Vermilion Set for Third Dollar General as Planning Board Says Yes

Joseph Jones September 21, 2025 3 minutes read

Meeting on September 3, 2025, the Vermilion Planning Commission unanimously approved a city sewer connection for the Compass Rose condominiums, advanced Phase II of the Ridgeview subdivision, and issued a zoning certificate for a new retail store planned across from German’s Villa on Liberty Avenue. Vice Chair Jim Chapple presided; members Joe Williams, Jeff Hammerschmidt, and Mike Cremean were present. Chair Heather Shirley was absent. Mayor Jim Forthofer, City Engineer Chris Howard, and Service Director Tony Valerius also attended. The August 6 minutes were approved 4–0.

Compass Rose sanitary connection

Representing the Compass Rose Condo Unit Owners Association (north side of West Lake Road, east of Adams Street), resident Perry Perron said the development is under an EPA mandate to tie into the city’s Route 6 sewer, allowing them to retire their on-site treatment facility. Valerius said the city plant has capacity and the project carries no city cost. The commission approved the connection 4–0.

Ridgeview Subdivision – Phase II

Oak Knoll Investment Company requested approval to continue to Phase II of the Ridgeview subdivision (Ridgeview Drive, west of Foxwood Drive), adding six lots, with the final phase targeted for next year. Applicant Ken Cassell said plans match the previously approved preliminary set and they will comply with the engineer’s comments. The commission approved the phase 4–0.

Liberty Avenue retail project (Dollar General)

Zaremra Group, LLC presented a preliminary site plan for a new retail store on vacant land east of 3409 Liberty Avenue, in the commercial district across from German’s Villa (part of the frontage has been acquired by Lorain County Metro Parks). The plan otherwise meets zoning requirements, but the applicant will seek a variance to reduce parking from 56 to 35 spaces; any parking reduction and stall-size changes must go to the Board of Zoning Appeals, which the engineer noted is not a major issue.

The applicant said Dollar General would hold a long-term lease (at least 15 years with options). The land is currently owned by Dan Kelly (Kelly Agency) and would transfer to Zaremra Group prior to construction, expected next spring. Commissioners asked for sidewalk inclusion (shown on the plan) and encouraged strong landscaping to match recent frontage upgrades nearby; Mayor Forthofer and members also pushed for shared access to minimize curb cuts, and the applicant agreed to provide a future access stub. The commission approved the zoning certificate 4–0.