UPDATE: The city of Conneaut has officially kicked off a critical $1.2 million cleanup project on a historic industrial site that has remained vacant for nearly two decades. The environmental remediation of this five-acre property on Harbor Street marks a significant step forward for the community, as officials aim to revitalize an area once bustling with industry.
After years of delays, the cleanup will pave the way for the demolition of remaining structures, allowing the city to reclaim a vital piece of its industrial heritage. The site was formerly home to the Astatic Company, a notable manufacturer that produced sonar devices and microphones during World War II, contributing significantly to the local economy.
City Manager Nick Sanford emphasized the importance of this cleanup, stating, “The byproducts and how products were handled—nobody knew any different back then.” He expressed the urgency of addressing the site’s environmental concerns, stating, “How we deal with it now and move forward is essential.”
The cleanup is funded by a $1.2 million state grant aimed at addressing the contamination caused by decades of industrial operations that predate modern environmental regulations. Sanford expects the project to be completed by summer 2024.
Community member Roger Burdick, whose grandfather co-founded Astatic, reminisced about the site’s past, saying, “It was one of the best things this town had to offer.” Burdick remains hopeful about its future, saying, “It can look nice again.”
The city has ambitious plans for the site, which may include relocating the public works department and constructing a new centralized fire station. The current firehouse, dating back to 1876, is one of the oldest operating fire stations in the nation.
As Conneaut takes these vital steps towards revitalization, residents are eager to see the transformation of a property that once played a crucial role in their community’s history. The cleanup not only promises to enhance the local landscape but also aims to restore pride in a site that has long been a reminder of the past.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent project unfolds, reshaping the future of Conneaut and its historic industrial legacy.
