Planning Commission recommends rezoning 1706 Hayes Ave to allow community recreation center

The Sandusky Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Commission rezone 1706 Hayes Ave from LM (Limited Manufacturing) to PF (Public Facilities) to allow construction of a city-run community recreation center and tennis courts.

Planning staff described the 6.25-acre city-owned site as vacant, formerly the American Cranes site, and said the proposed use would be a recreation center with tennis courts. "The proposed use of the site is gonna be a community recreation center," planning staff said. Staff told commissioners the Bicentennial Vision and the city comprehensive plan support locating civic uses and improving walkability in the South District and recommended approval with the condition that required permits be obtained at the appropriate time.

City recreation staff provided the concept design and schedule details. "The facility, recreation facility located here in the left hand corner ... that's at approximately 36,000 square foot facility," said Chris Muehling, recreation project coordinator for the City of Sandusky. He said the city had a contract with Schmidt Architect for 20% design work and planned to solicit proposals for a design-builder in late March or April. Jason Werling, recreation superintendent, said bids for six tennis courts were expected within two to three weeks with the goal of courts being ready in July for the school season.

During public comment longtime resident Wes Poole urged commissioners to consider preserving the lot for light manufacturing, arguing such uses could bring jobs. "This particular piece of property ... is already light manufacturing, and you are closing off our opportunity for something that I think we need much more than more tennis courts," Poole said. Commissioners and staff responded that the city owns the site, that the comprehensive plan had identified civic uses for the route 4 corridor and south side, and that prior market demand for light manufacturing at the site had not materialized.

Commissioners debated whether rezoning should wait until a firm project exists or proceed now so design and cost estimates can move forward. "In order to proceed with any planning, more specific costing, design, status, they have to have a site that they're designing to," Commissioner David Miller said, describing the sequence as "chicken and egg." The commission also discussed access and screening adjacent to railroad tracks and the need to preserve truck access to neighboring manufacturing sites.

On a roll-call vote the Planning Commission recorded five yes votes and approved the motion recommending rezoning: David Miller — yes; Jim Jackson — yes; Connor Whelan — yes; Pete McGorry — yes; Steve Pajali — yes. Two commissioners were noted as excused earlier in the meeting.

A final site plan and any construction approvals would return to the Planning Commission after additional design work and required permitting.