SHELBY – Rumblings of a revitalization district have bubbled up through the concrete and asphalt across several of Shelby’s main roads.
The proposed district was the subject of a public hearing ahead of Monday’s city council meeting. Council established boundaries, goals and other important considerations, with legislation to come.
The project is a product of a partnership between the Shelby Foundation and city representatives. It will cost roughly $5 million, according to Carrie Kemerer, Shelby Foundation Director.
Boundaries for the district will be East Smiley Avenue to the North and East Tucker Avenue to the South. To the East, it’s West Avenue and Second Street, and to the west, West Street, encompassing roughly 105 acres.
The goal of the revitalization district is to turn Shelby into a destination city in Ohio.
“That’s what we’ve been driving at with all our downtown revitalization: that we want to be a point of destination — a place for people to come to,” Mayor Steve Schag said. “It’s always been the backdrop to all of our revitalization efforts.”
“This is a familiar refrain throughout the city for the last couple of years: how will this district contribute to economic development, downtown redevelopment, tourism … entertainment and cultural opportunities, and business attraction and retention?”
Kemerer said the project embodies a vision.
“The foundation is investing in the heart of our downtown,” Kemerer said. “We want to bring people into our community who are going to walk up and down Main Street and support the businesses.”
Kemerer and the Shelby Foundation believe increased community engagement will circumvent the district’s hefty price.
Women’s clothing boutique Olive & Oak Company has already announced its future expansion into Shelby’s revitalization district. It will take up shop at 52 W. Main St.
Olive & Oak Company plans to come to Shelby in the spring of 2027, setting a timeline for the
Another addition will be a restaurant at 72 W. Main St., though specifics are yet to be disclosed.
The prospective restaurant owner expects to sell liquor, along with food, and will apply for an Ohio D-5 Liquor Permit. The D-5 permit allows the sale of beer, wine, mixed drinks and spirits, and permits on-site consumption as well as limited carry-out.
“Not only does this help our potential tenants come in by expanding or including this revitalization district, but it’s going to help other potential businesses that want to come to Shelby,” Kemerer said.
With boundaries in place and considerations addressed, Shelby will move on to the next step towards its revitalization district: legislation.
“Council will be ready to take the next step forward with some type of legislation,” Schag said. “When things are outlined like this, it makes it a whole lot easier for everybody to conduct things expeditiously.”
