Lakes district seeks to appeal to developers

Improving the infrastructure without grants will be difficult, the mayor said.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

GIRARD — City lawmakers are hoping to use state and federal funds to make the area surrounding the Girard Lakes more attractive to developers.

City council members are considering an ordinance that would allow lawmakers to seek estimates for professional services in applying for grants to develop water and sewer infrastructure at the Upper Girard Lakes property.

Mayor James Melfi said the land around the lakes will instantly become more attractive to developers if there is sewer and water. He said the infrastructure falls in line with the city’s goal of making the land more valuable.

“Without water or sewer lines going to these properties owned by the city, development of any kind is not likely. With sewer and water lines going there, the property becomes more valuable and that is the city’s goal,” he said.

Melfi said engineers have estimated the cost of installing the sewer and water lines at $4.5 million. He said the city cannot afford to shoulder the entire cost of the upgrades.

“It will be virtually impossible to do this without some form of grant funds,” Melfi said.

Area goals

Melfi said additional housing would be a good long-term goal for the area around the lakes. He said additional homes would bring more people and revenue to the city.

Councilman Tom Seidler said dividing the land use around the lakes into three parts would be in the best interest of the city. Seidler suggested a third could be used for commercial development, a third could be used for residential development and a third could remain in the possession of the city.

He said the three-pronged approach is good in that the city would not be placing “all its eggs in one basket” should the housing market hit a slump.

Seidler said he wants city officials to “seek out any and all free money” to improve the infrastructure around the lakes, but realizes there are alternative means of accomplishing the task should no grant money be available. He said the city could also consider low or no interest loans, or partner with developers interested in developing the land.

jgoodwin@vindy.com