CITY OF SANDUSKY - MASTER PLAN - Project Rising Tide
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CIT Y OF S ANDUS K Y
MAST ER PL AN
2018
T H I S P A G E H A S B E E N L E F T B L A N K I N T E N T I O N A L LY
T H I S P A G E H A S B E E N L E F T B L A N K I N T E N T I O N A L LY
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A special thanks to City Manager, Dave Faber, for serving as a liaison for this project and being a tireless champion for the City of Sandusky.
COUNCIL
Thomas Lukshaitis Virginia Bissett
Mayor Council Member
Larry Mitchell
Mayor Protem Sandra Barr
Council Member
Norton Schramm
Council Member
Roger Williamson Brad Harris
Council Member Council Member
PLANNING COMMISSION
Grant Carman Keith Costine
Chairman Commissioner
Brad Harris
Council Representative
Barbara Gross
Dave Coleman Commissioner
Commissioner
Thomas Frohner Ken Kelley
Commissioner Commissioner
Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 8 REGIONAL CONTEXT 10 DEMOGRAPHICS 14 EXISTING LAND USES 20 ECONOMICS 24 HOUSING 34 DISTRICTS & NEIGHBORHOODS 42 CORRIDORS 48 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 58 POTENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT SITES 66 FUTURE LAND USE & ZONING 70 A C T I O N P L A N & I M P L E M E N TAT I O N 76 APPENDIX 82
Figures, Maps, Tables 1: Regional Location 9 2: Rising Tide Communities, Prosperity Region Map 11 3: Age & Gender Pyramid, % 13 4: Race & Ethnic Composition, % 13 5: Educational Attainment of Population Aged 25+, % 15 6: Disability Status of Non-Institutionalized Civilians, % 15 7: Poverty by Block Group Map 16 8: Sanilac County Health Rankings 17 9: Median Household Income 17 10: Natural Features 19 11: Existing Land Use Table 20 12: Existing Land Use Map 21 13: 20- Minute Drive Time Commuting Radius 23 14: Retail Loss by Industry, 100% Leakage 24 15: Downtown Walkability Map 25 16: Housing Checklist 33 17: House Ranking Scale 33 18: Housing Assessment Map 34 19: Median Housing Value Over Time 37 20: Units in Structures 39 21: Neighborhood Typologies Map 44 22: Road Classifications Map 47 23: Sidewalk Gap Analysis Map 52 24: Community Assets Map 58 25: Group 1, Healthcare and School Administration’s Vision 59 26: Group 2, Business Owners’ Challenges 60 27: Group 1, Healthcare & School Administration: Challenges & Assets 61 28: Group 3, Sandusky Residents’ Vision, challenges, and Assets 62 29: Group 3, Sandusky Residents’ Ideas for Project & Volunteers 63 30: Redevelopment Opportunities Map 65 31: Future Land Use Map 69 32: Zoning Map 71 33: Current Zoning Districts 72 34: Corresponding Future Land Uses 72 35: Future Land Use Districts 73 36: Housing Goals 76 37: Economic Development 77 38: Redevelopment Goals 78 39: Communication 78 40: Public Safety 79 41: Pathway to Becoming a Redevelopment Ready Community 81
8 CIT Y OF S A N D US K Y
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PUBLIC PROCESS challenges mentioned were no process. The Action Plan is
community or senior center, a lack divided into five broad categories:
This phase of the Rising Tide Project of businesses, and low-paying jobs. housing, economic development,
(PRT) began in the summer of 2016. Furthermore, separate sessions redevelopment opportunities,
A group of planners, economic were held with stakeholders that public safety, and communication.
developers, workforce experts, and represented the healthcare and The housing recommendations
community members collaborated education sectors and another call for increasing the supply,
to write recommendations that with the business community. improving the quality and variety of
guide the City’s growth and The challenges listed amongst the the housing stock largely through
development for the next decade. two groups differed; the business modifying the zoning ordinance
The Action Plan was a result of a community see challenges as not and creating a year-round rental
community engagement session, having a DDA, the divided focus inspection program. The economic
and two meetings with the among downtown business and development recommendations
Planning Commission and the City those outside of downtown, are multi-faceted: create a vibrant
Council to discuss actionable items and the Chamber of Commerce downtown, improve the quality
that will help the City accomplish its holding events that do not benefit of jobs, and increase the number
goals. all businesses. The healthcare and of local business owners. The
school administrators see a lack of redevelopment goals are centered
COMMUNITY affordable housing and things to on creating an online inventory of
do for young families, lack of after redevelopment sites and proactively
ENGAGEMENT school programs, and fleeting jobs marketing them to developers.
R E S U LT S options. The list of assets was wide- The intent of the public safety
ranging with many of them publicly goals is to improve the vehicular
A community engagement session run institutions. and pedestrian infrastructure to
was held in February 2017 with prevent further deaths and injury.
about 40 people in attendance. The communication goals are
During this session, residents ACTION PLAN intended to improve two-way
created a vision for Sandusky and The Action Plan addresses communication between the City
identified challenges and assets, recurring concerns exposed during and its residents with new ideas for
where the assets far outweighed the community engagement outreach, as well as how the City
the challenges. Some of the
2017 M A ST ER PLAN 9
can communicate its supportive • Sandusky is an employment • 19 parcels that were zoned
business environment through their hub. residential had properties that
new branding. • The largest retail leakages were either demolished or
reported within a 1-mile ring purchased by the hospital.
MAJOR of Sandusky amount to $9.4
million in nonstore retail, Corridors
FINDINGS general merchandise, food • On segments of Sanilac Road,
and beverage, and clothing there are 11,800 average daily
Demographics and accessory sales. vehicles.
