ERIE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION METROPOLITAN …€¦ · Summer 2016 Page 5 Community Planning...

ERIE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

& METROPOLITAN

PLANNING ORGANIZATION

Summer Annual Report 2016

Summer 2016

Table Of Contents:

—Department Information

—Community Development

—Erie County Land Bank

—Economic Development

—Metropolitan Planning Organization

—Other Projects & Activities

Summer Quarterly Report

—Department Information………………..3 —Community Development…………….….5-7 —Erie County Land Bank…………………….9-10 —Economic development……………..……..11 —Metropolitan Planning Organization….12-18 —Other Projects and Activities….………..19-21

Table of Contents

Summer Quarterly Report Erie County Department of Regional Planning and Development

Metropolitan Planning Organization

Fall 2013 Page 3

Officers of ERPC Metropolitan

Planning Organization

(MPO): Chair:

Tom Ferrell

Vice-Chair:

Tim Coleman

Secretary: Nicole Grohe

Erie County Regional Planning Commission

What Can We Do For You? We would be more than happy to assist with…

Planning Services Zoning Code/Resolution Development and

Revisions/Updates

Subdivision Regulations Development and Revision/Updates

Comprehensive Planning

Special Planning Studies

Planning Research

Downtown Revitalization Activities

Legal Opinions on Zoning and Planning Issues

Newsletters with Planning Information

Grant Search Assistance and Writing

Zoning Code/Resolution Reproduction Services

Subdivision Review for Unincorporated Areas

Lot Split Review and Approval

Rezoning Review for Zoning Changes in Unincorporated Areas

Census Bureau Programs

Floodplain Program Administration

Economic Development Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program

Administration for Industrial Developments

Community Reinvestment Areas (CRA)

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Administration

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

Grant Search Assistance and Writing

Housing & Community Development

Services Community Development Block Grant

(CDBG) Program Administration

Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) Administration

Fair Housing Services

Handicapped Access Improvements to Residential Units

Mapping/GIS/Computer Services

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Access

Zoning Map Maintenance and Reproduction

Specialized Maps for Documents or Presentations

Assistance with Preparation of Documents or Presentations

Officers of Erie

Regional Planning

Commission (ERPC):

President:

Dave Foster

Vice-President:

John Fox

Secretary:

Tim King

2016

Summer 2016

Summer 2016

STAFF

Contact Information:

419.627.7792 Monday-Friday

8:00 AM-4:30 PM [email protected]

2900 Columbus Avenue Sandusky, Ohio 44870

Transportation MPO

Policy & Technical Advisory

Committees

Senior Planner

Tim King Senior Transportation

Planning Engineer

Carrie Whitaker

Associate Planner

Nicole Grohe

Financial Economic Development Specialist

Zach Rospert

Planning and Development Director

Steve Poggiali

Erie Regional

Planning

Commission (ERPC)

Contracted by Erie County

Administrative Assistant Cindy Walker

County Administrator

Pete Daniel

Erie County

Commissioners

Flowchart of Erie County

Regional Planning

Summer 2016

Community Planning

News In Planning: U.S. Rental Rates Surge: According to the May 2016 issue of Planning, the number of renter households in the United States grew by almost nine million between 2005 and 2015. The Planning article cites a report by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies indicating it is the largest increase during any 10-year period on record. The Harvard report found several reasons for the increase including owners who become renters because of home foreclosures, those 50 and over and millennials either reaching the age to rent or delaying the purchase of their first home. The study also finds that even with the addition of over one million net new renter households per year since 2010, the nation is still struggling to meet demand. Denver Real Estate Developer Bruce Garfield stated “there is an appeal to renting and younger renters often want the flexibility to follow a new job or move to another city. Garfield also noted, many baby boomers looking for low-maintenance living wan the same flexibility for extended travel or to visit grandkids. Adding to the attraction is that many of today’s rentals are being built in downtowns and popular neighborhoods with all the popular amenities. While the recent surge in rental housing is expected to slow, the results of the shift in housing remains to be seen. However, the Harvard report notes that just to cover adult population growth, the U.S. will need to create an additional 4.4 million rental units by 2025.

