SIDNEY — Amy Zorn has been named chairman of the newly-formed Downtown Revitalization Task Force for the city of Sidney. The announcement was made during the task force’s July 15 meeting.
Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst reviewed the work of the three committees which were formed following the Downtown Revitalization Forum held in May 2014. The three committees — current issues, economic development and promoting growth — held several meetings. The committees reach similar conclusions about the revitalization of downtown Sidney.
Those conclusions were presented to Sidney City Council by Issues Chair Ed Hamaker, Promoting Growth Chair Scott Barr and Economic Development Chair Tony Bornhorst.
The committee chairs suggested that rather than have three committees following similar paths that one group be formed to undertake the work. The committees have not been officially disbanded and may renew their efforts in the future, depending on the work of the task force.
Discussion of various topics for future consideration was held. Vacancies, design code and grant possibilities were discussed.
The task force agreed to submit a recommendation to council to join Heritage Ohio, a statewide community revitalization organization.
After discussion of vacant buildings in the downtown area, Mike Dodds, Sarah Barr, Amy Breinich and Scott Barr volunteered to investigate establishing a nonprofit organization that could receive monies to help address these vacancies. They will report to the group at the next meeting, which was set for Aug. 26 at noon at The Bridge.
Members of the task force are Barhorst, Sarah Barr, executive director of raise the Roof for the Arts; Scott Barr, Shelby County United Way executive director; Tony Bornhorst, Shelby County commissioner; Amy Breinich, Downtown Business Association director; Mark Cundiff, Sidney city manager; Michael Dodds, Sidney-Shelby Economic Partnership executive director; Barbara Dulworth, city of Sidney community services director; Julie Gilardi, Shelby County Historical Society president; Cam Haller, city of Sidney assistant fire chief; Kendra Hamaker, Shelby County ARC director; Michael Jannides, owner of The Spot; Nicki New, Shreves Construction vice president; Shawn Winn, Shelby County Building Department inspector; Jeff Raible Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce president; and Zorn, a retired educator. Todd Ratermann, president of Ratermann Custom Homes, and Dan Freytag, Freytag & Associates principal, will serve as ex-officio members who will be consulted for technical advice.
