Sandusky hires realtor to sell land

SANDUSKY — Shelved for years, city officials want to activate a property once occupied by the former Sandusky Cabinets factory. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners enlisted Sandusky-based Russell Real Estate Services to sell three lots on East Market Street near Warren Street not far from Shoreline Park. Officials envision the site as a place where three homeowners can build a trio of single-family homes. The new housing concept draws parallels to a neighboring site, where several new homes have been built these past couple of years. For years, a factory stood on this site. Last known as the former Sandusky Cabinets building, which sat empty and became blighted due to inactivity, it came crashing down in 2014. Years of surveying by environmentalists found asbestos and other toxic materials. Before its life as a cabinetmaking facility, the 80-year-old factory produced wooden barrels and lumber. Materials used to make steel or wood products — lead paint and various cleaning agents, for instance — contributed to the overall pollution at the site, officials said. In 2008 and 2013, the city received federal and state grants, respectively, collectively totaling about $1.1 million for razing activities. Following demolition and "through multiple processes — foreclosure, private purchase and donation — the city of Sandusky has successfully pursued and assumed ownership of various buildable lots," said Colleen Gibson, the city's chief neighborhood development officer. "It is the desire of the city that each be sold separately for the purpose of single-home family development." Meanwhile, officials continue working on plans in hopes of reinvigorating additional green space throughout this block. Delving into the details Gilson further broke down the objectives of this initiative: The partnership: "It was determined that Russell Real Estate Services was the most qualified based upon the firm's experience, past performance, marketing strategy and undertaking of the task. Russell (will) sell land on behalf of the city. The city retains the sole authority to accept or reject any offer, even if the officer is at or above listing price." The sales price: "In the listing documents, the proposed sale price (is) $49,900. Note: This actual amount each property is sold for could increase from this amount. This is just the initial, suggested amount. The price of business: "Broker commission is set at 8% of the gross sale price." The stipulations: "The lots will be offered for the purpose of residential new construction. Each purchase agreement will spell out requirements including but not limited to allowable time in which the buyer must commence and complete construction." The importance: "The acquisition of land has been done due to the city of Sandusky's desire to see the repopulation and revitalization of the community as per the following plans and studies: • Sandusky's strategic plan – creating a city that is vibrant, livable, connected, a destination and celebrated • Sandusky Neighborhood Initiative – development of existing vacant residential properties, such as Cold Creek Crossing • Via the Western Reserve Land Conservancy — transform vacant, unsafe and unproductive properties into useful ones"