New homes coming to Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Public officials recently entered into a development agreement with a private firm to build homes on a vacant lot. The plan between Sandusky's government and Cleveland-based Keystate Homes calls for building 19 freestanding townhouse units on parcels along East Washington and Warren streets by Mack Iron Works. It's near an area where some relatively new homes have been built. Keystate purchased 19 lots valued at about $15,800 each. This brings the total purchase price to just about $300,000. This does not include a forthcoming development cost. There's no timeline for when construction could occur or when people can begin buying these lots. It's expected this deal must go through additional government approvals. Through a city memo presented by Colleen Gilson, the city's community development director, here are the project's most important details: The reason: As outlined in Sandusky's bicentennial vision comprehensive plan, which acts as a master plan, "The city proclaimed a desire to revitalize the vacant land in the Iron District, which sits between Battery Park and the historic downtown." The background: "In late 2022, the city of Sandusky invited qualified real estate development companies to submit proposals for a new residential construction project on vacant parcels owned by the city on east Washington and Warren streets. The parcels of land are adjacent and/or near-to-new residential single-family construction as well as long-existing residential housing. Multi-family townhouse-dense development configurations were encouraged." The bids: "The city received three proposals, of which Keystate (Homes) was selected." The company history: "Founded by Mina and Avner Gotlieb in 1979, Keystate has designed and built numerous homes all over northeast Ohio, including built-to-order residences, residential development, turnkey projects and infill housing. Avner's passion for providing excellent customer care extends to his son, Andrew, whose fervor, determination and industry knowledge is unmatched. Before assuming ownership of Keystate in 2014, Andrew worked as a national planning and zoning manager after earning his master's in urban planning from the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs where he now is an adjunct professor. Collectively, Avner and Andrew have more than 70 years of experience in the housing industry." The plan: The proposal for Sandusky involves: • Building 19 freestanding townhouse units; They'll come at a sales price of between $450,000 and $600,000 per unit. • Laying out each unit in a distinct way — The upper/main unit will be about 2,000 square feet. — The primary living level will be 800 square feet and contain a kitchen, living and dining spaces. — The third floor, up to 300 square feet, a recreation room, will sit adjacent to a roof deck, providing entertainment or living space with views toward Lake Erie. — The lower unit will consist of about 800 square feet, a one-bedroom apartment on a single level, with a private entrance. — Each unit will with a detached two-car garage The vision: Each lot measures out to about 25 feet wide and 120 feet deep. "Each lot will contain a main residential structure compromised of an up-down unit configuration. The ability to add an (apartment that owners can rent out) not only increases the residential density of the site but adds a layer of affordability by providing opportunity to finance homeownership while creating an additional lower-cost housing option. The scale of the development will be in line with the existing context. To mitigate any height concerns, the (bottom-floor apartment) unit will have a sub-grade finish floor level, and the roof truss bearing will sit below the typical third-floor ceiling height." The overall importance: "The city's recent infrastructure investments create a welcoming environment that will be enhanced with engaging front doors along its length, creating a pleasant, urban pedestrian experience. Access drives will be located off East Washington Street and will create dedicated routes for vehicles that limit curb cuts and increase pedestrian safety."