CORTLAND Framework set for economic growth

The mayor says he wants business growth in a 'bedroom community.'
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- Although the Cortland Community Improvement Corp. board will be in place by the end of September, it will take years before results of its efforts are seen.
That's the assessment of Mayor Curt Moll and Todd Metzendorf, a city firefighter and businessman. Both have been active in the CIC's creation.
The focus of the nonprofit group is to retain businesses and attract new ones while maintaining the city's "bedroom community" appearance, Moll explained.
"To improve the quality of life, you must have growth. I don't know of any other way," the mayor said.
Laying a foundation
Because of the background work that needs to be done to attract business, Metzendorf said, it will take years before results are seen.
The CIC concept, the two explained, is an outgrowth of a series of community meetings in 2002 and 2003. What's needed, the effort showed, is improving the community's appearance, its relationship with surrounding communities, park and recreation facilities, city services and retaining and attracting businesses and people.
These goals make up the Cortland Strategic Plan, Moll explained.
City council entered into an agreement with the CIC, which is starting penniless. Moll donated $125 so the incorporation papers could be filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on July 1.
The 10-member CIC board is comprised by state law of four members of city government: mayor, president of city council, a council member and member of the planning, building and zoning commission.
Five others will be from the businesses community, in addition to the director of the Cortland Community Foundation.
Moll said he believes the board will probably be expanded because the board officers must be named from the business members.
Metzendorf said that by having government and business representatives sitting on the CIC board, the city will be better informed of businesses that are looking to move into the city. In this way, the city will be able to better attract them by providing the infrastructure such as water and sewer service.
Fostering growth
The CIC can accept state and federal grants and private donations and can buy and sell property, Metzendorf said.
In Barberton, for example, the Barberton Community Development Corp. purchased land and constructed an office for itself, Metzendorf explained. It also rents out space in the building to earn money.
Cortland council will consider entering into an agreement with the CIC during council's Tuesday meeting.
One of the problems with the city in attracting business, Moll said, is that it doesn't have its own Chamber of Commerce. The Regional Chamber doesn't focus solely on Cortland to promote it to prospective businesses.
One of the first things the CIC will do, Metzendorf said, is create a database of available land and empty buildings in the city to show what's available to a business looking to locatethere.
There is also a need to attract businesses such as doctors' offices to serve residents. He points to two assisted living facilities with residents who need such services.
Moll said he's looking to attract small retail businesses and retail shops. "You can grow, or you can stagnate," Moll said, noting that lack of growth puts an added tax burden on residents.
At the same time, the mayor said, he doesn't want Cortland turning into a place where uncontrolled development has taken place -- pointing to U.S. Route 422 in Niles or U.S. Route 224 in Boardman as examples.
yovich@vindy.com