OVERVIEW

The City of Lorain, in partnership with the Lorain Port and Finance Authority, is embarking on an ambitious project to redevelop several key waterfront sites. This substantial waterfront redevelopment initiative encompasses the Pellet Terminal, Hot Waters boat ramp, the Finger Piers, Black River Landing South, and the Boat Launch Facility. Additionally, the Lorain Port and Finance Authority is currently conducting a capital campaign to relocate and improve Black River Landing and the Stage.

The Pellet Terminal Property, along with other city-owned sites, is at the center of a $15 million proposal for cleanup and redevelopment. The Pellet Terminal, which has remained underutilized for approximately two decades, was formerly used as a transfer facility for iron ore from 1000-foot lake carriers to shorter ships (500 to 600 feet) capable of navigating the tight bends of the Cuyahoga River to supply iron ore to blast furnaces in Cleveland.

In recent developments, the City has secured Brownfield Redevelopment funds to remediate the property and establish infrastructure for mixed-use development. An essential aspect of this endeavor includes extending Broadway into a cul-de-sac and utilizing the former Brush Beryllium site for parking to meet EPA-mandated asphalt capping requirements.

The Finger Piers are set to undergo a transformation into a waterfront green space, named Sunset Pier Park. The city applied for a Coastal Management Assistance Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to assess the site and undertake engineering and design work. The city is contributing $150,000 as a local match, along with an additional $50,000 for electrical and lighting enhancements for the pier. The latter is expected to become a public-private partnership with the Lorain Rotary, which originally intended to establish its Sunset Pier at Lakeview Park. Additionally, there is a plan to dedicate part of the Finger Piers' parkland to honor Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison.

Hot Waters, the Finger Piers (Sunset Pier Park), and the Pellet Terminal will be linked together, creating a trail that connects to Black River Landing. This will effectively showcase the city's waterfront resources while preserving recreational areas within a Mixed-Use Development district, extending the vibrant atmosphere of Broadway and offering a one-of-a-kind destination.

On the other side of the Black River, the HarborWalk project, initiated over two decades ago, is expanding. There are plans to construct 12 housing units, including four single-family homes and an eight-unit, three-level townhome, as part of an infill project in the Bascule and Driftwood drives area.