Housing study could help revitalize Bucyrus and Galion

BUCYRUS - A comprehensive study of the housing needs in both Bucyrus and Galion could be completed soon, members of the Bucyrus Economic Development Committee learned Thursday.

The main objective of paying for the research is to bring new residents to Bucyrus, explained Doug Foght, chairman of the committee.

Research would be completed by Danter and Associates of Columbus. In a letter to council, the firm touted its services by referencing similar regional housing strategies it has compiled for Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo and others.

The study would take about two months to complete, and would cost $40,000, Foght said. Gary Frankhouse, executive director of the Crawford Partnership, offered for his organization to pay $20,000 of the fee if Galion and Bucyrus agreed to pay $10,000 each.

Foght said Galion Mayor Tom O'Leary has reported his city can offer $5,000. Foght said that news led Frankhouse to ask Avita Health System officials if they would have an interest in helping to fund the project, since employees of theirs who work in both Galion and Bucyrus often live elsewhere, like Ontario or Lexington.

"They were very happy to oblige," Foght said of Avita.

Most of those who live in other cities, Foght said, want to live in newer, modern building designs.

"It feels like we're lacking something," Foght said. "We have areas of this community that can be developed into apartments, condos or even single-family homes."

That's what Avita officials liked about the proposal, Foght said. They just want to make sure the chambers of commerce from both cities, as well as other key officials, are in agreement with the project. Foght said Frankhouse is working to continue garnering support.

The monetary details of the idea concerned council member Andrew Schoch — he asked if Bucyrus was only being asked to $5,000 since Galion was only willing to pay that amount. He wondered how much Avita would pay, and why other communities in the county, such as Crestline, weren't invited to participate.

Schoch then asked why the housing study wasn't designed as a countywide project.

"I guess I want a better understanding of how that will flesh out in the end," Schoch said.

Councilman Kevin Myers asked if there was any historical data available on housing in the community. Has the city paid for such a study in the past? How much did that cost, and what benefits did the city gain from the endeavor?

Foght told both men he would check with Frankhouse to learn more, then will report back to them.

Despite the remaining loose ends, the project seems to be something that will benefit the city, decided council member Dan Wirebaugh.

"I think it's good that we're moving in the right direction," Wirebaugh said. "I think $10,000 is a bargain for us."

Foght plans to have more information to continue the conversation in the future.

ztuggle@gannett.com

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