Summer 2016

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program: The Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) Program provides funding to local governments to improve and provide affordable housing for low- and moderate-income citizens. CHIP funds are distributed in one competitive funding round from the state of Ohio. Communities are allowed to submit only one application in any application round. The Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) Program funding allows communities to undertake housing-related activities, including necessary infrastructure improvements. CHIP grants to communities encourage flexible, community-wide approach to improving and providing affordable housing and strengthening neighborhoods through community collaboration. CHIP grants are funded in two-year grant cycles. Currently planning staff are working to finalize the 2014 grant application which partnered Erie County with the City of Vermilion. Absent the partnership with the City of Vermilion Erie County would have been prohibited from applying in the 2014 funding round. The partnership divides the funding between the two political jurisdictions as follows; 54% or $308,000 for the City of Vermilion and 46% or $267,000 for Erie County. Historically Erie County’s housing stock is older than both the state and national average. But with the assistance of the state Office of Community Development the Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program (CHIP) has infused new life into some old homes. Since 1995 Erie County has received just under $5 million in CHIP funding to help rebuild the housing stock of our low and moderate income population from Bayview to Vermilion. New roofs, furnaces and wheelchair ramps have helped our residents stay in and get in their homes. The 2014 CHIP application was funded for a total of $575,000. Erie County was awarded $400,000 in the spring of 2013, which was the grant ceiling. The 2013 grant has expired and is in the process of being closed out. The 2014 grant will keep the CHIP program rolling along until the end of October 2016. All told Erie County has been awarded $4,747,000 in CHIP funding starting in 1995 for an average allocation of $527,444. Erie County has prepared another CHIP grant which partners the City of Vermilion and the City of Huron. This collaboration allowed the partnership to apply for $1,150,000 in home rehab dollars. This newest application was submitted to the state of Ohio in early May with an expected award notice during the fall of 2016. Funds through the 2014 CHIP grant are still available. If you or someone you know needs home rehabilitation assistance, and lives outside the city of Sandusky, please contact our office so we can mail you an application. The CHIP Hotline is 419.627.7792 or toll free at 888.399.6065

Summer 2016


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) UPDATE: The CDBG program works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our community and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. CDBG is an important tool to help local governments tackle serious challenges facing our communities. The CDBG program has made a difference in the lives of millions of people and their communities across the Nation. Each year Erie County receives an allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The grant is awarded to Erie County on a formula basis through the state of Ohio and may be used for a wide range of activities. The formula is based on a statutory formula which takes into account population, poverty, incidence of overcrowded housing, and age of housing. CDBG funds are available only to political jurisdictions and non-profit organizations, not to individuals. State regulations require that at least 51% of Erie County’s CDBG funds must be used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Uses of the funds are determined by Erie County, following a thorough comprehensive strategic planning process, which includes an application process and at least two annual citizen participation meetings. This year Erie County’s allocation is $126,000 and submitted to the state of Ohio in June. The CDBG allocation to Erie County in 2015 was down significantly due to cuts at the federal level. Erie County’s allocation was at an all-time low of $84,000, a reduction of 27% from 2014. During the 2015 CDBG cycle projects submitted to and approved by the state included the following; Erie County is partnering with Perkins Township to make playground equipment at Strickfaden

Park ADA compliant utilizing CDBG funds. Both environmental and historic conditions on the project

site have been cleared by the state. The project has been bid, with the lowest bid being awarded the contract. Construction on the project will begin as soon as the contract is executed with an anticipated completion date of July 31, 2016.

The Village of Kelleys Island has an existing concrete ADA ramp into the Village Administration

Building which is deteriorated, cracked and crumbling. Erie County will partner with the Village and CDBG funds will be used to demolish and replace the existing with a new ramp. Both environmental and historic issues on the project have been cleared by the state bid. Renovations are expected to begin in June with a project completion date of July 31st.

Once again the Erie County Commissioners have demonstrated their support of the Volunteers

of America Homeless Shelter by providing CDBG operational funds to the Shelter. Funds will be distributed to the VOA throughout 2016 and will help feed and house our homeless residents.