• ESRI Business Analyst predicts • The labor participation rate • In 2016, the Sandusky City
that Sandusky will lose another 52.4% compared to 61.2% at Airport’s tarmac was extended
100 people by 2021, despite the state level. to be 3,501 feet.
predictions by the Office of
• 26.2% of residents live in The sidewalk network
the State Demographer that •
poverty. suffers from several gaps
Sanilac County is projected to
grow by 500 people by 2020. in connectivity, creating
Natural Features an unsafe environment for
The largest population
•
and Existing Land pedestrians.
segments are age groups 50-
59. Use
• Sandusky has 85.4 acres of
Redevelopment
• Sandusky has a high
forested freshwater wetlands. • 23 properties are available for
concentration of disabled
redevelopment.
persons (23.3%) when • Commercial land uses account
compared to the state or the for 36% of acreage in the City.
U.S. • Parcels dedicated to industrial
• Just over 1 in 20 Sandusky uses have more than doubled
residents aged 25+ have a from 41 to 99 between 2000-
bachelor’s degree. 2015.
Housing
• Owner-occupied housing
vacancy rate is 0%.
• Of all the housing structures
evaluated during the inventory
process, 88.7% were
considered in good condition.
• Almost half of renters are
cost-burdened (spending more
than 30% of their income on
housing).
• They are only about 30 rental
units that are market rate, the
rest are subsidized units.
• 70% of Sandusky’s homes are
valued at less than $100,000.
Economic
Development
• Over one-quarter of the
employed population works in
manufacturing.
10 CIT Y OF S A N D US K Y
REGIONAL CONTEXT
Sandusky is located in the “thumb” The County also hopes to build a Named by Wildman Mills,
of Michigan and is the seat of limited transit system along M-46 Sandusky, Michigan was indeed
Sanilac County. It is also located in and M-25 to Lake Huron’s tourist named after Sandusky, Ohio. Mills
Prosperity Region 6, East Michigan, destinations. Through funding was a former resident of Sandusky,
and surrounded by primarily rural from tourist-dependent industries, Ohio which had been named by
townships. Sandusky covers 2.14 connections could be made from his father. Mills saw similarities
square miles and is home to just the airport to tourists spots without between the two places, and
over 2,600 residents. the need for a private automobile. named his new home Sandusky
The City of Sandusky has an because he thought that it too
could provide fertile agricultural
opportune location as it sits COMMUNITY yields.
where M-46 (runs east-west)
and M-19 (runs north-south) HISTORY Sandusky became the county seat
cross. Just 15 miles east is Lake Prior to 1848, Sanilac County was in 1879, and first incorporated in
Huron. Port Huron is 35 miles an extension of Huron and St. Clare 1885 as a village. The beautiful
south of Sandusky, which boasts counties. It was authorized as an Courthouse was built in 1885, then
an international border crossing. independent county in 1848 with was rebuilt in 1915 after it burned
Two and a half miles north is an Lexington as the county seat. There down. In 1887, the village changed
expanded airport that provides was already a sparsely populated its name to Sanilac Centre, due
access outside of the region. Native American tribe there when to its location in the geographic
The 2004-2024 Sanilac County the first European settler arrived, center of the county, and the
General Development Plan Arthur Carson. population soared to 800 people. In
considers Sandusky “an urban and 1911, the railroads arrived. Rail had
Sandusky developed slowly due
general service district” due to its short-lived success with passengers
to a naturally marshy landscape
infrastructure and relatively high as automobiles were also rising in
that left much of it underwater for
densities of residential, commercial, popularity, but remained useful for
most of the year. Even as late as
and industrial land uses. The plan hauling hay and sugar beets to the
1911, the roads were notoriously
calls for concentrated development rest of the country.
lamented as a hindrance to trade,
in this district to limit sprawl and with business concentrated in By July 1905, the village
preserve adjacent farmland. Lexington instead. incorporated as a city and returned
to its original name, Sandusky.2017 M ASTER PLAN 11
1: Regional Location
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Rochester Hills
Pontiac
CITY OF SANDUSKY MASTER PLAN 0 15 30
Regional Location
Miles
Data Sources: State of Michigan Geographic Data Library, Michigan DNR Open Data Portal
County Boundary DNR Lands / Parks
Freeways Cities
State Roads Lakes / Ponds
Rivers / Streams12 CIT Y OF S A N D US K Y
In the 1950s, Sandusky saw region. A community from each
unparalleled prosperity with many prosperity region was selected
of the businesses opening this based on the following criteria:
decade and lasting for 40-50 • Poverty level
years. During this period, municipal
services such as police and fire • Unemployment level
grew. In the early 1990s, Sandusky • Labor participation rate
expanded its borders to annex • Renter occupied units
more land, some of which was
used for a Kmart in 1994 (now • Vacancy rates
closed). • Percentage of households
Like many cities in Michigan, receiving food stamps
Sandusky is struggling with This initiative employs MEDC’s
population loss. With a shrinking Redevelopment Ready
population comes challenges to Communities (RRC) program as
planning. For instance, maintaining a mechanism for preparing each
infrastructure and services with less community for a brighter economic
revenue, and attracting employers. future. RRC is a certification
It is noted in the County’s plan program that encourages
that Sandusky’s location makes communities to use innovative
logistics to move product difficult redevelopment strategies to signal
for employers because there is no to developers and businesses that
highway connection to I-69, and they are attractive places to invest.
no major port or airport nearby. The project’s scope is to help
While this has always been the case create a sustainable path toward
for Sandusky, economic demands economic stability. The Master Plan
have changed over time, and is an important step of this process.
connectivity and convenience play
a much larger role in an employer’s
decision of where to locate. As PURPOSE OF
such, economic opportunities are THE MASTER
limited in comparison to previous
generations. PLAN
The purpose of a Master Plan is
Rising Tide to serve as a living document to
guide the City’s future development
The Rising Tide initiative is a
based on community needs and
statewide program, envisioned by
desires for the next 15 to 20 years.
