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Committee approves recommendation for $150,000 forgivable loan to Horizon Education Centers to build Sandusky childcare center
Summary
The Economic Development Incentive Committee voted July 14 to recommend a $150,000, 0% forgivable loan to Horizon Education Centers to construct a 10,000-square-foot childcare center in Sandusky; the recommendation will be forwarded to the City Commission.
The Economic Development Incentive Committee voted July 14 to recommend that the City of Sandusky provide a $150,000, 0% loan, forgivable after five years, to Horizon Education Centers to build a 10,000-square-foot childcare center on Cleveland Road West.
Colleen, representing city staff, told the committee the fund balance available for economic development loans was $760,744.15 and presented staff’s recommendation: “Staff is recommending a $150,000 0% interest loan payable at the end of a 5 year term.” She said the loan would be secured by a subordinate mortgage on the property at 1625 Cleveland Road West and that the borrower could request forgiveness if the owner achieves the requirement of hiring six full‑time employees and sustains those jobs through the loan term.
Horizon’s proposal, as outlined by staff, calls for a Gold‑rated childcare center with capacity for about 180 children aged 18 months to 12 years, age‑appropriate playgrounds, a splash pad and outdoor classroom. Construction was described as scheduled to begin in October with an anticipated opening in July 2027. Total project costs were listed at about $3.95 million, including construction and fixtures; staff said roughly $1.1 million in philanthropic support has been secured and that the owner has a construction loan from Consumers National Bank.
Committee members asked for clarification about the site and permitting. Colleen said the project has gone through required city reviews and is in the permitting process, and she described the parcel as located on the westbound side of Cleveland Road between local landmarks cited during the meeting. She also confirmed the applicant is a 501(c)(3) entity and that the city will require project expense documentation and a mortgage lien prior to disbursing funds.
A committee member moved to approve the $150,000 contribution as a 0% forgivable loan; the motion was seconded. During individual roll‑call voting, Paul Cook, Abby Bemis, Michelle Reeder and Stuart Hastings voted yes and the committee approved the recommendation. Colleen said the item will go to the City Commission for final action.
The committee recorded no public comments on the item. The committee’s next scheduled meeting is Sept. 8, 2026.
