CONNEAUT —
The Conneaut Port Authority has selected veteran member Thomas Belnap to serve as the group’s chairman.
Belnap, a 22-year veteran of the panel, replaces Denver Spieldenner whose recent resignation took effect early last week. The port authority unanimously approved Belnap’s appointment, which extends through December 2013, at Thursday night’s regular meeting, he said Monday.
“Denver did a fantastic job,” Belnap said. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill. I really appreciate the support I received from the board.”
Spieldenner served 24 years on the port authority, the past several years as chairman, before resigning effective April 15.
“It’s been a good run,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it. I’m proud of all the accomplishments (at the lakefront) since I’ve been there.”
Spieldenner praised the present board as “the finest board I’ve ever worked with” and said Belnap was an excellent choice to lead the panel. He also commended the authority’s work crew as “exceptional employees.”
An itch to forego early retirement and re-enter the job market was a factor in Spieldenner’s decision, he said.
“I have no issues with the board, City Council or with my health,” he said. “There are some things I want to pursue.”
Spieldenner, who served eight years as chairman, said he would be glad to assist if needed.
“I’m not leaving town,” he said. “I’m still passionate about the lakefront.”
Belnap was the port authority’s vice-chairman and also served many years as the group’s treasurer. Belnap’s arrival as chairman coincided with some good news received last week regarding some port authority projects, he said. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, during a meeting last week, has no serious issues with the panel’s preliminary plans to construct a marina and recreational vehicle park on the large sandbar inside Conneaut Harbor, Belnap said.
The Corps will examine the sandbar next month to pinpoint the location of wetlands as well as spot where development can occur, Belnap said. Other regulatory agencies — primarily the Ohio Environment Protection Agency and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources — must be consulted, but getting the tentative blessing of the USACE is an important step for the two big projects, he said.
“This is exciting news,” Belnap said.
The port authority will now explore financing options and can begin in-depth planning, Belnap said. The campground will probably be the less costly of the two and could see some activity next year, he said. There’s the chance cottages mounted on skids for easy transport and small general store could be a part of the project, Belnap said.
“We could develop a whole new community,” he said. “The impact on economic development would be tremendous.”
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