SHELBY — Forty-eight affordable housing units in Shelby could soon become reality.
During Steve Schag’s annual address to council Monday evening, the Shelby mayor said a transformational project in the city’s northeast quadrant is “gaining traction.”
Riverwest Properties, a regional developer based in Columbus, is looking to put together a “modular home living center,” which could hold a capacity of 48 affordable homes, the mayor said.
These homes would be located at the former Shelby Mobile Home Park site on Lee Street, just off 2nd Street and minutes from the city’s downtown. A few miles away, five new residential lots on Shelby’s east side have been developed by property owner Kevin Lamb, owner of Lamb Builders.
“We are definitely running out of (residential) lots,” Joe Gies, Shelby project coordinator said back in August. “Five doubles (duplexes) will definitely help.”
Economic development charge continues
The mayor said Monday that 2025 promises to be a “fruitful and event-filled year.”
Schag listed several economic development projects planned this year, including a large expansion project at Buckeye Superstore along Mansfield Avenue.
“We expect to see activity this spring or summer,” Schag said.
The grand opening of a new Mickey Mart gas station, with a built-in Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, is expected within four to eight weeks — also off Mansfield Avenue and State Route 39.
Notable moments from 2024
Below are accomplishments from 2024 which Shelby Mayor Steve Schag highlighted during his address Monday.
- Little Shops of Shelby grand re-opening
- Avita Walk-In Clinic opened
- Business First Breakfast at the Kehoe Center
- Kilgore Alley mural unveiled
- Shelby Downtown Car Show returned.
- Ignited Ministries grand opening
- Skate Ohio reimagined Shelby’s Louie Beach Skatepark
- Park Village unveiled full interior renovation of all units
- Jessica Gribben lead update of city’s Strategic Plan
- Shelby Health and Wellness Center completed major renovation of Main Street facility interior
Lloyd Rebar has continued its growth on nearby Technology Parkway as well.
“Lloyd Rebar is a national leader in rebar fabrication technology,” the mayor said. “We are immensely proud of this ‘home-grown business.'”
Schag also hinted at a “huge expansion in the works for a major business” in the Industrial Park. He couldn’t yet share details, but said more information is to come.
Renovation and revitalization
The Shelby Community Improvement Corporation is in the early planning stages for the redevelopment of the Shaw Building at Main and Gamble streets.
“The CIC was awarded Vibrant Community’s Pre-planning Grant funding to begin, in earnest, creating a redevelopment plan for the building,” Schag said.
Councilman Eric Cutlip said the award was for $20,000.
Furthermore, the Shelby CIC is walking alongside Shelby in continuing joint efforts of downtown revitalization, including planning for Phase III and the South Parklands expansion of the Black Fork Commons Park.
The Shelby Foundation is also continuing its investment in downtown Shelby, specifically in historic properties near the upper west square of the city.
“We cannot thank the Foundation enough for leading the way in what transformative renovation looks like in a city our size,” the mayor said.
Tesla batteries and a Bee Festival
In late fall, Tesla batteries were installed adjacent to the city’s solar field in preparation for the implementation of a 10-megawatt battery energy storage system.
Some of the system’s final components are expected to arrive in the first quarter of this year, Schag said Monday.
“This system will amplify our renewable energy resource in Shelby,” he said.
Shelby has been recognized as a Bee City since 2021. The city will be working with local organizers for Shelby’s first-ever Bee Festival, scheduled for May 31.
“I look forward to a new year where we can see tangible and measurable outcomes
of true community and economic development in Shelby,” Schag said to close his address.
“I am confident that by working together, we will overcome any challenges and realize our shared vision for a thriving community.”
In other action Monday, City Council:
— confirmed the appointment of Steve Lifer to the Income Tax Review Board for a term ending Dec. 31.
— appointed councilmen Derrin Roberts and Steven McLaughlin to the Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council.
— amended Section 258.01 (Salaries of members of council) of Chapter 258 (Elected officials’ salaries) of the city’s codified ordinances.
— authorized the mayor to enter into contracts with the International Association of Firefighters Local 2492.
— approved assessments for the demolition of 50-52 E. Main St. and certified said assessments to the Richland County auditor.
— supported the Ohio Municipal League’s challenge of AT&T’s tariff application at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.