County to open transit center lobby to traveling public as FTA questions use; RFPs out for reclamation/west-side sites

Lorain County administrators told commissioners Sept. 12 they will make the Transportation and Community Center at 40 East Avenue available to the traveling public part-time after questions from the Federal Transit Administration about building use and grant conditions.

County staff said Shannon Hite (transit department) volunteered to staff the center, and that beginning Monday, Sept. 22, the lobby will be open to the traveling public from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The space will be used for fare questions, ticket purchases, access to micro-transit and Greyhound information, and public restroom access; staff said the change should address the FTA’s concerns about how the county is meeting its obligations under federal transit funding used to renovate the building.

Separately, staff reported they are actively soliciting proposals for real-estate sites tied to the county’s plans for a reclamation center or wastewater treatment option. Requests for proposals for west-side sites were issued and responses are due Oct. 1. County staff said they will answer questions publicly to ensure all respondents receive the same information and that proposals will be reviewed in mid-October.

Commissioners did not take a vote on either matter; the updates were presented as administration briefings and operational directions.