Port Clinton unveils $5.6 million lakefront initiative

PORT CLINTON — A total of $5.6 million in proposed lakefront enhancements could be on their way to Port Clinton.Within a few year's time, the Jefferson Street Pier could be completely transformed into a robust lakeside destination featuring dozens of boat slips, an improve pavilion, a new parking lot, a waterside walking trail and a new break wall."It'll be a clean look," Port Clinton Mayor Hugh Wheeler said. "If we can get this done, it'll look great."Extending into the Portage River, the Jefferson Street Pier is located between Waterworks Park and the downtown business district, just off East Perry Street (Ohio 163).The project's first phase, a $2.2 million steel break wall along the pier, has been approved and is scheduled to begin construction by July 2018. The Ohio Department of Transportation earmarked $1.9 million to help the city pay for its construction. The city will cover the remaining cost.The second phase could include expanding the dockage from seven boat slips to 50 or reconfiguring the pier's parking lot to include trees and lakeside seating."The boaters could come in and have a place to park before going downtown to shop or get something to eat," Wheeler said. "This could give people a destination."The proposed waterfront walkway would extend from Waterworks Park to the Jefferson Street Pier, onto East Perry Street and stretch to the Ohio 163 lift bridge, adjacent to the Jet Express dock.Funding for this and other amenities beyond the break wall have not been finalized. Wheeler said the city will apply for future grants with ODOT in the coming months and years.A 2016 study, dubbed the Port Clinton Coastal Access Plan, asked residents what improvements they wanted to see along the waterfront, if the city is capitalizing on its tourism potential and other questions.It's clear Port Clinton residents want more investment in the downtown region, which includes the waterfront, to increase business and traffic into the city, according to the study."It feels great to talk about this," Wheeler said. "We need positive things in Port Clinton, and this is definitely a positive thing."Wheeler said the pier project is one of the several investments the city is making to enhance its appeal."We want to continue giving the people what they actually want," Wheeler said. "We want to improve Port Clinton for futures of our children and grand children."Reach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegister