Our latest #GOPCThread is available on Twitter., as we feature our second #OHCommunitySpotlight, traveling today to Ashtabula in northeast Ohio. Once a leading port on Lake Erie, Ashtabula has reinvented itself as a tourism destination on Ohio’s north coast.
Not on Twitter, the thread is available online , as well as below.
Greater Ohio Policy Center Read on Twitter
Today’s #GOPCThread is the second in our #OHCommunitySpotlight series, featuring @cityofashtabula. Located on the shores of Lake Erie in northeast OH, is best known for summer festivals, restaurants, fishing and boating activities.
At the turn of the 20th century, the @cityofashtabula harbor was known as one of the largest ports on the Great Lakes. The railroads connected the harbor to Youngstown and Pittsburgh and iron ore and coal were transported #OHCommunitySpotlight #GOPCThread
With prosperity, also came tragedy. Ashtabula was the site of the Great Train Disaster of 1876, when a train dropped 150 feet into the frozen river when the bridge collapsed. The disaster killed 92 people and injured the remaining passengers. #GOPCThread
Ashtabula Train Disaster of 1876 | Ohio History Connection (click image for link)
In 1925 The Ashtabula Lift Bridge – a Strauss bascule bridge that crosses over the Ashtabula River in the harbor, was completed. Besides being a major transportation route, it occupies a crucial location in the city’s-built environment #OHCommunitySpotlight #GOPCThread
Like many rustbelt cities, manufacturing & the iron ore & coal industries started to decline, leading to the closing of docks & industries that once thrived on the north coast. A new vision was desperately needed to revitalize the once vibrant small town #OHCommunitySpotlight
In 2008, the lift bridge was closed for lengthy periods of time for repairs, thus cutting off travel through the harbor. The merchants came together & formed the Lift Bridge Community Association, working together to increase their visibility & rethink their strategy #GOPCThread
The Harbor is home to a number of restaurants, retail establishments, and several other boutiques, creating a unique shopping experience #OHCommunitySpotlight #GOPCThread
History Ashtabula Harbor | A culinary, entertainment and recreational community along the waterfront (click image for link)
Historic Bridge Street was awarded the 2018 “America’s Main Street Award” by @IndWeStand for their dedication to the revitalization of the Harbor. With the $25,000 prize, the community voted to erect a large “ASHTABULA” sign along the waterfront
A favorite summer attraction is the Wine & Walleye Festival held in the heart of the harbor. Featuring 3 days of music, street vendors, boat parade, fishing contests, wine garden featuring the counties’ favorite wineries, and of course the delicious Lake Erie Perch and Walleye.
Ashtabula Downtown Development Association ( @downtownadda) – Rebirth of Main Avenue brings life back to century old buildings with new restaurants, bars, and small businesses.
Ashtabula Downtown Development Association (click image for link)
The north shore trail has completed Phase 1 and will run from Walnut Beach, through the Harbor, to the Greenway Trail
North Shore Trail | Ashtabula County Metroparks (click image for link)
Just a few miles west of the harbor, Ashtabula is also home to @KentState, Ashtabula Branch, offering bachelor, associate, and online degrees, making it possible for its residents to pursue their education in a small-town environment. #OHCommunitySpotlight
Kent State Ashtabula | Locations | Kent State University (click image for link)
Ashtabula is getting its first hotel in nearly a century, fully loaded with a rooftop wine bar and luxury style rooms located in the harbor on the shores of the Ashtabula river. #OHCommunitySpotlight #GOPCThread
Ground-Breaking Planned for First Hotel to Be Build in Ashtabula in Nearly a Century | CoStar (click image for link)
Tourism has become a major economic force in the area. Recently, City Manager Jim Timonere said “In 2017, tourism to Ashtabula County alone generated roughly $451 million in sales, up $17 million from 2013 and up almost $100 million since 2009”. He expects this trend to continue
Just 3 miles east of the Harbor, the beautiful Lake Shore Park offers 54 scenic acres, including a beach, covered pavilions, a playground & a boat launch for fishing. #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight
On the nearby Ashtabula River, visitors can rent a canoe or paddle board & relax & explore the lake or Ashtabula river #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight
Harbor Yak | Ohio.org (click image for link)
Ashtabula has shown that cities, taking advantage of their existing habitats and infrastructure, can re-invent themselves and plan a new future #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight