Development News for Ashtabula, Ohio

Ashtabula Real Estate Market Update: Low Inventory and Rising Costs Highlighted

Bruce Shossler presented an update on the Ashtabula County real estate market, detailing average and median list prices for single-family homes in Ashtabula City and surrounding townships for 2025. He also discussed sold prices, the age of housing stock in the city, the cost of new construction, and owner-occupancy rates. Shossler highlighted that while Ashtabula City's housing stock is older, the market is currently very active with low inventory and days on market. He also touched on the challenges of renovating older homes due to high labor and material costs and the need for incentives for developers. The discussion included the impact of national housing trends, such as increased rents and the rising average age of first-time homebuyers.

Data Center Moratorium Proposed Amidst Concerns Over City's Capacity

The discussion revolved around the potential for data centers in Ashtabula City. While council members acknowledged that data centers are a growing industry, they expressed concerns about the city's capacity, density, and land availability for such large-scale operations. Most felt a data center would not be beneficial for the city, citing the need for significant acreage (often 100+ acres) and the potential negative impacts compared to other needed land uses. It was noted that no data centers are currently looking at Ashtabula County. A moratorium on data centers was proposed and discussed, with the understanding that data centers would be addressed within the upcoming zoning revisions, likely as a conditional use with strict guardrails regarding lot size and location. The moratorium would serve as a placeholder until zoning is updated.

Food Truck Background Check Debate: Safety vs. Burden

Council members debated the necessity and burden of requiring annual FBI and Ohio BCI criminal background checks for food truck operators. While some argued for the checks as a common-sense public safety measure, particularly for events involving children and families, others felt the requirement was overly burdensome, more stringent than for other professions like teachers or police officers, and potentially ineffective given the small number of local food trucks and the possibility of sponsored events not requiring individual checks. The discussion also touched on the challenges of handling 'red flags' from background checks and the concept of second chances. Ultimately, a motion to repeal the background check requirement was made and seconded.

Data Center Moratorium Proposed, Reflecting Concerns Over Land Use and City Capacity

The city council discussed a proposed moratorium on data centers, aiming to prevent their development until zoning regulations are updated. Council members expressed a general sentiment that data centers are not a good fit for Ashtabula City due to its density and limited large land parcels, contrasting it with surrounding areas that might be more suitable. The moratorium would serve as a placeholder until the comprehensive zoning update, which is expected by next spring. If zoning is silent on data centers, they would require a conditional use permit and planning commission review. While some see the moratorium as a symbolic message, others believe it's unnecessary given the unlikelihood of data centers locating in the city. The discussion also touched on the environmental considerations of data centers, such as water usage and power generation, and the types of businesses that are considered ideal for the city's future.