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Heath EDC outlines town‑center RFP, land acquisitions and short‑term projects
Summary
The Heath Economic Development Corporation presented land acquisitions, a 90‑acre RFP for town‑center master planning, a proposed temporary dog recreation zone estimated at $25,000, and details of an 1880 restaurant prospect including a $500,000 land purchase and a $400,000 loan commitment split by milestones.
Mike Zelenskus, chair of the Heath Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Heath Municipal Benefit Corporation, briefed the Park Board on EDC and NBC activity including recent land purchases and an upcoming request for proposals to develop a town‑center master plan.
Zelenskus said the EDC acquired a 21‑acre parcel known locally as the "Goat House" and an adjacent property at 217 Lawrence Drive inside the town center overlay district. He described the RFP as covering roughly 90 acres (the 20‑acre reserve, the adjacent 20 acres and a 50‑acre city parcel) and said the RFP would be released "on Friday of this week officially," with pre‑bid conferences through January and proposal review expected in March–April.
On near‑term projects, Zelenskus said the EDC plans a public hearing on a temporary dog recreation area with three fenced zones (large, medium, small) and estimated the one‑time cost at about $25,000, with the aim of having the dog zone live by spring. He also discussed the 1880 restaurant prospect: the buyer will purchase roughly 1.6–1.7 acres for about $500,000 while the EDC will loan the developer roughly $400,000 (split into tranches of $250,000 and $150,000) to help with vertical construction and infrastructure; Zelenskus described coordinating gas line and fire‑access work as part of the assistance.
Zelenskus also reviewed EDC funding mechanics: a portion of local sales tax flows to the EDC/NBC and supports projects intended to expand the tax base and quality‑of‑life amenities. He noted the city population and household income statistics as context for market opportunities and said the EDC has historically funded parks and other city projects.
The Park Board received the presentation and asked clarifying questions about RFP scope, timelines and infrastructure load for future development. No formal board action was taken on the EDC items at this meeting.
