Rep. Miller announces over $5 million for Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program grants in Lorain County

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) announced today that over $5 million in grants for local communities as part of the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program will be coming to Lorain County. These grants will center around cleanup, assessment, and remediation of community projects.

“I am proud of the diligent work of local partners and community leaders to see that these grant applications were completed effectively and convey the desire to redevelop many areas throughout the county. This is an opportunity to continue to move Lorain County forward, and I look forward to seeing these dollars in action,” said Rep. Miller. 

Over $60 million was allocated from the state of Ohio for numerous projects across the state. Additional grants will be awarded as part of this program in the coming months. Summaries of the Lorain County projects compiled by the Ohio Department of Development can be found below:

· Avon Lake – Lake Road Power Plan Property, $300,000 

This property was once occupied by Lake Erie Railroad electric station prior to the construction of the original Avon Lake Power Plant in 1926. Another parcel of the property was used as a gasoline station. Phase I and Phase II Assessment activities will be performed. Assessment activities will result in the closure of power plant and redevelopment for future use in Avon Lake.

· Elyria- Forge 417, $590,000

 This property consists of three buildings, originally constructed in 1873 by the Ely family, the founders of Elyria. Commonly known as the Dixon and Robinson buildings, the buildings have served as a department store, office space, a powerhouse gym, and other offices over the years. The proposed project will engage in selective interior demolition necessary for the abatement of asbestos in areas identified in the asbestos survey throughout the building. After abatement and cleanup, a historic renovation of the buildings of planned to redevelopment the space as an esports area and gaming hub, complete with restaurant and café space, commercial office space, a media production facility, and smart classrooms. There are an anticipated 154 jobs created as a result of the project.

· Lorain- Former St. Joseph Hospital Assessment, $195,750

 This six-acre property was the location of the former St. Joseph Hospital complex. A six-story parking garage, concrete building slabs, and partially demolished concrete structures remain on the property. A Phase I Property Assessment will be performed, and Phase II Assessment activities will be conducted. After assessment the city will consider possible reuses of the site.

·  Lorain- Lorain Pellet Redevelopment, $4,025,899 

This 20-acre property consists of 16 parcels that have seen a variety of uses over the years. The Lorain Pellet Terminal property included a laundry, hotels, saloons, offices, an icehouse, a black smith, and rail yard. Of the three remaining buildings on the property, one, single-story brick building was constructed in 2017 and is in good condition. Cleanup and remediation funds will help the city cleanup known contaminants and hazards on the property and develop a riverfront access trail. The city is considering multiple uses of this property after remediation including a training and conference center and park amenities such as a boat launch, riverwalk, outdoor concert area, and passive recreational greenspace. This redevelopment is part of the large Lorain Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Plan.

·Lorain- Gateway Business Park, $300,000 

  This property has a history of industrial and manufacturing operations since as early as 1874 with existing structures built between 1900 and 1980. Site operations included a cold rolled steel mill, a railroad locomotive roundhouse and a manufacturing facility for heaters and air conditions. Operations ceased in 2001 and the site has been mostly vacant since. Assessment funds will support a Phase II assessment of the property to identify potential environmental contamination. After remediation, property owners plan to renovate or demolish existing buildings and prepare the site for future development.