The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Mayors like what they see with cities’ growth
Construction projects consistently develop in cities as their communities strive for growth, according to Rob Ford, systems analyst at the Lorain County Auditor’s Office.
From January approaching into early June of this year, Lorain County had over $100 million in more than 600 new building permits, according to a list of all communities provided by Ford.
Many of these building permits can pertain to businesses or homes coming into newly constructed or renovated buildings.
The cities with the highest amount of construction for new homes or businesses so far are North Ridgeville at 128 new permits, Avon at 88 and Lorain at 77.
Ford said these numbers can change any day as new buildings or renovations are requested.
The mayors of the three communities shared their thoughts on the new construction that is or will be taking place as the first part of the year winds down.
Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer said he is seeing more business coming to the city.
The city is welcoming more housing in urban areas and retail construction projects, while
demolishing unwanted or unsafe buildings.
Ritenauer shared that businesses such as Camaco Auto Parts are expanding on the city’s east side while new businesses make home and renovations off of Broadway.
He introduced that new businesses will be taking over vacant properties and making expansions such as the Spitzer Hotel.
All new construction projects are looking to add more jobs to the city, he added.
Employment will also grow with the south side’s reproduction of the steel mill, he said.
“We’re very anticipated for what’s to come in the future of the county’s biggest city,” Ritenauer said. “All areas are starting to come together. I hope that continues to bring more opportunity in the future and years to come.”
North Ridgeville Mayor G. David Gillock said his city has consistently led in new construction projects in the state outside of Columbus.
Each year the city leads with about 200 homes a year, he said.
The city is continuing to build new residential projects such as developments and assisted living facilities, Gillock said.
Much opportunity is continuing to come after the new University Hospitals North Ridgeville center was built as well as the city’s new North Ridgeville Academic School, he added.
There are not only new developments, but a removal of older buildings that may have been an “eye sore,” to some.
“There’s a lot going on,” he said. “These changes are being made in the landscape of the city.”
Gillock added this will be good for all residents and he has received good responses from them.
Mayor Bryan Jensen said Avon has become really fortunate with what’s coming to the city.
He said there are housing projects coming along, which he is happy to have, but would like to strive for better road improvements and infrastructure.
However, the city’s growth overall is at a good pace, he said.
There are many new businesses that have just opened like Deluth Trading Company and Play CLE, which have brought attention to new businesses onto Interstate 90, Jensen said.
Avon is welcoming businesses such as Main Event Entertainment, Swensons Drive-Thru restaurant, Ashley furniture, Planet Fitness and a Dunkin’ Donuts appline used with phones.
Jensen said he thinks its great to welcome all new businesses to the area for growth.
He added that it’s nice people are risking large sums of money to move to their town, which can then lead to more revenue for any other improvements in the city.
“We have all things coming along, although all of it may seem tough with traffic,” Jensen said before explaining that any issue has been discussed with city departments.
Jensen expressed the future continues to look bright for Avon.
“There’s a lot going on.”
— North Ridgeville Mayor G. David Gillock