The CDBG allocation to Erie County for 2016 bounced back 33% to $126,000 over 2015’s allocation of $84,000. Projects that are proposed to be funded in the 2016 CDBG grant application include the following; Volunteers of America Operations $19,000 Perkins Township ADA Playground $36,800 ACORN Summer Youth Jobs $10,000 Meals On Wheels Facility Improvements $35,000 A grant agreement with the state of Ohio for the above noted projects should be executed in the fall of 2016. Once these projects receive both historic and environmental review clearances the projects should commence in the spring of 2017.

Summer 2016


Critical Infrastructure Grant: Generally Critical Infrastructure grant projects are designed to assist applicant communities with high-priority, single-component projects such as roads, flood and drainage and other public infrastructure improvements with a high community-wide impact. The Village of Milan’s Indian Acres Subdivision has recurring flooding issues. In an attempt to elevate this environmental and safety hazard Erie County will partner with the Village in applying for $300,000 in assistance from the state of Ohio’s Critical Infrastructure Grant program. This competitive grant application is due the state of Ohio on June 17th and proposes to install a storm water system to reduce the instances of this damaging flooding. If funded a grant agreement with the state would be executed this fall with a projected construction start in the spring 2017. Downtown Revitalization Grant (DTR): The Downtown Revitalization Grant (DTR) will partner Erie County with the City of Vermilion to fund renovations to downtown businesses. Specifically projects will target the Vermilion Central Business District and improvements will include; Improvements to blighted streetscapes Rehabilitation of deteriorated building facades and address building code violations The DTR grant application will request the maximum dollar amount allowed by regulation or $300,000 in funding. This competitive grant application is due to the state of Ohio in June and awards are expected to be announced this fall with improvements beginning next spring.

Summer 2016

LAND BANK

News in Land Banking: Additional Hardest Hit Funds Earmarked for Ohio Blight Fight: Labeled a Disappointment by Critics: The U.S. Treasury Department gave an additional $1 billion to 13 states in the latest round of funding. Ohio continues to have one of the nation’s worst foreclosure rates. Ohio had already received nearly $98 million in federal Hardest Hit Funds in February. In March, Ohio applied for an additional $250 million in federal Hardest Hit Funds, which would allow the state to develop programs to assist struggling homeowners and battle blight. Ohio was awarded $94 million, only 38 percent of its potential maximum, ranking it ninth, well behind Michigan's 75 percent. Ohio’s request was weighted heavily toward housing demolition and federal officials didn’t think the state, based on past and projected demolition spending rates, could spend it all by the 2020 deadline. The final request submitted by Ohio contained a 90 - 10 split between demolition and mortgage assistance programming. Earlier draft applications had requested $74.3 million for mortgage assistance and $141 million for vacant-housing demolition. That was a 35-65 split, when discounting administration costs. Critics opine that the Treasury may have scored Ohio higher had state officials stuck to those numbers. Housing advocates and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown vented frustration when Ohio lost out on potentially tens of millions in federal foreclosure prevention dollars. “To have another opportunity to take a big bite out of these problems and fumble the ball like this is just unbelievably frustrating,” said Bill Faith, executive director of the Ohio Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. “It’s so hard to find resources to help homeowners on the edge facing a foreclosure that’s unnecessary.” Brown said in a statement. “I am very disappointed to see Ohio leave money on the table when so much more work needs to be done to clean up abandoned buildings and help keep people in their homes.” Jim Rokakis, vice president of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, has been key in setting up land banks for vacant housing demolition across the state and pushed to get the $2 billion in federal funding. While he said it’s good that Ohio got $192 million of that money, he’s disappointed in what could have been. “I think we left a lot of money on the table, and nobody likes to leave money on the table,” he said, adding that less money will impact larger cities the most.

Status of Ohio Land Banks: Effective September 29, 2015, the state legislature voted to eliminate the 60,000 population threshold for counties wishing to establish land banks, thereby extending land-banking authority to every county in Ohio. The move doubled – from 44 to 88 – the number of counties eligible to form a land bank. Of critical importance is the fact that only counties with established Land Banks will be eligible to apply for future demolition grant opportunities coming from the Federal Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund. Ohio has secured over $192 million of Hardest Hit Funds that will be split between demolition and blight removal activities and homeowner assistance programs, designed to help Ohioans facing foreclosure. Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s Thriving Communities Institute President Jim Rokakis, has been a driving force in the establishment of Ohio’s Land bank program. To date, Ohio now has 32 counties with established Land Bank programs while another 21 counties have expressed interest in getting a Land Bank established.

