[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6168682,"mediaKeyId","5407095-851bb9871bf8596f57544eefe278c007","parentId",5407095,"title","Votes at a glance: Elyria committees move several development and finance items forward","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",3386000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5407095-851bb9871bf8596f57544eefe278c007&start=3386&end=3386","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5407095-851bb9871bf8596f57544eefe278c007/thumbnail_3386000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6168682/Elyria/Lorain-County/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-Elyria-committees-move-several-development-and-finance-items-forward","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168682-aa394b095cd28682dc956a289ad9189d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773598173&Signature=k4WYilNhLYp2HtAK2GHoHbGcfhelntieXsIRWbbEbNplgffk-Sl37Cb66FD8k9WZVnwKAcPZKef4WEqiqAbqSLtaIeieP2H0gdvYPxrLFXSVyu52halkXaT7LiGwmugQtrUn21Vvdk9fICsu31-EFrkBv6StlwNaKz9yjClYC1sWh7q8JKhTx31EGm2QJGr5uQ1LopgdeB71lD3R2Z2Kuq5B0efREB9-B8eTkF3s91skXI8jWPim7s8DIfEtJMs8IkApqtNVvZQlGkB2qOrADwJKgvJZFXXmDwXmZMW~52vM7XcYtvNY7PdTVIx48iBp7KDjJVwr6CfxsO5eDzlXzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Elyria, OH ","date","2025-07-15T13:29:14Z","article","Elyria’s Community Development and Finance joint committees conducted a multi‑item meeting on July 14 and recorded motions on development, tax incentives, property transfer and routine finance items. Key outcomes are summarized below.

Do not object — Wilkes Villa OHFA subproject: Committees voted not to object to the Wilkes Villa OHFA/OHFA/LIHTC subproject notification during the 30‑day comment window. The committee requested that the transcript of the meeting and questions raised be attached to the committee report.

CRA exemption — Forge 417 (417 Broad Street): Committees recommended drafting legislation authorizing a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax exemption (requested 100% for 15 years) and related PACE measures for the Forge 417 project; the package was forwarded with the request that Elyria City Schools and the joint vocational school consider waiving the 45‑day notice to meet an accelerated closing schedule. A special council meeting was tentatively scheduled for July 22 to consider final legislation.

Urban renewal parcel transfer: Committees recommended an ordinance authorizing transfer of an undeveloped parcel in the Fuller Road urban renewal area (PPN 1000004108037) to the adjacent property owner under terms consistent with HUD and the urban renewal plan.

Finance/administrative items advanced to council: Committees approved routine and program measures and moved them to council, including: certification of 43 delinquent utility accounts (total $40,884.50) to the Lorain County Auditor; authorization to submit Victims of Crime Act and State Victims Assistance grant applications; submission of a Fire Prevention & Safety grant application for distribution of smoke detectors to residents; disposal of an unserviceable treadmill at the fire department; and several public‑works and local public agency items including OPWC Round 40 applications, an ODOT Local Public Agency (LPA) agreement for the Elyria TLCI Phase 6 project and related advertising for bids, and authorization to advertise and contract for a pole barn at the wastewater pollution control plant (funded from the Sewer Fund).

Appropriations amendment: Committees approved an amendment to the 2025 permanent appropriations ordinance to add $175,000 in the General Fund for building department demolition costs (the Cedar Street demolition was reported completed).

How the committees voted: Most motions were moved, seconded, called for the question and carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition at the committee level. Where named, motions were moved by council members Callahan and Oswald (Forge 417 CRA) and other routine procedural motions were moved and seconded per committee practice.

What this means: These committee actions authorize staff to draft ordinances, pursue grant applications and proceed with procurement steps; final approvals and any required intergovernmental waivers (for CRA/PACE) will be considered at council or by the relevant outside boards.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Joint Community Development & Finance Committee Meeting 07/14/2025","oneSentenceSummary","On July 14 the Community Development and Finance joint committees approved a set of motions including a 'no objection' to the Wilkes Villa OHFA application, recommended a CRA exemption for Forge 417, and advanced finance and public‑works items to council; the committees also approved transfers and administrative measures listed below.","taxTitle","Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio","taxId",4371,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6168686,"Committees back 15‑year CRA abatement, PACE financing advance for downtown Forge 417 renovation",1556,3618000,5174000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5407095-851bb9871bf8596f57544eefe278c007&start=3618&end=5174","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5407095-851bb9871bf8596f57544eefe278c007/thumbnail_3618000.jpg","/articles/6168686/Elyria/Lorain-County/Ohio/Committees-back-15year-CRA-abatement-PACE-financing-advance-for-downtown-Forge-417-renovation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168686-edc1f3c8858501c867387e1060eee67c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773598173&Signature=B5VIiX0jE3s27PFSfc479dsAebwjOv7Usp47ir7wXdjNiZI86KJIvwuryaooVLJY44tFEIVVkQgwCbrcfz8bhaP7A3NGtnVUTxGOUbRkeyA4DmHmjxFxsaIdrcXCRN-IvhFBWSGuL--YimxissuUSrfIMF28YCtexLb0QfJbJWiJx6szkXt7hPTsJ9airNmdvqq8wBs3HJHSPRrU5Upsb-8XHdaGrXVdFBnczPaXVWrrCrGu5qCN~vAWDcIMe~E7hkA6wRZ-SH0mk-fNJ0C~nCA5EOMisIt3N8LtXDnmI4UHcrS-mdAYwoxU6dc7b278v8NhasyQcQgXpSM8hKNYMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Development and Finance committees on July 14 recommended that council approve a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax exemption and related legislation for the Forge 417 renovation at 417 Broad Street.

Assistant Director Calvert told the committees that the request covers only the esports arena phase (not the multifamily component) and seeks a 100% CRA abatement for 15 years. Calvert said the Elyria City Schools and the joint vocational school have been notified; both boards were expected to consider waivers of the usual 45‑day notice so the city could meet an accelerated timetable. Calvert said the developer proposes PACE financing for about $1.5 million of the project.

Calvert described the project as a $12.5 million historic renovation. She said the developer anticipates about 20 full‑time equivalent jobs in year one and 40 by year three, and an annual payroll for the project of about $1.8 million.

Law Director Dery explained the legislative steps and confirmed the city and staff had been engaged with the developer and counsel. Stephanie Mercado, project consultant for the developer, updated committees on construction and historic‑preservation work: she said structural work on the rear wall and a new roof already were completed, selective interior demolition and asbestos abatement had been done as part of preparing construction drawings, and that the team had resubmitted drawings to the city and to historic preservation reviewers.

Mercado told the committees the Robinson Building portion will include about 16 one‑bed and studio market units (a change from earlier plans) to improve underwriting for the financing package; she said exterior historic restoration will preserve the Dixon Building facade and that the rear lot will be used as a temporary construction staging area and later converted to parking, sidewalk and landscaping.

Council members pressed for a visible sign of progress for downtown and asked that the developer consider signage to indicate \"coming soon\" or the project phase so residents see activity while longer approvals and financing continue. Director Calvert and Mercado said they would work with the developer on public‑facing updates.

The committees voted to recommend drafting legislation authorizing the CRA exemption and related measures, and to move the package toward a special council meeting scheduled for July 22 to accommodate the project closing timeline.","The joint committees recommended approval of a 100% 15‑year Community Reinvestment Area tax abatement and related PACE financing for the Forge 417 renovation at 417 Broad Street, a $12.5 million historic project that includes an esports/technology ground floor and market‑rate apartments above.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6168691,"Elyria committees decline to object as plan advances to convert Wilkes Villa to RAD-funded apartments",3349,189000,3538000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5407095-851bb9871bf8596f57544eefe278c007&start=189&end=3538","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5407095-851bb9871bf8596f57544eefe278c007/thumbnail_189000.jpg","/articles/6168691/Elyria/Lorain-County/Ohio/Elyria-committees-decline-to-object-as-plan-advances-to-convert-Wilkes-Villa-to-RAD-funded-apartments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168691-d9fbde89be4b284638911ef9cd44d464/orig.mp4?Expires=1773598174&Signature=aMdscpOwimfSRl~erYkUQ~YQnINsd2LASqNlGJAqocuIob-9ct5mwIiU7ztMihpYxwJEUm5HZ-iv0nogYqNNKqRDHLkIaqKO6Mi4QEuNvmesguHy5JoXKCGsWgh7aCRpnEkLlDnEA4gbqD9JPSq9eFZdgNJD0ZO6nouQsCfZ-d79SP5T2RtgYa7bTkTYlO6fkS5agiBTTknqglY27yIMiO2FNJwe5iSbtHdUpg8QkynqxIxAi6ni9rzOKX3UDhF9NqAhO4IQ9vVHH9csYhresmT546hfS-DmDs-XEyFMg-niigSUpLI3zxkYaKxNBuxuEyU68gzo1wwjwPLAEcIC~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Joint Community Development and Finance committees on July 14 voted not to object to a proposal by the Wilkes Villa project team and the local housing authority to pursue Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) funding and low-income housing tax credits for a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversion.

The vote followed a lengthy presentation and questions about resident relocation, construction phasing, workforce requirements and financing. Colleen D'Tilio, chief financial and development officer for Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority (rebranded Raise Up), and developers from TFG Housing Resources described the project timeline, resident protections and funding sources.

D'Tilio told the committees that the project team submitted its financing plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on the day of the meeting. She said the team expects to close financing in November 2025 and to begin construction thereafter, with an estimated construction period of about 18 months into 2027. \"We submitted our financing plan to HUD for the RAD,\" D'Tilio said during the presentation.

TFG president Brad Carmen said TFG is an affordable-housing developer and financial adviser with experience on RAD conversions elsewhere in Ohio. Dan Sheindon, TFG’s senior vice president of finance, and Carmen answered technical questions about underwriting and lender expectations.

Committee members focused questions on how residents would be relocated during renovation, whether tenants would keep existing protections, and local hiring. Developers and D'Tilio said a relocation specialist has been hired, relocation costs are in the development budget, and current residents are guaranteed a right of return. The team said vacancies are already being held on-site to facilitate phased renovations, and that temporary off‑site leases (up to a year or more if needed under the budget) would be used only when an on‑site unit is not available.

The developers confirmed federal requirements on wage and hiring: the project will follow Davis‑Bacon wage rules because of federal funds, and Section 3 obligations will apply to encourage hiring from lower‑income residents. Carmen and Sheindon also described past RAD conversions they have worked on and said the program has been used in Ohio and nationally for more than a decade.

Law Director Dery explained the OHFA notification process that triggered the committee briefing: a letter sent to jurisdictions within a half‑mile gives local legislative bodies a 30‑day window to submit written objections signed by a majority of voting members. The committees decided, by motion and vote, not to object; Law Director Dery noted that with no objection the city will not send a written comment to OHFA but the meeting record can be memorialized and attached to the committee report.

Committee members requested that the transcript of the meeting and the questions raised be attached to the committee report for the record. Several council members reiterated concerns about school district impacts, transportation and the need for ongoing resident engagement; developers said they will continue meetings with residents and school officials as the project moves toward closing.

The project team described the funding mix as led by the RAD conversion and supported by construction lending and permanent debt; they said tax credits and other funding partners are involved but provided financing details only at a high level during the session. The team estimated a total hard‑cost and project budget in the tens of millions and repeatedly described the financing process as multi‑checklist and subject to underwriting approvals.

The committees’ \"no objection\" recommendation moves the application forward in the OHFA process and clears the city’s legislative objection pathway, but does not change resident protections or finalize financing. Developers and the housing authority said they will return to city staff and to residents with further details as permits, closings and construction schedules are finalized.","Joint Community Development and Finance committees voted not to object to a proposal to convert Wilkes Villa from public housing to a RAD-funded multifamily project, after developers and the housing authority described relocation, financing and phasing plans for the $25 million renovation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Elyria committees move several development and finance items forward

Committees back 15‑year CRA abatement, PACE financing advance for downtown Forge 417 renovation

Elyria committees decline to object as plan advances to convert Wilkes Villa to RAD-funded apartments