Sandusky moves to buy three Norfolk Southern parcels to complete Bay Pathway segment; sewer easement drives one purchase

The Sandusky City Commission on March 10 approved an ordinance authorizing the city manager to enter into purchase agreements with Norfolk Southern Railway Company to acquire three parcels needed to advance the Sandusky Bay Pathway.

City staff displayed maps and said two parcels are required for the pathway alignment and a third parcel—previously thought to be right of way—was never formally acquired and is needed to clear title. Staff said the parcels include a First Street parcel in front of the former Apex building, a parcel between Third and Fifth streets at an eastern driveway from a nearby school and a west-side parcel near the Monroe railroad crossing adjacent to the Westside Sports Center. Klein, a city project manager, said the city expects to do a lot split after acquisition so the pathway portion is recorded as public right of way and the remaining property can be handled separately.

Commission discussion clarified funding: one commissioner asked about the $44,700 being paid from sewer funds. Staff responded that two existing sewers run through the parcel between Third and Fifth and the city needs to own the property to secure and maintain that trunk sewer; the expenditure secures the right of way containing critical sewer infrastructure rather than representing payment for sewer repairs.

Klein said the acquisition effort began in 2019, with work restarting in 2021 after pandemic delays; staff said the parcels have taken four to five years to move through negotiations. Commissioners approved the ordinance under suspension of rules; the vote was recorded as affirmative.