Governor Snyder and implemented
A Master Plan is comprehensive
by the Department of Talent
in scope, but also provides more
and Economic Development
specific actions and site locations
(TED). TED is comprised of the
for implementing the community’s
Michigan Economic Development
goals.
Corporation (MEDC), Talent
Investment Agency (TIA), and The plan records the condition of
the Michigan State Housing public facilities and community
Development Authority (MSHDA). assets, and records community
The mission is to provide at-risk input on how to improve the
communities with the necessary quality of life for all residents. In
tools to design and build a addition to community input, the
successful economic framework. plan is informed by demographics,
housing, and economic data, as
Sandusky is one of ten
well as by the feasibility of the
communities selected statewide
community’s desires.
and represents the East Michigan2017 M ASTER PLAN 13 2: Rising Tide Communities, Prosperity Region Map
14 CIT Y OF S A N D US K Y
DEMOGRAPHICS
The following section investigates program replaced the “long privately-generated market
demographic data using Census form” Census questions research data. In addition,
data to develop a usable beginning in 2000, asking it estimates Census and
community profile. Understanding the same types of detailed ACS data for geographic
a community’s demographic questions about social, configurations other than
make-up is the first step towards economic, and housing Census-defined tracts, blocks,
responsible planning. Sandusky’s conditions on a rolling basis and places.
community profile is compared to instead of once per decade. Also, it is important to note
different but relevant geographies Statistical validity of the ACS that ‘Hispanic’ is considered an
as a point of reference. Historical depends on sampling. In ethnicity and not a race in the U.S.
trends are also reviewed as a way larger communities (those Census, and therefore may be
to monitor changing conditions. with populations of 65,000 double-counted. In certain cases
The figures in this section have or more), it is possible to gain this may cause the percentages
been taken from the following a valid sample within twelve by race to add up to more than
sources in this preferred order: months, which the ACS calls a 100%.
“one-year estimate.” For mid-
• 2010 US Census. This
size communities (population Population
is the gold standard for
20,000-65,000), it takes 36
demographic data. It measures Sandusky has a population of
100% of the population and months of data collection
to achieve a valid sample 2,618 people spread across 1,068
offers comparable data points housing units. Since the 2000
at regular intervals throughout size, and for communities
smaller than 20,000, it takes Census was taken and the previous
most of the United States’ Master Plan was completed
developed history. However, 60 months. This system
exposes the statistical tradeoff (2002), Sandusky’s population
available data is limited to has shrunk by 3.89 percent. The
population and housing between the reliability gained
by increasing sample size and Office of the State Demographer’s
information, and the ten-year preliminary population projections
interval between data points the accuracy that is sacrificed
for Sanilac County estimate a 500-
means it is rarely “fresh.” in the time it takes to do so.
person gain by 2020, however
• 2011-2015 American • Esri Business Analyst. This ESRI business analysts predicts a
Community Survey. The ACS proprietary software presents2017 M A ST ER PLAN 15
3: Age & Gender Pyramid, %
85+ years
80-84 years
75-79 years
70-74 years
65-69 years
60-64 years
55-59 years
50-54 years
45-49 years
40-44 years
35-39 years
30-34 years
25-29 years
20-24 years
15-19 years
10-14 years
5-9 years
Under 5 years MALE FEMALE
15 10 5 0 5 10
Source: Census ACS-5Year Estimates 2011-2015
4: Race & Ethnic Composition, %
COMMUNITY RACE AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION, %
African-American American Indian Asian Hispanic White
Sandusky 0.8 2.2 2.1 6.9 89.1
Sanilac County 0.6 0.4 0.3 3.6 96.6
Michigan 14.0 0.5 2.7 4.7 79.0
Source: Census ACS 5- Year Estimates 2011-2015
population drop for Sandusky of very low vacancy rate, growth in evenly distributed, although the
about 100 people by 2021. population would be forced to age and gender pyramid reflect a
It is surprising that as the county is locate outside of Sandusky city larger trend throughout Michigan:
predicted to grow, the county seat limits. younger people, aged 18-24, tend
is expected to experience further to leave for out-of-state college or
population loss. Sandusky lost Age Distribution immediately after graduating from
about 100 housing units between a Michigan university for better
The median age in Sandusky is
2014 and 2015. Coupled with a career opportunities. Because the
43.8. The age distribution is fairly
numbers rebound in older age16 CIT Y OF S A N D US K Y
brackets, it is likely that those Educational and independent living. Combined,
who left in their youth returned to Attainment they account for 23.3% of the
Sandusky later on. population, 11.6% whom have a
The “Educational Attainment”
Sandusky has a slight concentration cognitive disability. Sandusky has
table shows the proportion of the
of senior citizens when compared a higher concentration of disabled
population that has attended each
to the state, but not when people than the county and other
level of education. According to the
compared to the county. In 2000, Rising Tide communities. The
ACS 2015 5-Year Estimates, of all
the largest age group was 20-44, Public Act 290 of 1995 mandated
Sandusky residents over age 25, an
but as Baby Boomers continue to county-based community mental
estimated 84.6% have graduated
age, the age group 45-64 has health service providers (CMHSP)
from high school; however, a
surpassed all other age group to consolidate. The major revision
smaller portion of them earned a
consisting of about 30% of the to this act meant that CMHSPs had
post-secondary degree or higher.
population. to prioritize patients by the severity
According to the Superintendent
of their mental or developmental
of the Sandusky Community
disability. Because Sandusky is
Race Schools, the high school graduation
a county seat with an already
The table titled “Race and Ethnic rate is 89%. Only 18.1% earn
established community mental
Composition” shows that Sandusky an associate degree or higher,
health program, the program
and Sanilac County are racially and only 12% of students earn
grew as it took on patients from
homogeneous, with nearly 90% bachelor’s degree or higher. With
clinic’s closures. The Sanilac County
of the population identifying as just over 1 in 20 Sandusky students
Community Mental Health Agency
white. When compared to the earning a bachelor’s degree,
serves individuals with serious
state, where only about three- their struggle to compete in the
mental illness and emotional
quarters of the state is considered new economy where employers
disturbance, individuals with
white, Sandusky is noticeably less require a college degree could
substance abuse problems, and
diverse. In comparison to the 2000 worsen. Educational attainment,
developmental disabilities.
