LORAIN — The mood was downright festive Thursday as state, county and city officials touted the launching of the Jet Express ferry service to the Lake Erie islands as a first step in turning around Lorain’s economic struggles.
“It’s a day of great potential here in Lorain,” said U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Copley Township. “This is a jewel in the crown of our county … we are all going to benefit from the economic strengthening of our region.”
Mayor Tony Krasienko labeled the day a culmination of two decades worth of effort to develop the city’s lake and river waterfront areas.
“We’re not starting a new chapter in the city of Lorain, but continuing the momentum for the city of Lorain,” Krasienko said. “… This could drive tourism and revitalize the city for decades to come.”
The Lorain Port Authority owns a 51-percent interest in the 147-passenger boat while the Put-in-Bay Boat Line Co. owns the remaining 49 percent and will operate the business.
Ralph Bruening of the Lorain Port Authority talks to Lynne Lisner of the Lorain County Visitors Bureau as Jet Express IV makes its maiden voyage from Lorain. The boat is about ti pass under the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge. (Photo by Bruce Bishop, The Chronicle-Telegram.)
Several officials cited the weekend ferry business as a regional benefit as well as a boon to Lorain’s flagging economy.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to get people coming downtown,” Councilman Greg Holcomb, D-6th Ward, said. “It’s a good example of the regional effort of government and … it will establish Lorain as the gateway for Lorain County. It will also draw attention to the attractions already here at our beautiful site.”
Councilwoman Melanie Szabo, I-1st Ward, said she hopes Jet Express will lead to more downtown revitalization, including the re-opening of the closed Renaissance hotel at the corner of Broadway and East Erie Avenue — a desire shared by Councilman Bret Schuster, D-4th Ward.
“Get The Renaissance to re-open and restaurants and other shops and businesses will follow,” Szabo said.
“This is going to be a great opportunity for us to attract tourism dollars,” Schuster agreed, adding that having the hotel re-opened along with the Jet Express service could attract island weekenders — and their pocketbooks — to the city.
State Sen. Sue Morano, D-13th District, also believes Jet Express may translate into tourism money for Lorain’s coffers.
“I think we have a terrific opportunity here in Lorain to focus on the tourism industry,” Morano said. “This will not only benefit Lorain, but all of the county.”
U.S. Rep Betty Sutton, Ben Fligner of the Lorain Port Authority board and Lorain Mayor Tony Krasienko cut the ribbon to welcome the Jet Express Thursday in Lorain. (Photo by Bruce Bishop, The Chronicle-Telegram.)
Sheffield Mayor John Hunter agreed.
“One for all and all for one,” Hunter said. “We can do it all together if we collaborate together. I feel that whether it’s Lorain or Sheffield Village, everything is for Lorain County … because our residents will be using this boat and going to local restaurants.”
Rick Novak, director of the Port Authority, said the Jet Express will bring more than economic development and additional money to the city.
“It will give us all access to something we all need and that’s fun,” Novak told the crowd.
Lorain Service Director Robert Gilchrist agreed.
“Jet Express adds a new level of excitement to our city,” he said. “It’s connecting Lorain to other communities and will bring in a new level of economic development and tourism dollars.”
Karl Zuber, mayor of Avon Lake, is one of those other communities and agreed Jet Express is good for everyone.
“Lorain is another lakefront community, and we’re all working as hard as we can to develop the lakefront to bring more people to Lorain County,” Zuber said.
Jet Express General Manager Lance Woodworth said the city’s future plans for development were attractive.
“It felt right, that Lorain is a good port to have,” Woodworth said.
The ferry service will leave from the Black River Landing at 9:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday mornings with a return ferry back to the city by 9 p.m. each night.
Jet Express will take passengers to Kelleys Island for $52 round trip, to Put-in-Bay for $58 round trip or to both for $64 round trip, said Port Authority Events Coordinator Ralph Bruening. Parking at the landing for those using the ferry is free.
Contact Alicia Castelli at 329-7144 or acastelli@chroniclet.com.
