The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Board discusses topics on Harbor View Mansion
The city is keeping options open regarding demolition of Harbor View mansion and museum.
A recent discussion between the Vermilion Parks and Recreation Board and administration and a group of concerned citizens on the city’s Harbor View project is keeping the municipality’s options open when it comes to the demolition of the mansion and museum.
Board chairman Terry Parker said during a Jan. 21 meeting that the administration outlined the city’s current status on the project, as well as listed to other ideas presented by the residents in an informal conversation.
“It was a very cordial meeting,” Parker said during the gathering. “We received their input, they heard ours and kind of where the ball is.
“At this point, both the mayor and myself made it very clear, we have a plan. It’s in motion ... They’re good folks. They’re working hard in something they believe in.”
Parker said business plans submitted to the board and administration would be the easiest way to reassess the plans.
The decision for the buildings’ complete demolition was made in December 2017, he said.
“It’s not been a secret,” Parker said. “I think their activity was stimulated by our July discussion that they were going to start fundraising, then all of a sudden, what they hadn’t seen before, they saw.
“They’re fighting the calendar. They have a long way to go, but at least we’ve had good dialogue with them, and we can continue to have good dialogue with them. We’re not fighting with each other.”
Mayor Jim Forthofer said the city’s plans with revitalizing the Main Street beach and dealing with the mansion and museum have been a lengthy effort.
“This is a combination about nine years of continuous meetings, plans, research and architectural appraisals,” Forthofer said during the meeting. “It’s sort of late in the game, but they’re still interested in whatever anyone has to say, as concerned citizens have good hearts.
“But in the end, they need to know whether they can make it work or not.”
Representatives from the board and city’s administration will meet with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy on Jan. 31 to speak in support for the project.
An application has been made for state capital budget money and the city is pursuing several grants to aid in the project, which will require private donation fundraising and local fund matching.
Bathroom options
The city has worked to save $60,000 in 2019 and again in 2020 and an additional $20,000 to finance restrooms for installation on Main Street Beach.
The encumbrance of the funds to the Western Reserve Land Conservancy was approved by the board during the meeting.
“People have had to wait a long time,” Parker said on the bathrooms. “It may not happen this year, but we need to help them (the conservancy) with their fundraising.”