Census, the percentages of African- employment, and income are
often highly correlated. The The table “Disability Status of
American has barely changed. The
unemployment rate for high school Non-Institutionalized Civilians”
white population has dropped by
graduates (17.4%) is almost three reports the percentage of those
about 6%. It is also noteworthy
times higher than for those with a with ambulatory and independent
that the Hispanic population has
bachelor’s degree or higher (6.3%). living disabilities because these
doubled, increasing from 3.4% in
This rings true at the county and disabilities are most impacted
2000 to 6.9% in 2015. Given these
state level, too. by the built environment. It
changes, Hispanics have a greater
is important to track types of
presence in Sandusky. Overall, there Sandusky has a career center that
disabilities and how they change
has been relatively little racial and offers a wide range of programs
over time because residents with
ethnic change in the last 15 years. and courses for those who prefer
mobility and living constraints
a career that does not necessarily
require different amenities to
Foreign-born require a college degree. At the
help them access recreational and
career center, there are online
Sandusky has a small foreign- housing opportunities. The Federal
courses, adult courses, and
born population. Of about 32 Americans with Disabilities Act
resources to find vocational training
people, over half are naturalized requires that site development
at local institutions. Vocational
U.S. citizens (56.3%). All of them provide reasonable access for
training includes courses in areas
entered the U.S. before 2010, the disabled. Universal design is
such as auto service technology,
and have therefore lived there for a concept that strives to make
culinary arts, and construction.
at least 6 years. Only 1.1% claim products and environments usable
to speak English less than “very for all people. The emphasis is
well.” About 40% are native to Disability Status building the appropriate design
Asia, and the second largest group into the product as opposed to
of foreign-born residents are from The disabled population has risen adapting existing products or
North America (28.1%) from 533 in 2000 to 560 in 2015. creating a specialized product.
These figures include all types of This can help ease the pressure of
disabilities including hearing, vision, accommodating changes in ability
cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, throughout the population.2017 M A ST ER PLAN 17
5: Educational Attainment of Population Aged 25+, %
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF POPULATION AGED 25+, %
Less than high High school Some college, Associates Bachelor’s Graduate
Community
school graduate no degree degree degree degree
Sandusky 15.4 41.6 23.6 6.8 7.4 5.3
Sanilac County 12.2 45.1 21.4 9.1 7.8 4.4
Michigan 10.4 29.9 23.8 8.9 16.5 10.5
Source: Census ACS 5- Year Estimates 2011-2015
6: Disability Status of Non-Institutionalized Civilians, %
DISABILITY STATUS OF NON-INSTITUTIONALIZED CIVILIANS, %
Sandusky Sanilac County Michigan
Persons aged 18 and under 4.9 5.5 5.0
Persons aged 18-64 20.9 13.8 12.3
Ambulatory difficulty 11.9 9.4 7.8
Persons aged 65+ 18.2 16.2 15.3
Independent living difficulty 15.8 7.6 6.7
Total civilian noninstitutionalized 23.3 16.7 14.1
Source: Census ACS 5- Year Estimates 2011-2015
It is common that the highest a gap of $10,000 to over $22,000. and Michigan (34.3%). By contrast,
proportion of those with disabilities In this same time, the MHI in family poverty ranges from 10-12%
are clustered in the 65+ age range, Sandusky dropped by $5,000 in these geographies. Moreover,
but the figure is still higher for annually, and Michigan’s rose by the median income for full-time,
Sandusky when compared to the the same amount. A shrinking year-round female workers is about
county and the state. median income corresponds with $12,500 less per year than for men,
a high number of residents who meaning that women generally
Income & Poverty received food stamps. Residents in earn 75% of a man’s wage.
Sandusky were twice as likely to
The most commonly reported
receive food stamps (34.6%) than Commuting Patterns
household income is between
in Sanilac County (15.7%) in 2015.
$15.000-$24,999 with 19% of Close to 80% of workers aged 16
Sandusky households earning It is therefore not surprising that and over drive alone to work in
within this range. However, Sandusky also has a higher poverty Sandusky, compared to about 78%
10.2% of households earn less rate than Michigan, 21.1% and of workers throughout Sanilac
than $10,000 annually, bringing 11.9% respectively. And, as is County. The next most popular way
down the median household common nationwide, female head to commute to work is by public
income (MHI) to just over half of of households with no husband transportation with 3% of workers
the State of Michigan. The gap present are about three times using this mode of transportation.
