OTTAWA, Ohio (WLIO) - With several years of economic development under their belt, Putnam County leaders are looking to the future to keep that momentum going.
A major project in recent years was Whirlpool Corporation’s multimillion-dollar expansion at its Ottawa facility, which brought in 180 new jobs. As a result of that growth, county and village leaders have launched several new initiatives to attract more businesses and amenities to the region, while also focusing on housing for new residents.
“In Downtown Ottawa, we just had two projects finished less than a year ago which was our Dumont Building and our DeFord Building,” says Amy Sealts, Director of Economic Development, Putnam County CIC. “A boutique hotel is the DeFord and the other building houses 6 businesses including Ottawa Brewing Company. So, when those wrapped up, we started working with the next group of people. We have a group of investors that's going to be revitalizing a half of a block that they're calling The Oak Building which is right next to our Rex Pavilion downtown, so we will be working with them. And we've had 5 new businesses move into the community in the last 8 months.”
“Housing and lot development, we've got approximately 70 lots that are in various subdivisions in town that are available which is really cool to see,” says Mayor Dean Meyer, Village of Ottawa. “One of the subdivisions has been awarded, if you will, a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) which will allow them to recuperate the money that they spend on their infrastructure: their water, sewer and storm sewer.”
In Ottawa, village leaders are asking voters to consider establishing a revitalization district between the town’s two main railroad tracks. If approved, the district would allow downtown businesses to sell alcohol.
“Years ago, and I don't know the date off the top of my head, but it was on the ballot to eliminate alcohol sales between the railroad tracks. So, what this does will allow very small section in downtown to allow alcohol sales. For instance, if you want to have a restaurant downtown, most of them would like to be able to sell alcohol to a certain extent,” adds Mayor Meyer.
Ottawa voters will make their decision on the revitalization district during the May primary election.
