A state agency has awarded three Northeast Ohio communities $5.4 million to clean up old industrial sites for new development.
View full sizeStairs inside the former Chrysler stamping plant in Twinsburg. Chrysler closed the facility in 2010. The state has awarded Twinsburg $3 million to finish cleanup of the site so a nearby vending machine distribution company can move in and create new jobs.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio has granted Cleveland, Twinsburg and Kent $5.4 million to clean up old industrial sites for new businesses.
The biggest grant, part of $19 million being awarded statewide, is $3 million to Twinsburg to help demolish and refurbish portions of the former Chrysler stamping plant in that city.
In its application, Twinsburg said the property's owner, Twinsburg Industrial Properties LLC, plans to build a 135,000 square foot distribution center there for Vistar, a vending machine supply company owned by the Performance Foods Group.
Vistar would expand existing operations in Twinsburg, creating 10 new jobs and retaining 50 existing ones. The state funds would clean up soil, remove asbestos and remove waste and demolished portions of the former plant.
In Cleveland, the city received $1.3 million to demolish the former Van Dorn plant at 2700 E. 79th Street, clean up asbestos and clean up soil at the former plant. Orlando Baking Co., a commercial baker, would expand into the site, creating 15 new jobs and retaining 40 existing positions.
In Kent, the city received $1.1 million for soil cleanup, asbestos removal and general cleanup of 627 Lake Street. The city said two companies have agreed to move into the building after cleanup has been finished, one of which would create 170 new jobs for the community.
"The communities receiving Clean Ohio Funds are taking the important first step to redevelopment - ensuring sites are safe and ready for growth," Ohio Department of Development Director Christiane Schmenk said in a written statement.