in median household incomes more likely to live in poverty than Only 0.5% of workers in Sandusky
between Sandusky and the state the average family. This trend is carpool, and is most common
has doubled since 2000, rising from reflected in both Sandusky (37.1%) amongst those aged 25 to 44.18 CI TY OF S A N D U S KY
N Gates Rd
7: Poverty by Block Group Map
E Eddy Rd
W Eddy Rd
N Stoutenberg
N Sandusky Rd
Nor
Rd
thw
ood
Dr
N Banner Rd
Northwood Ln
Colo
N Dawson St
E Moffatt St
Bennett Dr
nia
Golf View Dr
l Dr
W Morgan St
N Elk St
t
E Argyle Ave
C
Dr W Argyle Ave
Creek
ay
Stoney
N Jackson St
irw
N Delaware St
N Hart St
Fa
N Fulton St
N Moore St
N Minden St
N Morse St
N Flynn St
W
oo W Marion Ave
dla
Kristian St
n dD
r W Loraine Ave
Ardith St
E Sanilac Ave E Sanilac Rd
W Sanilac Rd Sanilac Ave
Marlette St W Sanilac Ave
S Jackson St
Lincoln St
Cherry St
Carolyn St
S Custer St
Austin St
Margaret St
S Fulton St
Roberts St
W Speaker Ave
Orval St
S Morse St
Lexington St
Worth St
S Lamotte St
S Elk St
Maple Valley St
Thelma Dr
Bridgehampton Ave
Truman St
Campbell Rd
Diamond Trl W Mills St E Mills St
W Mills St
Industrial Dr
Pineridge Ln Gaige St
Redmond St
Marshall Dr
Blue Spruce Ln
W Pine Tree Ln E Pine Tree Ln Park St
S Maple Valley St
Bella St
S Gates Rd
S Sandusky Rd
Jean St
il Ln
Davis St
Ashwood St
White Ta
Birchwood
Dr Dell St
Gleason St
E Miller Rd
W Miller Rd
Hoff Dr S Banner Rd
CITY OF SANDUSKY 0 0.25 0.5
Poverty by Block Group Miles
Data Sources: State of Michigan Geographic Data Library, City of Sandusky, U.S. Census Bureau
City Boundary Percent in Poverty:
State Roads 17.75%
All Roads 19.90%
Railroads
Parcels
Rivers / Streams
Lakes / Ponds2017 M A ST ER PLAN 19
Public transportation consists of the 8: Sanilac County Health Rankings
county’s curb-to-curb shared-ride
SANILAC COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS
service. This service is appointment-
based and spreads across county Health Variable Ranking
lines. Health Outcomes 45
There are relatively few Sandusky Length of Life 55
residents that do not have a
vehicle. According to the 2015 Quality of Life 27
5-Year estimates, about 3.1% of Health Factors 47
people over age 16 do not have
Health Behaviors 34
vehicles, and there is about the
same percentage of driver-aged Clinical Care 79
residents in Sanilac County without Social and Economic Factors 42
vehicles.
Physical Environmental 32
Health Indicators Source: countyhealthrankings.org
Based on the Robert Wood
Johnson County Health rankings
compiled in 2016, Sanilac County 9: Median Household Income
is ranked 45th of 82 counties in
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Michigan for health outcomes
(1 county did not have sufficient Sandusky $26,888
data), which is based on length
and quality of life of residents. Sanilac County $41,100
Sanilac County is ranked 47th out
of 82 counties for health factors, Michigan $49,576
which is a score based on health Source: Census ACS 5-Year Estimates 2011-2015
behaviors, clinical care, social and
economic factors, and the physical
environment (see Table for more Currently, 13.1% of people in or less annually have an uninsured
detail). Its lowest score comes in the county are uninsured. The rate of 16.3%. This provides some
the “Clinical Care” category where percentage of uninsured peaked in evidence that when the US is
it ranks 79th. Clinical Care is based 2010, and fell in the subsequent dedicated to a healthcare program,
on the ratio of care providers to years. However, starting in 2013, such as Medicaid for the elderly, it
people, preventable stays in the the trend is worsening, and those works!
hospital, and other preventative without health insurance is rising
care factors. again.
The County Health Rankings Using a different dataset
& Roadmaps program is a that looks at insurance rates at a
collaboration between the Robert smaller geography, the ACS 2015-
Wood Johnson Foundation and the 2011 5-Year Estimates show that
University of Wisconsin Population in Sandusky, about 12.6% of
Health Institute. Health outcomes residents do not have health
represent how healthy a county insurance. When broken down
is, and are measured by how by different demographics, the
long people live and how healthy uninsured rate is highest between
people feel while alive. Health ages 18-34 (signifying that perhaps
factors influence the health of their parents do not have health
a county, and are measured by insurance either), the unemployed,
health behaviors, clinical care, and those with less than a
social and economic, and physical bachelor’s degree. The uninsured
environment factors. rate for those over the age of 65 is
0% while those earning $25,00020 CIT Y OF S A N D US K Y
EXISTING LAND USES
N AT U R A L emergent wetland only covers trees have four distinct seasons that
0.3 acres. Emergent wetlands are create the familiar pattern in the
F E AT U R E S characterized by perennial plants Midwest: a colorful autumn, a bare
and vegetation that is present for winter, a blooming spring, and a
Wetlands and most of the growing season. green and leafy summer.
Forested Areas In Sandusky, almost all of the
Wetlands form where dry land and wetlands are forested freshwater. Soil & Floodplains
water meet, and therefore play a They cover about 85.4 acres of The entire county, except for a
huge role in water management land, and are concentrated in few small areas, has a soil rating
for cities. Wetlands help reduce the north eastern section of the that make development difficult.
flooding, purify contamination City where there is little housing It is important to remember that
in surface runoff, recharge development. The other forested soil ratings are based on several
groundwater supplies, produce wetland in the south central part characteristics and ratings are
oxygen, and add recreational of the City is also only developed limited by the natural variability
opportunities to a community. along the edges. of soil and the large amount of
Because of their importance This type of wetland floods for variables that need to be analyzed
to both human and animal life, only a portion of the year, typically to accurately determine its rating.
state and federal legislation, during the growing season. It can When considering development,
chiefly the Natural Resources host a variety of animals such as it is best to test the soil of the
and Environmental Protect Act of frogs, salamanders, owls, raccoons, specific site because movement,
1994, requires the preservation and shrews. In fact, wetlands hold compaction, bulking soil material,
or responsible management of more wildlife than any other type or changes to irrigation or drainage
wetlands. This presents additional of habitat in Michigan. Sandusky can change the soil properties used
regulations for development that also contains a small section for this analysis, and could render a
take place in these areas. of deciduous forest, which are different result.