Summer 2016

LAND BANK/ECONOMIC PLANNING

News in Economic Planning: The Erie County Commissioners followed the recommendations of the Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC), and approved the continuation of all active tax incentives in Erie County. Regional Planning staff submitted updated project investment and employment numbers to Ohio Development Services agency prior to the March 31, 2016 deadline.

Vermilion Awarded Ohio EPA Targeted Brownfield Assessment Grant: The City of Vermilion, in partnership with the Erie County Land Bank, has been awarded a Targeted Brownfield Assessment Grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). This Grant will be used to perform a Voluntary Action Plan (VAP) Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of the former Fulper Auto Parts site located at 5599 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion. Utilizing funding provided by U.S. EPA and the state budget, Ohio EPA uses both private contractors and its own in-house field staff to provide environmental services at brownfield sites to encourage brownfield redevelopment in Ohio’s communities. Ohio EPA pays all costs directly and oversees its contractors, freeing up local resources for other important job duties. The VAP Phase I Assessment is a requirement in order for the City to apply for an Abandoned Gas Station Cleanup Grant offered through the Ohio Development Services Agency.

Summer 2016

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF): Erie County Revolving Loan (RLF) fund offers a loan program with favorable rates to new and existing businesses located or considering locating within the County. The program is designed to fill the gap between the owner’s equity and a private lender loan. Therefore, most of the loans are made to those who have exhausted all other financing avenues. The loan cannot exceed 50% of the entire budget or cost and there is a job creation requirement affiliated with each loan. The RLF loan can be used in concert with other local, state, and federal loan programs. All monies from the County’s RLF are generated by repayments from businesses that have received financial assistance on Community Development Block Grant Economic Development (CDBG ED) projects. County staff and an outside RLF Committee evaluate all requests and make recommendations regarding loan proposals. Anyone interested in the RLF loan program should contact the Regional Planning Commission at 419.627.7792.

Ohio Enterprise Zone Program: The Ohio Enterprise Zone Program is another economic development tool administered by municipal and county governments that provides real and personal property tax exemptions to businesses making investments in Ohio. While Erie County is certified as an active Enterprise Zone, businesses must first negotiate and have any abatement approved before the project can begin. The maximum exemption level of 100% for 15 years must be approved by the local school district.

Community Reinvestment Areas: The Ohio Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Program is an economic development tool administered by municipal and county governments that provides real property tax exemptions to business making investments in Ohio. In order to use the CRA program, a city, village or county petitions to the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) for confirmation of a geographical area in which investment has traditionally been discouraged. Part of the petition reviewed by the ODSA is a survey performed by the respective political subdivision. Once an area is confirmed, communities may offer real property tax exemptions to tax payers that invest in the area.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is another economic development mechanism available to township, municipal or county governments to finance public infrastructure improvements and, in some circumstances, residential rehabilitation. Payments derived from the increased assessed value of any real property are directed into a separate fund (often referred to as Payments in Lieu of Tax “PILOT”) used to pay off the bonds associated with the financing of the improvements.

