Sandusky to level sites in neighborhoods

SANDUSKY — Get ready for more blighted buildings to soon get bulldozed across several Sandusky neighborhoods. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners allowed staff members to proceed with demolition orders on four properties, which include three homes — 1817 Pierce St., 521 Perry St., 736 E. Park St. — and a garage at 1922 Clay St. "It is important that these structures get taken down because of the negative impact they have on the neighborhoods they are located within," said Nicole Grohe, the city's community development administrator. "These properties are condemned, which means they are at least 51% damaged." All work circles back to Sandusky's initiative for cleaning up neighborhoods. Since 2015, with other area partners, about 230 decrepit city homes have come crashing down or are contracted to be razed. "Overall, the city's fight against blight is an ongoing one. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to ameliorate it is through demolition," Grohe said. "It is hopeful that these properties will be redeveloped and add to the vibrancy of their associated neighborhoods in the near future." Regarding the houses, they "will be bid as out for demolition as soon as possible," Grohe said. "Due to the time of year, they may not be razed until the spring depending on the winning contractor's schedule." It's not known exactly how much demolition could cost "due to the lack of an asbestos survey, which will soon occur at the properties prior to the contract being awarded," Grohe said. "We will know more details before the end of the year." Officials intend to cover these costs with federal funds previously secured known as Community Development Block Grant dollars. The Sandusky locked down about $730,000 for 2022. The program provides municipalities, like Sandusky's, with monetary resources in hopes of addressing several challenges to develop viable urban communities. It also aims to improve the quality of life for those falling in the low- to medium-income bracket levels.