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Economic developer urges clearer utility information for housing sites; commissioners advise steps
Summary
Nico Samaniego of the Greater Sandusky Partnership told commissioners that finding residential sites with adequate utility infrastructure is a persistent barrier to housing development; commissioners recommended developers contact utility providers and suggested producing a developer checklist.
Nico Samaniego, director of economic development for the Greater Sandusky Partnership, told the Erie County Commissioners on June 4 that one of the main barriers to creating jobs and new housing is finding properties with the necessary utility infrastructure for residential development. He asked what metrics the county uses to identify sites suitable for housing construction.
Commissioner President Shenigo, describing his 45 years in the building industry, said that before purchasing property developers should confirm electric and gas availability and consult with the County Engineer and Sanitary Engineer about water lines. He emphasized that installing utilities when they are absent is the developer’s responsibility and noted that "Erie County has never seen as much public funding allocated to private utility infrastructure as it has in recent years." (paraphrase from meeting record)
Samaniego said he conducts due diligence but still faces communication challenges, particularly involving sewer discharge and water usage processes. Commissioner Shoffner suggested the Greater Sandusky Partnership produce a checklist of necessary steps and contacts for developers; Commissioner Old said utility-access concerns can be brought to the Commissioners for assistance.
The exchange ended with an invitation for better transparency and coordinated contacts between developers and utility providers.
