreation and more. Pegged at potentially $5 million, officials intend to upgrade Columbus Avenue by spending money through present-day revenue streams that produce money through downtown-based real estate projects. It's a process known as tax increment financing. Six properties — the Schmidt Building, the Hogrefe Building, City Hall, Falcon Point Lofts, The Marketplace at Cooke and the Feick Building — contribute to this account. And officials plan on leveraging these funds for planned improvements on Columbus Avenue. Overhauling Columbus Avenue represents a worthwhile investment, officials said: A better laid-out street, they believe, can bring even more visitors into Sandusky. Thus the more money spent and staying in Sandusky translates into a beefier budget for essential services, such as road repairs, snow plowing, park projects and more, officials said.