Latest news with #HousingTechnicalAssistanceProgram
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saybrook to update zoning code
SAYBROOK — The township received a $50,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development to update and modernize its zoning code. The funding comes through the Housing Technical Assistance Program, which supports local governments upgrading their zoning codes, according to a release from Saybrook Township. Saybrook Township Trustee Dan Claypool said the last time the zoning code was updated was in 1987. 'We just finished [updating] Saybrook's Township's comprehensive plan,' he said. The comprehensive plan will be used to help update the township's zoning, Claypool said. 'That's where most of the money will go,' he said. Saybrook will bring in an outside consultant to work on the project, he said. Claypool said the township is considering Verdantis, because of the firm's work on the comprehensive plan. Work on updating the zoning code will start this summer, and Claypool said it will take between six and nine months to finish. As part of the zoning update, the township will host public events to hear residents' input. 'It gives us a good picture of what the people of Saybrook Township want,' Claypool said. He said the township is early in the process, so public input has not been scheduled yet. There are a lot of things the township needs to consider for its updated zoning plan, Claypool said. 'Short-term renting has been brought up,' he said. Claypool said township leadership wants to see how short-term rentals fit into Saybrook and its zoning. There has been support and criticism from residents for short-term rentals in the township, Claypool said. The township will look at the Route 20 corridor, and how it is currently zoned, he said. 'That's really our commercial corridor,' he said. The township has lost retail business over the years, especially after the opening of Ashtabula Towne Square drew business away, he said. Claypool said the township is looking at how they could reprioritize former retail property.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- 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Ohio (WKBN) – The City of Niles is among several communities across Ohio receiving state grants to help 'modernize outdated zoning regulations.'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.
