BUCYRUS — Gary Frankhouse of the Crawford Partnership came to the Bucyrus City Council meeting Tuesday evening to update the council on several issues, including a housing study executive summary specific to Bucyrus which is part of a county-wide study.

The study was conducted by Danter and Associates, LLC, to evaluate the potential for residential development in the city.

Frankhouse said the study considered market-rate multifamily rental housing, affordable multifamily rental housing and single-family houses and condominiums for sale. It also considered the need to independent assisted living for seniors along with memory care facilities.

He said the outcome is that there is a need for affordable multi-family housing and condominiums for young professionals within the city.

Frankhouse also talked about the Ohio Rural Industrial Loan Program through the state that will provide funding assistance to reinstitute the industrial park loan program and creating a selling proposition for the use of U.S. 30.

“Ohio is the 43rd slowest-growing state in the country. We need to focus on growing Crawford County and Route 30 is an asset we need to utilize,” Frankhouse said.

Also during the meeting, council approved two pieces of legislation, including ordinances for various appropriations and the rezoning of Highland and Failor avenues to allow a landscaping business to set up shop.

Mayor Jeff Reser said during his report to council that 23 trees recently were planted at Aumiller Park to enhance the beauty of the park, provide shade and enhance stormwater management in the area.

“The tree board met tonight to begin planning 2020 maintenance and plantings,” Reser said.

He thanked the Cathcart family of Bucyrus Railcar Repair for being the first major donor for the upcoming Bicentennial by donating 200 trees to be planted throughout the city between now and 2021 in honor of the celebration.

Reser said he attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Ohio Mutual Insurance Group last week to commemorate a more than $6 million renovation. He said it was announced at a Business After Hours event this week at FCBank that renovations soon will be underway there also.

The annual Kiwanis-Rotary Santa Parade will be in downtown Bucyrus on Friday, Dec. 6, and Candlelight Christmas is from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 7 as part of the Winter Wonderfest. An ice-skating rink and visits with Santa Claus at his house will also be available during the event.

Council committee meetings are Thursday at 6 p.m. and the next council meeting is Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.