$50K grant comes to Sandusky

SANDUSKY — A state grant aims to help a local government modernize some of its outdated zoning regulations, which pave the way for new housing development. The Ohio Department of Development recently announced it'll provide $1.5 million in grants to help 20 state-based communities with zoning-related issues. "Zoning regulations can shape the future of a community for better or worse," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the development department. "By helping our local partners modernize these policies, we're giving them the tools to attract investment, remove barriers to housing and support long-term growth that fits the needs of their residents." Among the recipients: Sandusky. "The city received a $50,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development to help update zoning regulations that support new housing," Sandusky's communications manager Tom Horsman said. "This funding will be part of our larger housing development accelerator project, which focuses on identifying where and how to add more housing across Sandusky." Horsman noted the city recently received proposals from planning and design firms to pursue this initiative. The process should begin in August and finish in early 2026. Here's an excerpt from the project guidelines, which strives to "encourage innovative, diverse and attainable housing options in Sandusky," an ongoing goal among city officials: The city of Sandusky seeks to accelerate the production of new housing units to strengthen neighborhoods and increase housing options for existing and new residents. This project will: • Facilitate community input on housing typology and design characteristics to identify the best opportunities for infill and redevelopment across the city • Lay the groundwork for future housing development on city and non-city-owned parcels, utilizing a combination of best practices in planning, architecture and development and informed by community and stakeholder input • Target sites within Sandusky that will help guide and facilitate future development "The goal is to expand housing choices and encourage reinvestment in our existing neighborhoods," Horsman said.