$3.6M coming to city

SANDUSKY — Sandusky's government represents one of 17 recipients statewide to receive a grant aimed at creating and improving access to housing, especially for lower-income residents. In the city's case, Sandusky locked down $3.6 million — a substantial share from the $29.5 million pot made available by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and other top state officials. Funding comes from an initiative known as Welcome Home Ohio, a relatively new program that largely assists income-eligible Ohioans. "The need for safe and affordable housing is a national challenge that requires proactive solutions, meaningful investments and strong collaboration across all levels of government," DeWine said. "This program represents an innovative and forward-thinking approach that addresses the barriers many Ohioans face when trying to buy a home." For years now, Sandusky has faced extreme challenges "with the need for housing units with the greatest gap in availability recognized for individuals of modest income," according to a city memo. There's both a lack of available and affordable housing across Sandusky, according to a recent study overseen by Firelands Forward, a regional workforce development collaborative. Sandusky officials expressed deep appreciation toward DeWine and others, who looked favorably onto the city's application. This award serves as a massive step forward in addressing these uphill battles many Sandusky residents face, local officials said. "Housing is a priority of the city commissioners and city administration," Sandusky city manager John Orzech said. "We know housing is an important issue in our city, as it is across the country. Of course, this project won't solve the issue overnight, but it's a good step in the right direction in bringing more housing to Sandusky." Project partners Sandusky partnered with two organizations, NeighborWorks Toledo Region and Community Building Partners, on its application. Regarding both organizations: • NeighborWorks is a nonprofit community development corporation specializing in stabilizing neighborhoods, homes and communities. "We provide financial education and resources; promote homeownership through education and lending; and create opportunities for healthy, safe, affordable housing through home construction and rehabilitation, weatherization and energy-efficiency services," according to an organizational statement. • Community Building Partners was founded "on a commitment to social justice, sustainability and economic development," according to an organization statement. "From building stronger communities to developing shared solar to empowering nonprofits, we harness innovative finance and social justice values to support shared prosperity," it read. "By sharing our expertise, we can show you how to collaborate with diverse partners in order to build capacity and realize your vision of stronger communities." Collectively, officials representing these entities developed a plan, which ultimately received grant funding. "NeighborWorks Toledo Region is honored to work in partnership with the city of Sandusky to build affordable single-family homes for first-time homebuyers in 2024," said William Farnsel, CEO of NeighborWorks Toledo Region. NeighborWorks "is uniquely qualified to provide the Housing and Urban Development-certified counseling that will facilitate a smooth transition from renter into homeownership." What will happen in Sandusky? Sandusky officials noted they're working with their partners to finalize project details. In the grant application, city officials proposed: • Spending the grant money to develop 14 new single-family modular homes • Assisting Habitat for Humanity to construct three new homes on Sandusky's South Side "Ohio-based UniBilt Custom Homes will produce the modular homes, and Community Building Partners is committed to using Erie County trades — with a preference for Sandusky-based businesses — to complete the construction," according to a city statement. "NeighborWorks will also provide financial literacy programming for future homebuyers." Colleen Gilson, the city's community development director, spearheaded the grant process on Sandusky's behalf. "Developing housing of all types is a priority for the city," Gilson said. "The Welcome Home Ohio Program grant assistance will allow for the development of homes at a price point accessible to buyers at or below 80% of area median income. We still have a lot of work to do and many details to figure out, but we are very excited to move this project forward." Many other details — including more details on housing specifications, a timeline, how people can apply and more — are not available at this time. Where to begin The project's first phase should start on West Osborne Street once home to a former bakery demolished in 2023. The building previously housed the Sandusky Baking Co. and an ambulance service. More recently, a neighbor told the Register a person repaired go-karts and other vehicles from inside there. "This phase will include the construction of three duplexes, totaling six units," according to a city statement. "These homes will be sold at approximately $150,000, making them accessible to buyers earning at or below 80% of the area median income. The second phase will develop additional single-family homes on nearby land bank lots." In addition to this initiative, down the road, city officials also continue working with Community Building Partners on redeveloping the former Osborne School. In the fall, city officials bought this prominent building. It paves the way for transforming a former school structure into a senior citizen-focused affordable housing project. Sandusky officials agreed to spend $100,000 in local funds plus closing costs to purchase this land. Appraisers previously listed the Osborne building at $250,000. Commissioners did make a few promises regarding this endeavor. "Whoever the developer is, whoever we partner with, we will listen to the neighborhood," city ex officio mayor Dick Brady said. "We will hear their voices, and we will make a decision, presumably, on the needs and wants of that neighborhood." Brady noted, "It's important to each of us that we get this right." "We're not going to shove something down the neighborhood's throat that doesn't belong there." Joseph Recchie, Community Building Partners' CEO, echoed Brady's sentiments. "We are proud to work with our valued partner NeighborWorks Toledo and the city of Sandusky in co-creating a working solution for families who wish to commit to homeownership," Recchie said. "We see our project as an innovative model for adding value to neighborhoods and addressing the increasing barriers to homeownership for working families."