generally found surrounding a Sandusky is a part of the St. Clair
Within the city limits there are
wetland. Deciduous forests are watershed. There are two county
two types of wetlands present:
found where there are warm, moist drains within the City but there
freshwater forested wetlands
summers and mild winters. The is no floodplain data available
and emergent wetlands. The2017 M ASTER PLAN 21
10: Natural Features
N Gates Rd
E Eddy Rd
W Eddy Rd
N Stoutenberg
N Sandusky Rd
Nor
Rd
thw
ood
Dr
N Banner Rd
Northwood Ln
Colo
N Dawson St
E Moffatt St
Bennett Dr
nia
Golf View Dr
l Dr
W Morgan St
N Elk St
t
E Argyle Ave
C
W Argyle Ave
reek Dr
ay
C
Stoney
N Jackson St
irw
N Delaware St
N Hart St
Fa
N Fulton St
N Moore St
N Minden St
N Morse St
N Flynn St
W
oo W Marion Ave
dla
Kristian St
n dD
r W Loraine Ave
Ardith St
E Sanilac Ave E Sanilac Rd
W Sanilac Rd Sanilac Ave W Sanilac Ave
Marlette St
S Jackson St
Lincoln St
Cherry St
Carolyn St
S Custer St
Austin St
Margaret St
S Fulton St
Roberts St
W Speaker Ave
Orval St
S Morse St
Lexington St
Worth St
S Lamotte St
S Elk St
Maple Valley St
Thelma Dr
Bridgehampton Ave
Truman St
Campbell Rd
Diamond Trl W Mills St E Mills St
W Mills St
Industrial Dr
Pineridge Ln Gaige St
Redmond St
Marshall Dr
Blue Spruce Ln
W Pine Tree Ln E Pine Tree Ln Park St
S Maple Valley St
Bella St
S Gates Rd
S Sandusky Rd
Jean St
il Ln
Davis St
Ashwood St
White Ta
Birchwood
Dr Dell St
Gleason St
E Miller Rd
W Miller Rd
S Banner Rd
Hoff Dr
CITY OF SANDUSKY 0 0.25 0.5
Natural Features Miles
Data Sources: State of Michigan Geographic Data Library, City of Sandusky
City Boundary Deciduous Forests
State Roads Evergreen Forests
All Roads Mixed Forests
Railroads Freshwater Emergent Wetlands
Parcels Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetlands
Rivers / Streams
Lakes / Ponds22 CIT Y OF S A N D US K Y
for Sanilac County on Federal Industrial Discussion of Land
Emergency Management Agency’s Use Changes
Industrial land uses are clustered
(FEMA) website. Nor are there any
along North Dawson Street and In the last 15 years, both
major bodies of water within the
West Argyle Street, making up 8% commercial and industrial land uses
city limits or mention of floodplains
of total land acreage in the City. have grown substantially by 13%
in the County plan. Flooding is not
The 29 parcels are dominated by and 100%, respectively. During
a naturally or commonly occurring
two companies: Jensen Bridge & this same period, residential land
event in Sandusky but happens in
Supply and Vibracoustic. Over the uses have dropped by 19 parcels.
conjunction with a major storm.
last 15 years, the amount of land Twelve of those homes have
dedicated to industry has more been accounted for—two were
EXISTING LAND than doubled from about 41 acres purchased by the hospital and
to almost 99 acres. demolished, two were owned by
USE the City and demolished, two were
Right of Way owned privately and demolished,
Commercial and two of the parcels did not have
In the City of Sandusky, the land
Commercial properties comprise use category called “Right of homes on them to begin with.
the largest proportion of land use way” refers to publicly held land. And, agriculture, has disappeared.
in the City accounting for 36% The largest areas in white shown These are considerable changes to
of the total land acreage. Aside on the “Existing Land Use” map the landscape within a relatively
from the smaller parcels located encompass Sandusky High School short time period.
downtown, the “Existing Land and Elementary School in the south Economically-driven land uses are
Use” map shows that large swaths east corner, Diamond Walking Trail expanding faster than residences,
of land on the edges of the City in the south west corner, and the which may be influencing the
are dedicated to commercial uses. County Fair Grounds in the north. housing market. If more jobs are
On western edges of the City In the city center, the McKenzie coming to Sandusky, and fewer
where commercial uses dominate Memorial Hospital and other homes are built, people will
are the Walmart Supercenter and civic buildings are included in this inevitably be compelled to live
the Woodland Hills Golf Course. category. Cumulatively, these 31 elsewhere and commute in.
The eastern edges along the City’s parcels comprise 3% of the land.
border, once used for agriculture,
are now used for commercial
purposes. In the 2002 Master Plan,
15.9% of the land was agricultural. 11: Existing Land Use Table
In 2017, there are no longer
agricultural uses recorded, likely EXISTING LAND USE IN SANDUSKY
due to the conversion of this land
into commercial uses. Land Use Acreage # Parcels % of Total Land
Residential Unknown 323.3 99 25%
In most cities, residential land uses
comprise the largest number of Commercial 461.9 213 36%
parcels, even if they don’t cover the
largest amount of acreage. With a
total of 889 parcels, this land use Industrial 98.6 29 8%
takes up 27% of the total land.