Summer 2016

News in Transportation Planning-Bicyclist and Distracted Driving: Distracted biking- is it a problem? Do we need special laws to block cyclists from riding with earbuds or using handheld smartphones? Several cities or states have already banned cyclists' use of handheld devices or headsets while riding. Those in favor of bike-specific legislation say bikers should play by the same rules as every other road user. Seven states—California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island and Virginia—specifically include bicyclists in their laws restricting or banning the use of headsets or earplugs. An eighth state, Pennsylvania, prohibits people driving vehicles from using headsets, a prohibition that likely applies to bicycles, which are defined as vehicles in that state. Chicago, Philadelphia and Bozeman, Montana, are among the cities that have passed laws prohibiting cyclists from using handhelds. So what types of regulations and fees are there? Delaware bars cyclists from wearing earplugs or headsets covering both ears. Maryland does the same, except when cyclists are riding on bike paths. In Rhode Island, bikers or drivers who wear earphones, headsets or other listening devices are subject to an $85 fine for a first offense, $95 for a second and $140 for a third or subsequent offense. The state does allow the use of cellphone headsets that provide sound through just one ear. Is it fair? The number of serious crashes in the U.S. caused by distracted biking is miniscule in comparison to other vehicle crashes. Researchers in New York recently conducted a study on technology-related distracted bicycling and helmet use among 25,000 cyclists. They found a relatively low rate of technology distraction. Many cyclists, for example, mount cellphones on their handlebars and use them as training devices, with apps that track everything from speed to revolutions per minute, and they shouldn’t be penalized. And cyclists using cellphones or wearing headsets are more likely than drivers to be arbitrarily targeted by police because they are more visible. Will enforcement of this really solve a significant safety concern or will it be another law that is just on the book and not enforced? It will be interesting to see if this becomes a national safety trend or if it will fizzle out in the future.

Adapted from https://www.bikelaw.com/2015/11/19/distracted-biking-focusing-on-the-mole-hill-rather-than-the-mountain/

http://www.govtech.com/transportation/Cities-and-States-Try-to-Crack-Down-on-Distracted-Bicycling.html

METROPOLITIAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

Bike Rodeo Kit Available For Loan: Erie County Regional Planning has a bike rodeo kit which is available for loan. Funds for the kit were provided by the Erie County Community, Wightman Wieber and Dorn Foundations. The kit includes a manual on how to conduct a bike rodeo, cones, safety vests, signs and other materials that can be used towards an event. Please call 419.627.7792 if interested or e-mail [email protected]

Summer 2016

News in Transportation Planning– Battling Traffic Fatalities: The battle to reduce traffic fatalities may have hit a roadblock after showing impressive results over the past several years. The latest federal estimates show an 8% uptick in traffic deaths over the first half of 2015 compared to the prior year. While the projection covers a short time period, it’s the highest first-half tally since 2009. Traffic safety advocates point to two main factors behind the increase. One is the improving economy, as Americans are traveling more. The other likely culprit is the wide variance in state laws that, according to advocates, aren’t doing nearly enough to curb fatalities. When the economy took a downturn, so too did traffic deaths. But economic recoveries generally coincide with higher fatality rates because families have more discretionary income, take extra vacations and travel more on weekends. Parents also tend to purchase more cars for teenagers, who face the highest risk of accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the vast majority (94%) of fatal crashes are caused by human error.

One of the most effective strategies in saving lives is getting motorists to buckle up. While seat belt use has climbed significantly over the past several decades, states without strict seat belt laws lag behind. The 34 states that treat failure to wear seat belts as a primary offense report average seat belt usage rates about 10% higher than those in other states. If everyone wore a seat belt, according to NHTSA estimates, an additional 2,800 lives could have been saved in 2013.

Helmet laws for motorcyclists also have been a priority for public health and safety advocates. Nineteen states currently require all motorcyclists to wear helmets, while most others maintain more limited laws. No state enacted a new helmet law last year, and lawmakers in 10 states introduced legislation that would have repealed existing helmet mandates. About 96% of motorcyclists wear helmets in states where all riders are required to wear them, compared to just 51% in other states, according to a 2014 NHTSA survey.

Ignition interlock devices have been shown to reduce repeat DWI offenses by 70%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Half of the states mandate installation of the devices on vehicles for all drunk driving offenders. These motorists account for about a 1/3 of traffic deaths nationally.

http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-traffic-fatalities-rising.html


MPO Overview: As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Sandusky Urbanized Area, the ERPC is the designated agency responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive, coordinated and continuing transportation planning process. This “3-C” process has been adopted to ensure that the region’s local transportation network continues to be developed cognizant of various land use patterns, and one in which the safe and efficient movement of goods and people is paramount. The agency’s transportation planning activities are predicated on a predetermined committee structure which includes the Policy Committee and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The Policy Committee is comprised mostly of local elected officials who meet on a regular basis in order to determine transportation needs and improvement schedules. The TAC, which reports to the Policy Committee, represents a cross section of technical expertise that meets to evaluate and review policies and applications before they appear before the Policy Committee. The MPO also involves the general public into the planning processes. In order to ensure input and community involvement, the agency utilizes the services of its Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and other ad-hoc advisory committees. The MPO also receives valuable input from its Safety Review and Improvement Committee. The MPO’s responsibility to further an integrated transportation plan for the region is a difficult task which requires an informed decision making process involving a diverse cross section of representatives from the community. These committees associated with the MPO meet on a regular basis to give guidance to those projects and policies implemented through the MPO. These committees also work to ensure greater public outreach and comment as a component of future MPO projects.

