Starbucks locations and is home to the only enclosed mall, Target, and Sam’s Club in a four-county radius. These stores pull in consumers from Huron, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties, a sign that regional demand is strong. But beyond retail, Erie County is also positioning itself for major industrial development. “We have acreage for larger development, and we’ve been seeking out some of those larger players,” Lynch notes, pointing to the county’s ongoing efforts to attract significant commercial investments. One of Erie County’s more unique assets? NASA’s Station, part of the Glenn Research Center, which has been a cornerstone of the county’s economic development. “In 2016, NASA was making cutbacks across the nation,” recalls Shenigo. At the time, there was concern about the future of Plum Brook, a 6,500acre testing facility in the county. But thanks to the leadership of General Dave Stringer, who works for Glenn Research, the site has not only survived—it has development projects, visitors are discovering that Erie County isn’t just a place to vacation—it’s a place to settle. This growing interest has even prompted some to relocate their businesses to the area, lured by both the lifestyle and the improvements in local infrastructure. Those infrastructure improvements are pivotal. Shenigo highlights one project opening up hundreds of acres of land for commercial development by extending a new sewer line toward the Milan area. “By installing this new sewer line, we’re opening up previously undevelopable land. The company behind the project is going to tip it, so there’s really no cost to our community,” he explains. Shenigo also points out a federally mandated $20 million upgrade to the sewer system, which is being paid for in cash rather than through debt. Erie County is also leveraging federal support to expand its transportation infrastructure. In 2022, Erie County secured the largest federal transportation grant available, the $24.5 million RAISE grant.“That grant will help us build out Route 6, which is critical as Cedar Point Sports Center continues to grow,” Wobser explains. The funding also supports the expansion of the Sandusky Bay Pathway, a regional bike trail system with the long-term goal of spanning 100 miles across three counties. The financial health of the area is also a clear indicator of success. Sandusky’s general fund revenue has more than doubled, growing from $16 million in 2014 to $35 million in 2023.“While the investment is coming in, taxes remain low,” Wobser emphasizes, pointing out that Sandusky’s income tax rate is just 1.25%, and the sales tax is 6.75%, lower than many other counties. Wealth in Erie County has grown by 36% over the past decade, outpacing both state and national averages. FROM MAIN STREET TO NASA “About 15 years ago, you could roll a bowling ball down our main commercial corridor and not hit a car,” says Kula Lynch, Greater Sandusky Partnership Board Member.“That has changed dramatically.”The shift Lynch refers to stems from a concerted push to bring consistent, year-round business to the region. The results are clear: the county now boasts four Always in Season? IT’S A SHORE THING It’s more than a place, it’s a feeling. Make memories that’ll last a lifetime in Shores & Islands Ohio. Find your Lake Erie Love yearround at SHORESandISLANDS.com and stay awhile! 98 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 ERIE COUNTY, OH
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