The residential category includes Residential 350.9 889 27%
both single-family detached and
multi-family housing types. Single-
Right of Way 44.4 31 3%
family detached housing consist
of one free standing housing unit
per parcel. Multi-family housing TOTAL 1,279.1 1,261 100%
describes two or more units
contained within one residential Source: City Assessor
structure.2017 M ASTER PLAN 23
12: Existing Land Use Map
N Gates Rd
E Eddy Rd
W Eddy Rd
N Stoutenberg
N Sandusky Rd
Nor
Rd
thw
ood
Dr
N Banner Rd
Northwood Ln
Colo
N Dawson St
E Moffatt St
Bennett Dr
nia
Golf View Dr
l Dr
Woodland Hills W Morgan St
N Elk St
Golf Club Inc
t
E Argyle Ave
C
W Argyle Ave
reek Dr
ay
C
Stoney
N Jackson St
irw
N Delaware St
N Hart St
Fa
N Fulton St
N Moore St
N Minden St
N Morse St
N Flynn St
W
oo W Marion Ave
dla
Kristian St
n dD
r W Loraine Ave
Ardith St
E Sanilac Ave E Sanilac Rd
W Sanilac Rd Sanilac Ave W Sanilac Ave
Marlette St
S Jackson St
Lincoln St
Cherry St
Carolyn St
S Custer St
Austin St
Margaret St
S Fulton St
Roberts St
W Speaker Ave
Orval St
S Morse St
Lexington St
Worth St
S Lamotte St
S Elk St
Maple Valley St
Thelma Dr
Bridgehampton Ave
Truman St
Campbell Rd
Diamond Trl W Mills St E Mills St
W Mills St
Industrial Dr
Pineridge Ln Gaige St
Redmond St
Marshall Dr
Blue Spruce Ln
W Pine Tree Ln E Pine Tree Ln Park St
S Maple Valley St
Bella St
S Gates Rd
S Sandusky Rd
Jean St
il Ln
Davis St
Ashwood St
White Ta
Birchwood
Dr Dell St
Gleason St
E Miller Rd
W Miller Rd
S Banner Rd
Hoff Dr
CITY OF SANDUSKY 0 0.25 0.5
Existing Land Use Miles
Data Sources: State of Michigan Geographic Data Library, City of Sandusky
City Boundary Residential
State Roads Commercial
All Roads Industrial
Railroads Public Lands / Right of Way / No Data
Parcels
Rivers / Streams
Lakes / Ponds24 CIT Y OF S A N D US K Y
ECONOMICS
The national economy has changed while ESRI measures a consumer’s people employed in retail has
dramatically over the last few demand for goods and services, dropped about five percentage
decades. A shift from producing and if that industry can match that points since the 1990s. And,
goods to producing knowledge demand. despite several decades of decline
through a college-educated nationwide, manufacturing has
workforce has several implications DOMINANT remained a constant in Sandusky
for economic development with the proportion of the
strategies. Because growing
INDUSTRY workforce remaining fairly constant
industries are less land-intensive, Sandusky still has a substantial when compared to the year 2000.
providing cheap land in the form number of manufacturing jobs
Sandusky’s employers attract
of tax abatements is no longer when compared to the state.
employees region-wide. Census
the carrot it once was to attract Over one-quarter (25.6%) of the
data also shows that as of
business. The current thinking is employed population works in
2014, Sandusky was a regional
that jobs follow talent, and the manufacturing compared to 17.4%
employment center, evidenced by
best strategies to draw in industry in Michigan. The second and third
the fact that on average 2,567
are based on creating a place that largest industries by number of
people commute to Sandusky for
fosters and retains talent, so that employees are educational and
work, and only 910 who live in
business will follow. health services (22.7%), and retail
Sandusky leave for work. There are
trade (18.6%), respectively. These
This section reviews Sandusky’s 339 people who live and work in
three industries alone account
economic situation and potential Sandusky.
for almost two-thirds of jobs
opportunities. The data used is a in Sandusky, and each one has
combination of census data and Where are the
grown since 2000. With an aging
ESRI Business Analyst; the former Workers Going?
population, healthcare services
describes how many residents work are projected to grow statewide. The average commute time for
in each industry and the latter Retail has also been growing as the Sandusky workers is 20.3 minutes.
analyzes how certain industries economy continues rebounding, For those estimated 910 workers
fare by sales volume. The census but these jobs present challenges who are leaving the city for work,
data shows the relative size of an as they are typically low-paid, part- this map features a 20-minute
industry in terms of its “footprint” time, and do not provide benefits. drive time radius from Sandusky
and influence on the workforce, In Sandusky, the proportion ofSandusky Commuting Radius
2017 M A ST ER PLAN 25
to see where workers may be 13: 20- Minute Drive Time Commuting Radius
commuting to. In 2014, about
38% of Sandusky workers traveled
between 10-24 miles, and 13.4%
travel 25-50 miles.
The edges of the map’s radius
are possible locations for where
residents commute. To the east is
the village of Port Sanilac, Marlette
to the west, Elk Township to the
south, and Wheatland Township
to the north. Of those locations,
the city of Marlette has the largest
draw. As of 2014, 1,259 people
were commuting there to work,
and it has job concentration of 50-
120 jobs per square mile. Another
hub appears in Deckerville Village
to the northeast of Sandusky, with
a concentration of 120-200 jobs
per square mile, and 539 workers
commuting there.
It is important to note that since
2014, the economic situation has
likely changed, however this is
the best data available. Sandusky
should continue to monitor these
trends because Sandusky will
continue to play a crucial role in
connecting workers to jobs.
It is also important to locate Source: ©2015 Esri
April 26, 2017
the regional employment hubs,
especially when the average extends
©2016 Esri from Sandusky to Marlette, of certain goods and services. Page 1 of 1
commute time crosses jurisdictional which according to this analysis When demand exceeds supply,
boundaries. Transportation is could connect Sandusky residents the city experiences a retail loss
a known barrier for low and to jobs. Until those bus services are know as a “leakage.” When
moderate income residents to find funded and implemented, residents surplus exceeds demand, this is an
work. Without a reliable source of turn to the Sanilac Transportation indication that a business is doing
pubic transportation, a 20-minute Corporation. As a county-wide, well and could stand to expand.
ride to another job hub could keep dial-a-ride service, it is not
these segments of the population convenient for workers who need
unemployed. to follow a routine work schedule. Leakage
Also, due to the hospital’s large When all losses are accounted
Sandusky does not have a reliable presence and the number of aging for, Sandusky has a retail gap
regional transit system. The 2004- and disabled residents, this service of $29,842,957 within a 5-mile
2024 County plan envisions is mainly used for hospital and radius. This is the amount that
connected transit lines along M-46 doctors visits. Sandusky gives up to other
to Tuscola County and M-25 to
retailers, and can be seen as an
Huron and St. Claire Counties.
