Sandusky unveils possible new look for Shoreline Drive

SANDUSKY — They're at the starting line in a long quest to spruce up Shoreline Drive.During a recent public meeting, planners hired by Sandusky city commissioners unveiled three artist renderings reimagining what Shoreline Drive's entire stretch spanning downtown might look like.Sandusky officials began a planning process to revamp Shoreline Drive, which potentially includes constructing a protected bicycle path, creating angled parking but also maintaining two-way traffic.The sketches, each a slight variation from one another, show some major changes, including a protected bicycle lane linking with the Sandusky Bay Pathway, angled parking and spaces for dumpsters owned by commercial entities. All images, however, maintain on-street parking, sidewalks and two-way traffic.An artist rendering (one of three) reimagines what Shoreline Drive in downtown Sandusky could look like. It's not the final design. Planners are evaluating feedback provided at a recent public meeting. They'll submit a final design and present the image to city commissioners sometime in the near future.Several unknowns about the project, including construction timelines and cost, exist at this time.But before any work occurs, planners want to host public forums to solicit additional public feedback from community members about a potential transformation.An artist rendering (two of three) reimagines what Shoreline Drive in downtown Sandusky could look like. It's not the final design. Planners are evaluating feedback provided at a recent public meeting. They'll submit a final design and present the image to city commissioners sometime in the near future."Overall the designs aim to improve Shoreline Drive's aesthetics and position it as the 'front door' from the waterfront into downtown Sandusky," said Alex Pesta, a president with City Architecture, the Cleveland-based firm developing Sandusky's ongoing master plan process.An artist rendering (three of three) reimagines what Shoreline Drive in downtown Sandusky could look like. It's not the final design. Planners are evaluating feedback provided at a recent public meeting. They'll submit a final design and present the image to city commissioners sometime in the near future.One local official with business interests on Shoreline Drive welcomes any changes as outlined."It would be a game changer for the downtown area and embrace our waterfront community, creating a welcoming arrival for our boaters and a beautiful walkway for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a gorgeous view of the bay," said commissioner Nikki Lloyd, who, along with her husband, Ryan Whaley, owns Hotel Kilbourne, situated on Shoreline Drive.Sandusky officials began a planning process to revamp Shoreline Drive, which potentially includes constructing a protected bicycle path, creating angled parking, establishing spaces for commercial dumpsters but also maintaining two-way traffic.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.