Village, Cardinal Partner to Attract New Families
Middlefield Village is close to buying the BFG Supply Company distribution center on Kinsman Road, securing a new well site, Mayor Ben Garlich said at the Aug. 14 Middlefield Village Council meeting.
Middlefield Village is close to buying the BFG Supply Company distribution center on Kinsman Road, securing a new well site, Mayor Ben Garlich said at the Aug. 14 Middlefield Village Council meeting.
On Aug. 18, he said he hopes all the paperwork on the $1.25 million sale can be completed within a week.
The deal includes more than 58 acres and a 38,000-square-foot factory in Burton Township — a proven site for a water well.
The Burton Flower and Garden facility is no longer producing flower pots and much of the space is being leased for storage, he said last Thursday.
The village first announced purchase of the property in March with the intent of partnering with University Hospitals to develop a clinic in the former factory, using about 12,000 square feet, as reported March 20.
The village has been working with UH for five years to secure a much-needed urgent care facility or clinic, Garlich said.
During the spring, tests were run on the property to see if a municipal well there would supply more water for the village, where new homes and growing industry may require more than the village can provide.
The test wells were successful and the village plans to start well development once the paperwork is completed, he said.
The building also needs work and repurposing, including the addition of electric power improvements for the medical clinic and for a welding shop, he said.
Cardinal Schools has indicated an interest in partnering with the village to use some of the building or an outbuilding as a workshop where students can become certified and begin a welding career, Garlich said in March.
Utilities, security and internet access are just a few items that must be installed, he said.
“It’s not going to be a quick turn-around,” Garlich said, adding the village expects to allow the current tenants to continue using the space until renovation begins.
“We’ll get some warehouse money, collect rent for a year,” he said, adding warehouse space costs about $6 per square foot and that revenue will help cover maintenance costs.
Village legal counsel Luke McConville said an escrow account has been set up for the sale and an occupancy permit will be needed.
Cardinal Seeking Students
Early in the meeting, Cardinal Schools Superintendent Jack Cunningham presented to village council with a prototype of a welcome packet for new residents in the district, urging them to enroll their children at Cardinal.
The packet includes a cover letter, a Cardinal Huskies community guide, a folder listing many stores and eateries in the village, and posters urging families to choose Cardinal for their children’s education.
No pay-to-participate fees, free after-school activities and no school fees are highlighted on the posters.
Garlich noted the Heritage Pointe development is due to come online in the next year or two, potentially providing a boost in enrollment for the public school.
“A community can’t be strong without a strong school system,” he said. “Enrollment is the biggest problem in schools today.”
A campaign by the district and the village could encourage families to live, shop and send their children to school in the same community, Garlich said, noting the concept also could encourage families to buy homes in the village.
“Our academics and culture are picking up, our facilities and staffing are doing well,” the superintendent said. “The place is really humming.”
Cunningham said he would like to work with the village to find new residents so packets can be sent to them before they choose a school for their children.
He also said he met with area real estate agents asking them to hand out the packets to prospective buyers.
“It is a competition these days for enrollment,” Cunningham said. “We want to make sure we are front and center.”
