Lorain must use assets for economic boost

Marcy Kaptur, the Ninth District U.S. representative, is a Toledo native but she has an idea of what Lorain could do to become an economic success.

Because of changes to congressional districts a few years ago, Kaptur’s region stretches from Toledo to Cleveland and includes all of Ottawa and Erie counties, and parts of Lucas, Lorain and Cuyahoga counties.

During a Sept. 22 visit to Lorain to talk to her constituents at Crisp Fellowship Hall, Kaptur discussed economic development issues and opportunities for the International City.

The Toledo Democrat, whom voters elected to 18 twoyear terms in Congress, said Lorain needs to look locally at what already is available to rebuild the city’s financial strength.

Kaptur said Fligner’s Market, 1854 Broadway, is one of Lorain’s best kept economic development secrets.

After all, most of its shoppers know Fligner’s touts the largest custom cuts meat counter in the United States.

But Kaptur, who says she loves Fligner’s, believes it is a draw and has the best food, and it’s in Lorain.

Kaptur asked what would happen if Fligner’s were to anchor a new shopping center that would become a tourist attraction, possibly in the downtown area.

Kel Fligner and his son Ben Fligner, who run the daily operations of the grocery store and smoke house, may have other plans, but it may not be a bad idea for them to explore a move closer to downtown, especially if land could become available on the Black River or Lake Erie.

Already, there are several businesses in downtown that are probably doing well financially and others that are not.

If there was a major draw to that downtown like Fligner’s, other enterprises could pop up. The possibilities are endless. Kaptur also told those in attendance she visited the Italian American Benefit Club in Lorain and tasted some of the best food she had ever eaten.

The congresswoman said, “There are recipes here that are worth millions of dollars,” adding the lasagna tasted much better than anything she has tried from the freezer section of a store.

Another topic Kaptur discussed was residents riding their bikes to work.

Kaptur likes the idea of a Hyperloop, which is advanced passenger or freight transportation that travels 380 mph.

Someone could eat breakfast in Lorain, get in the Hyperloop, travel to Chicago, work all day, and return to Lorain in the evening.

Kaptur said the right-of-way for the Ohio Turnpike could be used for the Hyperloop.

She also recommended expanding passenger rail transportation by separating passenger from freight tracks.

Some of these are good ideas, and Lorain leaders should consider some of them to improve the city.

Lorain City Councilwoman Mary Springowski, who also attended the gathering at Crisp Fellowship Hall, said the former St. Joseph’s hospital, across the street from Fligner’s, needs to be torn down to make room for development.

Springowski said in Cleveland, food incubators help business startups prepare food in a professional kitchen to test the market for a recipe.

The incubators also help with licensing, which is a big hurdle for entrepreneurs who would rent space.

Springowski said food trucks could be set up on vacant lots downtown on scheduled days to further test the market.

Downtown Lorain still needs some kind of system of overnight lodging, whether it’s a hotel or a bed and breakfast.

Who knows what will happen to the Broadway Building situated at the corner of Broadway and Erie Avenue. That discussion is still up in the air.

But here’s a solution to the hotel issue.

City Hall could vacate the premises at 200 W. Erie and allow a developer to convert the seven-story building into a hotel overlooking the Black River and Lake Erie.

With as many vacant buildings the city owns, it should be no problem for Mayor Chase Ritenauer and Safety-Service Director Dan Given to find one and relocate municipal operations.

Arts was another topic talked about at the meeting with Kaptur.

Lorain activist Martha Pye said she has long encouraged the community to recognize black artists.

In downtown, Lorain has the Lorain Arts Council, which has several events a year.

Then there’s FireFish, which is presenting its third festival Oct. 6-7, featuring music, fire and arts at the Black River Landing and throughout downtown.

So, a viable arts community must be included in the new Lorain.

It’s time for Lorain to adopt sound plans for economic prosperity.

A few of them emerged from Kaptur’s meeting.