Conneaut council closes door

By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

May 01, 2008 11:59 pm

— CONNEAUT — City Council convened another closed-door meeting Thursday night, reportedly to discuss a land deal sources have said involves the East Conneaut Industrial Park.
Council convened a meeting held for the purpose of adjourning into executive session to discuss the sale or purchase of real estate. Personnel matters was also another announced reason for the session.
Officials have neither confirmed nor denied reports that the city has been approached to sell a large chunk of the park, which sits along Route 20 and abuts the Pennsylvania line. Sources have indicated wetlands mitigation may play a role in the rumored and proposed transaction.
The reports have not been discussed in an open meeting. Dozens of city-owned acres sit on the East Side, but less than 60 acres have been deemed suitable for commercial development.
Joseph Mayernick, Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County executive director, reportedly attended an executive session Monday night. Later, Mayernick said there is interest in property located in Conneaut, Andover and Harpersfield Township.
No guests were present at the start of Thursday's executive session.
Asked if developers are interested in buying the park, not just developing land within the park, Conneaut City Manager Douglas Lewis this week indicated anything is for sale for the right price.
It was also believed council would continue discussion on an interim city manager at Thursday's meeting. Lewis is resigning to become Painesville's assistant city manager. Lewis' last day at Conneaut City Hall is next Friday.
Eight people have applied for the interim manager position. Council President James Jones has said he hoped to have someone on board before Lewis departs.