Economic development focus of new committee

Chardon City Council solidified its stance as probusiness with the recent creation of a new committee.

Council on Feb. 8 agreed to add a standing committee devoted to economic development.

“The Council desires to become more proactive in economic development and promotion of the City of Chardon as a good place to work and conduct business; and … wishes to maintain and increase revenues by retaining current businesses, attracting new businesses and fostering a positive environment for commercial and residential development in the City,” the ordinance reads.

The Economic Development Committee will “advise Council on opportunities for economic development within the municipality and make recommendations to promote and facilitate the operation of existing and new businesses.”

The committee will work with Chardon Square Association, the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce, Chardon Tomorrow and city staff on initiatives.

The idea came about following discussions between Council members Nancy McArthur and Andrew K. Blackley.

“The reality of life in this part of the 21st century is that, for us to remain viable and keep a healthy tax base, we need to work with business and promote business, and have them move into the city,” Blackley said.

McArthur said she got involved in local government for this very reason.

“Sometimes you see development happening accidentally, and it’s always better when it’s planned better,” she said. “And so this is really where my love is, and I think that every city really prospers because of the connections that it has to its businesses.”

She went on to say that they not only add to the economy, but some also serve as sources of entertainment and as gathering places that help foster a sense of community.

“I think everybody has their favorite places they like to go to, and we have a great structure here already,” she said. “It didn’t always used to be that way; we had a lot of vacancies on the square and throughout the city, so we have a lot of opportunity here (and) I’m very excited about this.”

The committee also appeared to serve as a salve for a recently splintered Council. The body broke into a 4-3 split last month over election of its new leader. After some verbal jousting, Jeff Smock won the bid for mayor/Council president over McArthur, who called it a Council “coup.”

At the Feb. 8 meeting, however, there was no sign of animosity when Smock recommended that McArthur chair the new committee.

“That is, I think, appropriate,” he said. “It fills us out with a sixth committee, and Nancy didn’t currently have a committee chair, so this works out very well.”

Christopher Grau was appointed co-chairman.

In addition to looking at potential tools to attract new businesses and aid existing ones, McArthur said plans include visiting local shops for feedback and pursuing Sunday D-6 liquor sales for restaurants in town, to “even the playing field” with competitors.

“Back a few years ago, we created a Revitalization District, which has helped existing and new restaurants obtain a liquor license,” she said. “The Sunday D-6 liquor sales will take that a step further, and I expect that, once Council approves it and we then take the necessary steps, it could be on the ballot this upcoming November.”

McArthur said the committee’s formation is timely as Council will hold a special session at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 22, to hear from representatives of Buxton, a customer analytics company based in Fort Worth, Texas.