Cedar Point building 2 new dorms in Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Cedar Point wants to continue to expand its footprint outside the amusement park's boundaries.A recent zoning change helps push forward a project to build two 9,700-square-foot dormitory buildings for park employees on Third and Fourth streets, all in the 2000 block.The land recently rezoned on Third and Fourth streets in Sandusky acts as a buffer to separate this property and adjacent parcels, all zoned "commercial recreation," from area homes and residents. It's not known when the dormitories could be built or at what cost."We support the rezoning because it is adjacent to existing commercial recreation (properties) and will not negatively impact surrounding properties," city planning director Angie Byington said. The city planning department recommended this change to the commission.A rezoning such as this continues to fulfill Sandusky's bicentennial vision process. Named after the city's 200-year anniversary, a yearlong celebration all throughout 2018, it involves, among other aspects, rezoning properties benefiting all vested parties."The bicentennial vision plan calls for mixed-use redevelopment within this area," according to a planning department memo sent to commissioners. "One of the initiatives for this area is to continue developing along Cedar Point Drive, extending the Cedar Point experience from the peninsula to the mainland, promoting a campus atmosphere, landscaping and parking behind structures."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.