What's New: Current Projects: Shoreline Parks in Danger in Sandusky, Ohio

Shoreline Parks in Danger in Sandusky, Ohio

Save Our Shoreline Parks

Sandusky Ohio is located on the shores of Lake Eerie. The areas around the North/Northeast shore of Lake Eerie known as East Battery Park, were deeded to the city in 1818 to be open for the enjoyment of all city residents. Although there have been numerous challenges and interpretations over the years, the area remains largely open space following the 1975 Battery Park and Marina Master Plan recommendations and includes public amenities such as tennis courts, a skate park, public picnic area, play equipment, walking/bike trail, several public access points to Sandusky Bay and a "Special Event Complex" the Sandusky Bay Pavilion (SBP) (formerly a wave action pool). In 2008, special events held at the SBP brought 14,000 locals and tourists to downtown Sandusky. The SBP was constructed in the early 1980s with funding from the National Park Service?s Land and Water Conservation Fund. Millions in local, state and federal dollars have been spent over the years on public improvements at East Battery Park and Sandusky Bay Pavilion.

At this time, however, there is a serious attempt to turn much of the public park over to private developers who would limit public access. The City Commissioners have already voted to enter into an agreement with the developer of what is being called ?the Marina District?. If the developer is allowed to proceed, the historic open shoreline/park will be forever compromised. The Marina District Project proposal will place 300 Condominiums (8 to 10 stories tall), a 150 room Hotel, private pools, approximately 25,000 sq. ft. of retail/commercial space and parking within the 30 acre park area. This would create a barrier affect between the development and the main transportation route. The remaining public green space will literally be the backyards of the condominium residents. Phase One of the development includes approximately 112 condominiums and retail/commercial on the Sandusky Bay Pavilion site.

What has been done: At a time when many Lake Erie waterfront communities are purchasing private property along their waterfronts for public use, Sandusky seems destined to move backwards. A group of citizens has organized ?Save Our Shoreline Parks? (formerly Citizens for Responsive Government) to protest the loss of this public parkland. SOSP has attended local government meetings and attempted to persuade the City Commissioners to move the Marina District development project to prime vacant industrial sites along our waterfront. They have encouraged the City Commission to challenge developers to finish numerous private unfinished condominium projects on or near Sandusky's waterfront before going forward with yet another development. SOSP has given presentations on "smart growth" to show what other Lake Erie communities are doing with their waterfronts to make use of best design practices when developing private uses "on the other side of the street" from public waterfront access areas.

The City Commission has declined SOSP's offers of alternative development ideas. SOSP circulated Referendum Petitions to create a binding civic vote on whether the Marina District developer agreement should be ratified or not and gathered 1500 signatures in just 11 days. On December 22, 2008, the City Commission voted to repeal the Referendum Legislation thereby canceling the Referendum Public Vote. New Marina District legislation was then passed as an "emergency" which meant that the legislation permitting the development would go into effect immediately with no mechanism for a public vote.

Improve the Park ? Don't Destroy It! The Marina District Development proposal is a travesty that would destroy a popular park and deny the public its lawful access through this parkland. There are many other better ideas for the use of this space that would honor the intention of the gift of this land to the City of Sandusky. Redevelopment of these areas into an "iconic park" would draw many more visitors to Downtown Sandusky than the proposed waterfront condominiums. SOSP has suggested that the City follow its own 2007 Sandusky Parks and Recreation Master Plan and seek State, Federal and local foundation grants to improve and/or reconfigure the Sandusky Bay Pavilion to include a band stage, event seating, concessionaires, restroom facilities and an improved and expanded special event area. The existing Skate Park should be expanded and upgraded to facilitate more use. Finally, the Battery Park Picnic Area should be expanded to include a larger playground area, with fountains, sculptures, new grills, and picnic tables and dead trees should be thinned to make the area safer and more visually appealing.

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