'Building' up the city

SANDUSKY — Sandusky officials continue building upon a strong foundation with a nonprofit to provide homes for community members in need. During a recent public meeting, the city government sold eight vacant, non-tax-producing parcels so Firelands Habitat for Humanity can eventually build homes there. The purchase price totaled $12,000. "Firelands Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing opportunities in Erie and Huron counties," according to a nonprofit statement, noting it aims to build two or three homes per year. Overall, since its founding in 1990, it has built about 120 homes across Erie and Huron counties with more planned, including these in Sandusky. Debi Eversole, the city's housing development specialist, provided additional context on this upcoming endeavor: • The history: "The city of Sandusky has a longstanding relationship with Firelands Habitat for Humanity. Prior to August of 2023, the goal was to build one to two homes per year within the city of Sandusky. The first multi-parcel purchase agreement came in August of 2023 when eight parcels of land were transferred with a commitment to the development of at least five single-family residential structures to be owner-occupied. More recently, our city commissioners approved another agreement for eight additional parcels of land with a commitment to develop at least nine single-family homes to be owner-occupied." • The importance: "The city's strategic plan identifies housing as a critical priority, and our land reutilization program (land bank) has an inventory of vacant lots. Development of this vacant land not only returns it back to a productive use but also gives a deserving family the opportunity for home ownership." • The timeline: "The first two homes, from the 2023 agreement, are under construction: 1913 Camp St. will be completed very soon, and 2012 Mills St. will be completed in 2025. The other parcels in this agreement will be developed within five years. The parcels in the most recent agreement will be developed within a 10-year period once transferred. Extra time was added to the agreement in order to allow for the completion of the first phase of homes. Construction may begin on these parcels at any time within the 10-year time frame." • The partnership: "Including the two homes that are near completion, Firelands Habitat for Humanity has built 12 new single-family homes on former city-owned property since 2012. With the current agreements in place, we look forward to just as many new homes in the next decade." • The benefit: "We are very fortunate to have a partnership with Firelands Habitat for Humanity. They are committed to the development of single-family, owner-occupied homes not only in Sandusky but in all of Erie and Huron counties when the opportunity arises. Our vacant lots are scattered throughout the city limits so qualified applicants have a diverse selection of locations in which they would like to reside." Note: People must qualify to receive a home through Firelands Habitat for Humanity while proving a need for better housing. People can learn more by visiting firelandshabitat.org or calling 419-621-7818. The organization serves areas, which include Sandusky, Bellevue, Castalia, Huron, Marblehead, Norwalk, Willard and elsewhere. Where are the homes? In the 2023 agreement with Habitat for Humanity, here's a look at where new homes are being built and will be built in Sandusky: • 1913 Camp St. • 1825 Clay St. • 1810 Harrison St. • 2012 Mills St. on a combined property • 729 Warren St. • 733 Warren St. on a combined property by Reese Street In the more recent agreement with Habitat for Humanity, here's a look at where new homes will be built in Sandusky: • Vacant lot between 1242 Pierce St. to 1302 Pierce St. near Camp Street • Empty parcel next to 2012 Columbus Ave. • 1014 Clinton St. • 2012 Columbus Ave. • 901 Fourth St. • 925 W. Monroe St. • 1522 Pierce St. • 1209 Third St.