Latest news with #OhioDepartmentofDevelopment
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Niles receives grant for zoning updates
NILES, Ohio (WKBN) – The City of Niles is among several communities across Ohio receiving state grants to help 'modernize outdated zoning regulations.' Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Development announced a total of $1.5 million in grants to assist with these efforts and pave the way for new housing development. The funding comes from the new Housing Technical Assistance Program. The City of Niles is receiving $50,000 and was the only local community on the list. 'Zoning regulations can shape the future of a community — for better or worse,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development, in a statement. 'By helping our local partners modernize these policies, we're giving them the tools to attract investment, remove barriers to housing, and support long-term growth that fits the needs of their residents.' Funding can be used for contracting services or internal planning work to update comprehensive plans or zoning codes. Other eligible expenses included public meeting costs, administrative support and fees associated with zoning revisions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Conneaut pursuing comprehensive zoning reform
CONNEAUT — The city is looking to conduct a comprehensive zoning reform this year, City Manager Nick Sanford said. He said the city identified the need for zoning reform in an update to its comprehensive plan in 2018. 'Our zoning text by and large dates back in 1982,' Sanford said. The city needs to update its zoning codes to reflect the fact it is not 1982 anymore, he said. 'Our zoning code's just old, frankly,' he said. City leadership is interested in reforms that work out for both residents and developers, Sanford said. Sanford is interested in having the zoning districts have more flexibility for development and applications for development, while working to preserve historic buildings in the city, he said. Sanford said the update has to focus on the fact Conneaut is geographically diverse, with a coastline and rural and urban areas. 'It's imperative that we are mindful of that,' he said. Sanford was thankful for the work of previous city administrations and councils for what they could do to pursue the issue, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. Sanford is interested in having the zoning reforms done by the end of the year, he said. 'I think it's an achievable goal,' he said. The city is still in the early stages of the project, Sanford said. 'We're essentially testing waters to get started in this,' he said. Sanford said he wants to have community workshops to hear from residents. None are planned yet, he said. The city was interested in getting a grant from the Ohio Department of Development to fund the project. Council passed a resolution approving the grant application at an April 28 meeting. Sanford said ODD received around $2 million in requests, and had to close the window for funding applications early. 'This is something we're still going to pursue without funding,' he said. Sanford said MS Consultants, an engineering firm the city uses, has several employees versed in the nuances of zoning reform and law, who can help the city.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local schools awarded $1.3M energy efficiency grant
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) — The East Palestine City School District will receive a significant piece of a statewide grant aimed at supporting energy efficiency. Read next: Ohio primary election: What's on the ballot, and where can I vote? The Ohio Department of Development announced nearly $8.5 million in grants to support energy efficiency projects in eight counties across the state. Locally, the East Palestine City School District will receive $1,363,533. The funds will go toward upgrading building automation systems and complete LED lighting retrofits at the elementary school, middle school, high school and board of education buildings. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 72.5%. The funding comes from the third round of the Advanced Energy Fund, which allocates a total of $8.5 million to help businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and educational institutions complete projects designed to reduce energy usage and associated costs. 'When organizations can spend less on their energy bills, they can invest more in what really matters — serving their communities,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. 'These grants are making it possible for more schools, nonprofits, and local businesses to commit to their missions and make an even greater impact on the lives of Ohioans.' All projects selected for funding must show a reduction of at least 15% in utility energy usage, ensuring a tangible and measurable impact on energy efficiency in their communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Geneva seeks grant for comprehensive plan
GENEVA — City leaders are hoping to get a grant that would pay for 90% of the $74,000 cost of redoing the city's comprehensive plan, which has not been updated since 2008, Geneva City Manager Joseph Varckette said. The grant request has been submitted to the Ohio Department of Development. The proposed project is expected to take about 11 months, and would include four phases: assessing needs, prioritizing vision, implementation and finalizing, Varckette said. 'Overall, the grant will support the creation of a detailed, comprehensive plan that aligns with the city's social and economic growth aspirations,' he said. 'Additionally, the plan will focus on modernizing housing, improving existing homes and fostering population growth.' Varckette said the project will be used to weave in existing projects including a zoning code update, streetscaping, a stormwater master plan and several others. City leaders are reviewing the best way to proceed on a balloon payment due in July on a city aerial fire truck. 'We are currently determining our best options for refinancing the outstanding balance [$669,860.42 on April 17].' Council approved the purchase of a combination sewer jet/vac truck that will greatly assist in the cleaning of the stormwater system, helping three departments. Varckette gave an update on the West Main infrastructure project, urging people to have patience as work ramps up for the spring and summer. 'We are just over one year into this major infrastructure project and there's another five months to go,' he said. 'This upcoming five-month stretch is going to be extremely busy with additional inconveniences along the way.' The goal is still to have the project completed by September, he said. He said the stormwater master plan is moving along, and the next phase will include alternatives to deal with storm water challenges, with cost estimates. Saturday is expected to be busy for Geneva residents, with a tree planting ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. at Little Peoples Park on Eagle Street and Community Days from noon-2 p.m. at Memorial Field.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
$1.2 million grant to help get housing for people recovering from substance abuse in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Development will be helping over 1,000 people in Ohio who are recovering from substance abuse get safe and stable housing. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Community Development Block Grant is going to be supporting 11 mental health boards across Ohio. The Recovery Housing Program gives people with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income rental subsidies. TRENDING STORIES: UPDATE: 2nd tornado confirmed in area county Driver drops doughnut, causes multi-car crash in Ohio Teen in critical condition after being shot multiple times in Dayton This gives transitional housing options for residents looking to establish stability. 'Recovery doesn't happen overnight, and no one should have to take that journey alone,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. 'These grants will ensure more Ohioans have the opportunity to reclaim their independence, rebuild their lives, and write a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity.' Clermont, Cuyahoga, Hancock, Lake, Logan, Champaign, Lucas, Mahoning Trumbull, Union and Montgomery County are all receiving a portion of the funds along with the Paint Valley ADAMH region. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
