Sandusky supports Jackson Street Pier transformation

Related:• Sept. 20: Jackson Street Pier plan gets OK• Sept. 14: Compromise powers latest redesign for Jackson Street Pier• Editorial: A worthy compromiseUpdate (9:20 p.m.)SANDUSKY — After eight months of planning and discussion, seven elected officials reached a decision on Jackson Street Pier.Sandusky city commissioners voted to transform the nearly 4-acre public waterfront space during a three-hour, standing-room-only public meeting, attended by almost 100 people.A standing-room-only crowd fills the Sandusky City Hall commission chambers Monday night. Audience members listened, with many expressing their opinions, regarding a proposed deal to transform the Jackson Street Pier. The commission ultimately voted to proceed with a plan to make over this nearly 4-acre public space.Compared to today's layout, a makeover consists of:• Eliminating parking spaces, dropping from about 240 today to roughly 100 but still maintains some spots along the water's edge and northernmost end• Upgrading handicap accessibility for both commuters and pedestrians, who can more easily enter a boardwalk area• Creating a boardwalk spanning the entire pier's perimeter, which, in its current configuration, unexpectedly ends at the northwest corner• Adding green space for passive recreation, picnics, lounging, walking and small-scale events• Constructing a multipurpose building, which could be rented out for parties, family reunions, farmers market and the likeA conceptual drawing reimagines what the Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky could look like.• Maintaining all existing uses for fishing, relaxing and boating for the Goodtime I, Jet Express and Pelee Islander• Enhancing the Homeland Security areas necessary to preserve ferry service to Pelee Island• Addressing deferred maintenance and beautification issues while improving site lines along the waterfrontConstruction could start as next year and end by 2020.The project could total somewhere between $4 million and $7 million. But not a cent of general fund, or everyday operating budget, dollars, directly backed by city taxpayers, would go toward funding this initiative. Instead a combination of grants, sponsorships, private donations and public funds only generated by Chesapeake Lofts tenants will fund the effort.A conceptual drawing reimagines what the Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky could look like.Commission commentaryWhen developing a design, planners presented a concept based on four key takeaways collectively voiced by community members at public meetings throughout 2017. They include retaining the pier's existing uses, increasing accessibility, providing waterfront parking and expanding its overall attractiveness."You told us to do those four things," said Alex Pesta, a president with City Architecture, the Cleveland-based firm developing the pier plan. "If we got those four things right, a compromise could be struck."Commissioner Nikki Lloyd, who didn't vote because her businesses, namely Hotel Kilbourne, sit near the pier, stressed Pesta's point."Everybody is getting a piece of what they want," Lloyd said. "I don't love this plan. I think we could have pushed further, however, this plan is all-inclusive. It's welcoming for fishermen, pedestrians, cyclists and, most importantly, families.A conceptual drawing reimagines what the Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky could look like.With Lloyd abstaining, the vote broke down 4-2.Among where the commissioners stood on the issue and what they said:Those supporting the plan:• Naomi Twine: I support this plan. It will be a good thing for Sandusky. No one is getting to get everything they want, but we try to listen and tried accommodating various viewpoints, perspectives and concerns that people have had. I feel comfortable with the process. We have been very open. It was not done in a vacuum.• Dave Waddington: The pier needs these upgrades. I'm excited about it. I have talked to a lot of residents in schools, around town and at restaurants, and many of them wanted this. It's time to go forward.• Dick Brady: We have listened to the people that don't want parking. We have listened to the people that only want parking. Our staff have crafted a compromise, and that means nobody gets everything that they want, and that is good for our community. With this plan, the pier gives us all of the things we have now plus so much more that can propel the city forward.• Dennis Murray Jr.: A community only thrives over the long term by continuing to attract people, families and children of all ages across the entire spectrum. The future belongs to those who own it. The final deciding factor for me is how many younger folks really embrace this plan and want to bring their families here.A conceptual drawing reimagines what the Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky could look like.Those rejecting the plan:• Greg Lockhart: We are making a mistake. What takes us into the next generation with this plan? What inspires someone in their 20s, 30s or 40s that has disposable income and says, 'I want to retire here.' Nothing strikes me.• Wes Poole: I have reservations about investing $4 million to $7 million in Jackson Street Pier with so many unanswered long-range consequences and no discussion on improvements to the rest of (this) area.A conceptual drawing reimagines what the Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky could look like.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Original story (7:15 p.m.)SANDUSKY — Sandusky city commissioners voted 4-2 to pursue a plan to make over the Jackson Street Pier.The new plan consists of removing various parking spaces, adding green space, improving handicap accessibility, building a multipurpose building all while maintaining and enhancing all of its existing uses, including for fishing and boating.Among the commissioners supporting the measure: Dave Waddington, Dick Brady, Naomi Twine and ex officio mayor Dennis Murray Jr.Among the commissioners rejecting the measure: Greg Lockhart and Wes PooleCommissioner Nikki Lloyd didn't vote because her businesses, including Hotel Kilbourne, are located near the pier.Check back later tonight for more on this developing story.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.A conceptual drawing reimagines what the Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky could look like.A conceptual drawing reimagines what the Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky could look like.