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Council approves Silver Hills redevelopment and TIF; some members press impact questions
Summary
Council approved transfer and TIF ordinances for the Silver Hills Lorain redevelopment, creating a tax increment fund and authorizing service payments in lieu of taxes; council discussed school impacts and financing and recorded unanimous passage after explanation that Amherst Schools were included.
Council voted to approve a transfer agreement with Silver Hills Lorain LLC and a companion tax-increment financing ordinance on July 6, 2026, moving forward with a redevelopment expected to add 172 housing units. The TIF ordinance authorizes a period of tax exemption tied to service payments in lieu of taxes and establishes the Silver Hills Urban Redevelopment Tax Increment Equivalent Fund under Ohio Revised Code Sections 5709.41–5709.43. The council suspended statutory reading rules and passed both measures unanimously.
Councilmember Thornsberry raised concerns about what the city and schools would forgo under a private TIF, asking, “is what we are giving up, worth what we are getting?” Director Matt Kusznir responded that Amherst Schools were involved early and would be made whole in the TIF structure, and Mayor Bradley noted the project includes 172 housing units and that TIF funds can be used for infrastructure repairs. The recorded vote was 11–0 in favor.