Summer 2016


Technical Advisory Committee Members (TAC): Andy Johns-Federal Highway Administration Aaron Klein- City of Sandusky Engineer

Jack Meyers-Erie County Sanitary Engineer Andy White-City of Huron, City Manager

Tony Valerius-City of Vermilion Mike Schafrath-ODOT D3

Dave Foster-ERPC Jack Farschman-Erie County Engineer

Gary Mortus-Utility Representative Marvin Ranaldson -Sandusky Transit (STS) Gary Boyle-Perkins Township Administrator

Robert England-Erie County Health Department Eric Dodrill-Erie Soil & Water

Abbey Bemis- Erie Co. Economic Matt Lasko- Sandusky Comm. Develop. Director

Development Corp. Director Amy Moore-Erie Metro Parks

Policy Committee Members: Tom Ferrell-Erie County Commissioner Aaron Klein-City of Sandusky Engineer

Eric Wobser City of Sandusky City Manager Jack Farschman-Erie County Engineer

Dennis Murray-Ex-Officio Mayor, City of Sandusky Eileen Bulan -City of Vermilion, Mayor

Gary Boyle-Perkins Township Paul Sigsworth-Erie County Sheriff

Mike Schafrath-ODOT D3 Andy Johns-Federal Highway Administration

Angela Byington -City of Sandusky Sam Artino -City of Huron

Andrew Shepler-ODOT, Central Office

Summer 2016


Online Traffic Count Database: Each year ERPC staff completes traffic counts on roadways across the MPO region. Upon completion of the counts, staff downloads the count data to its online database. The ERPC Traffic Count Database (TCDS) is a web based program with a user-friendly interface to allow access to available traffic count data. The user may search the database either using a search option or by using a map viewer to find count data at a specific location. The ERPC TCDS can be accessed at http://erie.ms2soft.com/tcds/tsearch.asp?loc=Erie&mod= . Additionally, the Ohio Department of Transportation has recently developed an online count database called the Traffic Monitoring Management System (TMMS) which utilizes the same software as ERPC’s TCDS. The ODOT database currently only houses traffic count data as collected by ODOT staff; however, future plans include investigating how the ODOT database could interface with the ERPC database. To access the ODOT online traffic count database visit: http://odot.ms2soft.com/tcds/tsearch.asp?loc=Odot&mod=

Transportation Improvement Plan:

Summer 2016

News in Transportation Planning: ERPC Planning Involvement at the State Level: Erie Regional Planning Commission (ERPC) staff continues to be active at the State level on numerous fronts. Currently, staff is involved with the Ohio Association of Regional Councils (OARC) as the Chairman of the Transportation Directors Committee and as a member of the Policy Committee. The Transportation Directors are made up of Directors from the 18 Metropolitan Planning Organizations in Ohio. They meet on a bi-monthly basis to discuss all issues associated with transportation planning and funding of transportation projects. The Policy Committee meets on a monthly basis to discuss and prioritize which legislation the organization should consider supporting or opposing. In some cases the Policy Committee will also decide to testify on a specific bill. The OARC is comprised of 23 agencies serving more than 1,500 municipalities, townships, villages and counties accounting for 10.5 million people across the state of Ohio. The organization tackles a variety of regional issues facing local communities including transportation, economic development, land use, housing, environment, aging services and energy. ERPC staff is also involved as a member of the Ohio Transportation Engineering Conference (OTEC) Steering Committee. The Conference is a joint effort between the Ohio State University (OSU) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The OTEC theme this year is “OTEC 2016: 70 years of Innovation and Beyond.” The conference is scheduled for October 25th and 26th at the Greater Columbus Convention Center with 4,000 people expected to attend.



