Committee ponders possible Westshore Road development

The city of Avon Lake is examining potential development on a Westshore Road parcel that could provide more lakefront access opportunities for residents.

The city recently acquired 58 Westshore, located near the intersection of Lake and Moore roads, from Lorain County and is considering what to do with the property. Public Works Director Joe Reitz said Aug. 26 at Avon Lake City Council’s Public Service Committee meeting that

the city has hired Bramhall Engineering of Avon for $12,500 to do a preliminary feasibility study.

The city is presently considering two options: shoreline protection in putting in a break wall; and building an observation deck.

“They’re (Bramhall) going to look at the site and do some preliminary work that we can bring back and discuss in the future,” Reitz said. “Because we bought that property and we also own the right of way for Moore Road, and then there’s a storm outfall there by the water plant.

“We have a great possibility in eventually creating some lakefront access there to be able to walk down the existing steps and ramp that are at the end of Moore Road now and be able to improve that area down below.”

Mayor Greg Zilka said he would like to work with a developer and believes the site has potential.

Zilka said the city needs to take security concerns into consideration in evaluating any potential development with the Avon Lake Regional Water facility next door.

“Even though we think it’s possible to go east from Moore Road and utilize the front of their property, we have to respect the fact that there’s a security concern and that’s their ultimate responsibility,” he said.

The site is in fairly good shape and just needing a cleanup, he said.

“And it would be an exciting thing, you know, as 10-, 12-year-old kids going down there and playing would be wonderful,” Zilka said.

“We all have those memories, you know, down at the lake or at the creek. So it’s a great, great potential there.”

Ward 2 Councilwoman Jennifer Fenderbosch also suggested reaching out to potential developers and getting some feedback on concepts for the overall vision for the area and what is possible.

The Public Service Committee will continue to examine the property after the feasibility study by Bramhall is completed.

KEVIN MARTIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL The city of Avon Lake recently acquired 58 Westshore Road near the intersection of Lake Road and Moore Road and is conducting a feasibility study on potential development options.