Vermilion officials are evaluating a proposal to acquire a 1.93-acre parcel owned by the family of Lorain County Commissioner Jeff Riddell, a move that could create close to 60 new parking spaces in one of the busiest areas of downtown.
The offer was presented Monday during the Streets, Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting. Under the proposal, the Riddell family would transfer the property to the city at no cost if Vermilion pays for demolition of the two existing buildings on the site. The family capped the demolition amount at 150,000 dollars.
Preliminary engineering estimates show the cleared parcel could fit around 59 parking spaces. Council members noted that downtown parking is consistently strained, particularly near Liberty Avenue and the waterfront, making the property’s location strategically important.
Commissioner Riddell arrived after the initial discussion and Streets, Buildings and Grounds committee was reopened so he had an opportunity to speak. Council briefly reopened the meeting so he could address them. Riddell told council the family sees the offer as part of their long relationship with Vermilion. He said, “The Riddell family at Hall Manufacturing has been just a good partner in the city of Vermilion, and now the family has decided to do one more favor for the city and offer the property to the city of Vermilion.”
Riddell added that the family is not seeking a financial benefit from the transfer and has already turned away private interest. “We feel a debt of gratitude to the city,” he said. “It was amazing, the phone rang twice with people wanting to inquire about the property for development, and we explained to those people it was the city’s opportunity to take if they feel it has that value. We are not looking for anything out of it except that the family is willing to cap the offer to the city at 150,000 dollars.”
Council’s questions focused on the specifics of the transfer, including survey requirements, boundary verification, and whether demolition would need to occur before or after the city takes possession. Members also discussed long-term maintenance obligations once the property becomes publicly owned.
City administration agreed the opportunity is worth exploring but said more information is needed before any formal action can be taken. The next steps include obtaining a full demolition estimate, updating surveys, reviewing title documents, and confirming the exact parcel boundaries. Once that information is assembled, the administration will bring a formal recommendation back to committee for further discussion.
Council did not take a vote Monday. The proposal remains under review until the city completes its due diligence.
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