Get me a demo man

An overhead look at the former KBI factory in Sandusky. A group wants to demolish all on-site structures at this property, 2509 Hayes Ave. (Ohio 4). Provided photo/ERIE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. It's probably good news that the owners of the former bearings plant on Hayes Avenue are announcing plans to demolish the old factory building. It sets the stage for a new beginning of some kind, according to local officials. But the owners of the property — a limited liability partnership — aren't being exactly forthcoming, even though the public has a significant interest and investment in its future. New Departure, as it was known in the beginning and later Delphi, and KBI, has a rich history in Sandusky going back 75 years. And the owners recently received $6 million in state brownfield remediation funds — public money — which allowed it to begin pursuing this process. It's not known what results occurred from the environmental survey. That's the big ticket item, and any future redevelopment on the property depends on a full understanding about the level of industrial pollution there is there, how much will it cost the clean up, and, of course, who will pay for it. We hope to learn more, soon. Mr. Gorbachev, bring down Maui Sands In other developments concerning wrecking balls, we're happy too that the Erie County Health Department board voted to condemn the former Maui Sands water park on U.S. 250 and Ohio 2 as "unfit for human habitation." Maui Sands, the remodeled Holiday Inn building with additions, has been closed since 2019 and attempts to revive it failed. The property is a horrible eyesore in the middle of a vibrant business district. It's a million dollar location and we hope to see it getting back to some sort of usefulness sooner now that this is moving forward. Sandusky best coastal town, ever Register photo At around noon today residents will be learning the results of USAToday's Best Coastal Small Town contest. Sandusky was on top when the voting went dark, but the national newspaper is set to announce the results of nationwide voting today. The last time this was voted on — in 2019 — Sandusky won. We were good then but better now, so we're betting (and hopeful) that this countdown results in the same outcome. Thanks to everyone who voted. Hello old friend Provided photo/SHARON MCKEE What do the Sandusky Register and First Congregational Church of Christ in Berlin Heights have in common? Some might think not a whole lot, but there is one thing we share: We were both here and doing business — ours is newspapering and the church saves souls — back in 1823. The Register celebrated being in business in Erie County for 200 years last year; the church was established in 1823. Here at the Register we rededicate ourselves every day to getting the stories that matter to our community. In May, church leaders and the congregation will celebrate a rededication in May.