Summer 2016

Safe Routes to School (SRTS): Safe Routes to School (SRTS): The 2016 ODOT application cycle for the Safe Routes to School Grant Program began in January and ended March 4th. Many local jurisdictions (City of Sandusky, Perkins Township, City of Huron, and Village of Milan) submitted applications for funding to implement projects that were identified in their approved School Travel Plans. The purpose of the SRTS program is to encourage and provide students grades K-8 with safe routes they can use to travel to school. The national program was first initiated in 2003 and has since been carried forward in subsequent federal transportation bills. In Ohio, the federally funded program is overseen by the Ohio Department of Transportation and each District Office provides a liaison for their specific region. It was anticipated ODOT would announce the funding awards in May, but at the time of this writing, no award announcement has yet been made. Staff will continue to monitor ODOT news for any announcements on award funding. For more information on the SRTS program, visit the ODOT website at: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/ProgramManagement/HighwaySafety/ActiveTransportation/Pages/SRTS.aspx Additionally in 2016, staff has been working with the City of Vermilion and Vermilion Local School District on completing an update to their existing School Travel Plan. The travel plan is necessary to better identify what countermeasures are needed to increase safe travel for students and to help with implementation of those strategies. A public meeting will be held on June 6, 2016 at 6:30 PM at the City of Vermilion Municipal Complex to review the draft school travel plan update. The draft plan update is also available for review on ERPC’s website at: http://www.eriecounty.oh.gov/departments-and-agencies/economic-development/erie-regional-planning-commission/ .

Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail (LECT): The Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail is a 293 mile route from Conneaut, Ohio to Toledo, Ohio that travels along the southern shore of Lake Erie. The trail is a federally designated scenic byway and a staff completed the Corridor Management Plan (CMP) update in June 2015 to ensure it would maintain that designation. The 2015 CMP identifies intrinsic qualities that are unique to the trail and also provides recommendations for enhancing and promoting the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail. Since the CMP update, staff began working with representatives from the other four Metropolitan Planning Organizations that portions of the trail traverses. Those agencies are the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), Eastgate Regional Council of Governments (Eastgate), and the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG). This coordinating committee is responsible for overseeing implementation of the CMP’s recommendations. As such, one project that the group was initiated in 2016 is the development of a mobile application for the LECT. Previously awarded federal scenic byway discretionary funding is being utilized to fund the project. Staff envisions that app users will be able to view the 293 mile trail route with directions; while also being able to access information (including location) of specific sites that are located along the route. The project is expected to be completed around fall of 2016. Stay tuned to the Planning Press for future updates on this exciting project!


Summer 2016

Active Transportation Month/Bike Erie County Recap: This year marks the 4th Annual Active Transportation Month for the MPO. The following are some of the activities that occurred: Countywide Bike Rodeo Partnered with Metro Parks and Health Department Just Walk program Erie County employee luncheon Coloring contest Wightman Wieber booth Educational booths at the Service Center and Office Building

Summer 2016

Other County Projects and Activities

Main Street: Regional Planning staff continues to participate with the Main Street organization in the City of Sandusky and Vermilion. Both organizations are designated Main Street Programs that have earned the coveted National Main Street Community title. The local not-for-profit organizations provide leadership, education and economic development initiatives to the membership as well as the community as a whole. Regional Planning staff continues assisting the City of Vermilion in applying for grant applications.

Bayfront Corridor Committee:

Erie Regional Planning Staff also serve on the City of Sandusky Bayfront Corridor Committee. The group meets each month on the third Thursday to discuss a number of issues relative to development along the City of Sandusky waterfront. Topics discussed include the Paper District, transient marina project, the development of the properties west of the Paper District, Lions Park redevelopment, infrastructure and beautification projects, parking, Sandusky Bay Pathway and other related development and recreation projects associated with the Bayfront Corridor.

Erie County Community Council:

ERPC staff also attends Erie County Community Council. Community Council meetings allow staff to share with other social service groups what programs the department has available.

