Erie County Port Authority & Economic Development Corporation Announce $6 Million Towards the Redevelopment of Former KBI Building

Nico Samaniego
Erie County Economic Development Corporation

Sandusky, Perkins Twp – 2509 Hayes LLC. in partnership with the Erie County Economic Development Corporation & the Erie County Port Authority have been awarded a 6,017,444-million-dollar grant from the Ohio Department of Development for the remediation of 2509 Hayes Ave – the large industrial site in Perkins Township known locally as the former KBI site.

Gary Boyle, Perkins Township Administrator shares, “Perkins Township is very appreciative of the recent announcement by Governor Dewine that 2509 Hayes Avenue has been awarded a brownfield grant that will make this large, fully-serviced industrial property more attractive for redevelopment. Such redevelopment will return this property to productive use and will generate employment opportunities for our residents and residents of neighboring communities. Perkins Township has continued to support the redevelopment of this significant property since the former KBI operation ceased, and our joint efforts with ECEDC to foster new industrial development on this property will hopefully come to fruition through the securing such important grant funding.”

The Department of Development’s Brownfield Remediation Program is an initiative to revitalize industrial sites that are abandoned, idled, or underutilized. These grants will be used to remediate brownfield sites across that state including 2509 Hayes. To receive funding, the site’s owners of 2509 Hayes LLC partnered with the Erie County Port Authority, to complete a competitive application process that required input and support from various stakeholders and a vision for future economic activity.

The Erie County Port Authority is administrated by the Erie County Economic Development Corporation. By partnering with the Port Authority, this project was best positioned to receive funding. The Port Authority can be involved in a wide range of economic development projects, including retail or public improvement projects, but their mainstay is a focus on industrial development and creative financing to attract and retain businesses. This is one tool the Erie County Economic Development Corporation utilizes to assist in the economic development of Erie County.

“This grant is a significant step in repositioning the site into the economic driver it formerly was. By investing in redevelopment and improvement of this site, we have set the stage for additional development and the potential for a new catalyst for economic growth in the region.” Says Abbey Bemis, Executive Director of the Erie County Economic Development Corporation, and the Erie County Port Authority.

Many individuals played key roles in the pursuit and procurement of this remediation grant. and the project.

“We want to thank the State of Ohio, Erie County Port Authority, Biggins, Lacy, Shapiro & Company LLC, and Perkins Township for their continued support of our investment in the redevelopment of this key site for the community.” Said Stu Mills, Owner, 2509 Hayes LLC