Matthew Reynolds

10/10/2026

Political action committee Avon Lake Citizens for Responsible Redevelopment is urging residents to vote against a charter amendment regarding the former power plant site that will be on the November ballot.

09/13/2026

Great article. As I stated in my official response to this petition, the proposed amendment does not give voters a say over whether a developer proceeds under Chapter 1219. Section 1219.03(b) clearly allows a developer to choose to develop under Chapter 1219 without rezoning.

Sadly, many residents were misled into believing this amendment would give voters the ultimate say over development of the property. Its more likely result will be increased toxicity and instability, further discouraging responsible development and investment in our city.

It is also important to remember that there was an opportunity to challenge Chapter 1219 through the established referendum process. That opportunity was missed. The petitioners are now attempting to use a charter amendment as a backdoor referendum. Our City Charter is essentially Avon Lake’s constitution. It should be treated with respect, not altered to circumvent a missed deadline or target one specific ordinance.

The ballot measure also combines two distinct issues, raising serious questions about its validity. Regarding the TIF provision, there are equally serious legal questions about whether a municipal charter can override the process established by the Ohio Revised Code.

This amendment is poorly drafted, legally questionable, and likely to push development investment away from Avon Lake. Merely placing it on the ballot has already caused damage. Voting it down is a necessary first step toward restoring stability and moving forward.

Vote NO. 🇺🇸

The proposed charter amendment would not undo the site’s May rezoning or require votes on every redevelopment proposal, but it would require voter approval of a future TIF ordinance and certain overlay-district rezonings.

09/11/2026

🇺🇸

A Message from Mayor Mark Spaetzel:

Twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced an unimaginable tragedy that changed our country forever. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders who courageously ran toward danger while others were running away.

Today, we remember each life lost and honor the families, friends, and communities forever changed by that day. We must never forget that our nation was attacked by terrorists who sought to divide and weaken us.

But we also remember what followed — the extraordinary courage, compassion, and unity that brought Americans together. Neighbors helped neighbors. Communities stood together. Our differences seemed less important than what united us as Americans. Today, when division and incivility too often dominate our public discourse, the unity we witnessed after September 11th carries an even greater meaning. It reminds us that, despite our differences, we are stronger when we stand together — with respect for one another, compassion for our neighbors, and a shared commitment to something greater than ourselves.

As we mark the 25th anniversary, may we honor those we lost by remembering their sacrifice, supporting those who serve, and carrying forward the spirit of unity and service that emerged from one of our nation’s darkest days.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day, Avon Lake. 🇺🇸

09/04/2026

Fantastic opportunity to help our community! 🇺🇸