GIS Advisory Board: Staff continues to attend the Erie County GIS Advisory Board. The GIS Board advises county staff on GIS services.

Summer 2016


Clean Water Coalition:

Staff is also active in the Clean Water Coalition. The Clean Water Coalition (CWC) formally known as the Storm Water Committee is made up of multiple municipalities and agencies in Erie county. The goals of the CWC are to protect our water resources, storm water education, enhance economic growth in Erie County and comply with Ohio EPA’s Phase II Storm Water Program.

The Firelands Partnership: Staff continues to serve on the Steering Committee of the Firelands Partnership. The Firelands Partnership brings together business, educational and community leaders, local government officials and other supporters to provide insights on fostering change and creating economic opportunities. The goal is to create collaboration and partnership over a multi-county area.

Ohio Association of Regional Councils: Erie Regional Planning Commission (ERPC) staff has become very active at the state level over the past few years with the Ohio Association of Regional Councils (OARC). Currently, ERPC staff serves on the OARC Policy Committee working on a strategic agenda with one collective voice with a proactive framework to assertively advocate for issues, policies and interests throughout the State of Ohio. OARC is interested in developing innovative and responsive public policies and legislation that will ensure strong infrastructure, cultivate new public and private sector relationships, create new jobs, enhance the quality of life, and secure a formidable presence for our state. Currently, the Policy Committee is tracking the following bills:

HB 130 (DataOhio) HB 512 (Water Systems Testing) HB 333/SB 210 (Township Contracts) HB 463 (Expedited Mortgage Foreclosure) SB 235 (Property Tax Freeze for Pending Development) SB 58 (Sewage Systems) SB 315 (Transportation Appropriations) HB 528 (License Fees)

The OARC is comprised of 23 agencies serving more than 1,500 municipalities, townships, villages and counties accounting for 10.5 million people across the state of Ohio. The organization tackles a variety of regional issues facing local communities including transportation, economic development, land use, housing, environment, aging services and energy.

Summer 2016


Lot Splits:

Members of Erie

Regional Planning Commission:

Village of Bay View

Village of Berlin Heights

Village of Castalia

Village of Kelleys

Island

Village of Milan

Berlin Township

Florence Township

Groton Township

Huron Township

City of Vermilion

Margaretta Township

Milan Township

Oxford Township

Perkins Township

Vermilion Township

City of Huron

City of

Sandusky

Lot Splits:

Berlin Twp – 1 split; revised legals 4

Florence Twp – 2 revised legals

Groton Twp – 1 revised legal; 1 transfer

Huron Twp – 1 split; 2 revised legal; 1 transfer; 4 exempt over five acres

Margare a Twp – 1 split; 2 transfers; 1 exempt over five acres

Milan Twp – 1 split; 3 transfers; 2 exempt over five acres

Oxford Twp – 2 splits; 2 transfers; 4 exempt over five acres

Perkins Twp – 3 splits; 2 revised legals; 6 transfers; 3 exempt over five acres

Vermilion Twp – 2 splits

Just a Reminder… Our Offices Will be Closed:

July 4th Independence Day

September 5th Labor Day

October 10th Columbus Day

November 11th Veterans Day

Newsletters Planning staff continues to produce semi-annual reports and quarterly newsletters. Topics covered include the Metropolitan Planning Organization and updates, CDBG grant projects, Lead Hazard Control Grants, Neighborhood Stabilization Program, lot splits and other ERPC news. The latest edition the newsletter and semi-annual report can also be found on the Erie County Regional Planning website.

Presentations Planning staff made numerous presentations this year to various political subdivisions and local community groups. Topics for these presentations included metropolitan planning organizations, development procedures for townships and municipalities and economic development in Erie County.

Website The Department’s website can be found at: http://www.eriecounty.oh.gov/departments-and-agencies/economic-development/erie-regional-planning-commission/. The site is updated to include news and information regarding the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Regional Planning/Zoning, Census Information, Comprehensive Plan Development and Department Publications.

ERIE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION METROPOLITAN …€¦ · Summer 2016 Page 5 Community Planning...

Documents

Transcript of ERIE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION METROPOLITAN …€¦ · Summer 2016 Page 5 Community Planning...