However, the driving force is a
Retail Analysis opportunity to build a stronger
The leakage and surplus analysis retail core. Despite having 282
desire to transport tourists to
shows a snapshot of retail parcels within a walkable one-
popular lakeside destinations. There
opportunities for Sandusky by quarter mile radius of downtown,
is a brief mention of a bus line that
estimating the supply and demand 165 of which are residential26 CIT Y OF S A N D US K Y
parcels, retail ventures have stalled. 14: Retail Loss by Industry, 100% Leakage
This could be due to low wages
within Sandusky that limit how RETAIL LOSS BY INDUSTRY, 100% LEAKAGE
much shopping households can
afford, limited access to capital Industry Potential Amount Loss
to launch a new business, and a
mismatch between supply and Furniture $465,854
demand. This analysis hopes to
shed light on some of these factors. Lawn and garden equipment and supplies $285,979
The largest retail leakages reported
within a 1-mile ring of Sandusky Beer, wine, and liquor stores $297,045
are:
• Nonstore Retailers (electronic Shoe stores $178,673
shopping, vending machines,
direct selling) Book, periodical, and music stores $153,453
• General Merchandise
Department stores $3,452,865
• Food & Beverage store
• Clothing & Accessory stores Special Food services $63,311
Amongst these top four categories,
Sandusky is leaking approximately TOTAL: $4,897,180
$9.4 million dollars from its
Source: ESRI Business Analyst
local economy annually. More
specifically, Sandusky is losing
100% of sales listed in the table
“Retail Leakage by Industry” as
there are no stores to capture the
demand illustrated in the table. Retail Surplus Sandusky or its workers. For
There are industries in Sandusky example, with gasoline stations,
The gap becomes even more unless run by a local company, the
apparent when residents spending that are performing well, and
experiencing a surplus. Within a revenue generated from a major
habits are examined. Almost 52% company like Marathon goes to
of residents bought shoes in the 5-mile radius of Sandusky there is a
surplus in the following industries: the shareholders who could live
last 12 months, and over 40% anywhere in the world. This means
bought either men’s or women’s • Motor vehicle and parts dealers that daily transactions at a gas
apparel. Almost 44% of residents station do not enrich the city. The
• Building materials, garden
bought either a paperback or retail surpluses that will have the
equipment, and supply stores
hardback book in the last 12 greatest impact on Sandusky are
months. Over one-third of residents • Health and personal care
locally run businesses or larger
bought something for their home. • Gasoline stations national firms that offer high wages
As the largest, and likely most or profit sharing opportunities.
• General merchandise stores
affordable option, many of these
purchases are probably made at • Food service and drinking
the Walmart Superstore. Walmart places Labor Participation
could disrupt the multiplier effect, Amongst these industries, there and Unemployment
or the recirculation of money is an estimated $90,204,024
within a community. Locally owned Despite having a large
surplus. The surplus estimates
businesses tend to keep a far manufacturing base, Sandusky has
the amount of money Sandusky
greater percentage of revenue a relatively low labor participation
draws in from outside of its trade
within the community compare to rate. Only 52.4% of residents
area. While this number greatly
chain businesses. aged 16 years or older are in
exceeds the “leaky” industries,
the labor force, compared to
it is important to remember that
61.2% in the state of Michigan.
not all of this money is seen by
This number can be misleading2017 M ASTER PLAN 27
N Gates Rd
15: Downtown Walkability Map
E Eddy Rd
W Eddy Rd
N Stoutenberg
N Sandusky Rd
Nor
Rd
thw
ood
Dr
N Banner Rd
Northwood Ln
Colo
N Dawson St
E Moffatt St
Bennett Dr
nia
Golf View Dr
l Dr
W Morgan St
N Elk St
t
E Argyle Ave
C
W Argyle Ave
reek Dr
ay
C
Stoney
N Jackson St
irw
N Delaware St
N Hart St
Fa
N Fulton St
N Moore St
N Minden St
N Morse St
N Flynn St
W
oo W Marion Ave
dla
Kristian St
n dD
r W Loraine Ave
Ardith St
E Sanilac Ave E Sanilac Rd
W Sanilac Rd Sanilac Ave W Sanilac Ave
Marlette St
S Jackson St
Lincoln St
Cherry St
Carolyn St
S Custer St
Austin St
Margaret St
S Fulton St
Roberts St
W Speaker Ave
Orval St
S Morse St
Lexington St
Worth St
S Lamotte St
S Elk St
Maple Valley St
Thelma Dr
Bridgehampton Ave
Truman St
Campbell Rd
Diamond Trl W Mills St E Mills St
W Mills St
Industrial Dr
Pineridge Ln Gaige St
Redmond St
Marshall Dr
Blue Spruce Ln
W Pine Tree Ln E Pine Tree Ln Park St
S Maple Valley St
Bella St
S Gates Rd
S Sandusky Rd
Jean St
il Ln
Davis St
Ashwood St
White Ta
Birchwood
Dr Dell St
Gleason St
E Miller Rd
W Miller Rd
S Banner Rd
Hoff Dr
CITY OF SANDUSKY 0 0.25 0.5
Downtown Walkability Miles
Data Sources: State of Michigan Geographic Data Library, City of Sandusky
City Boundary 1/4 Mile Walking Distance
State Roads
All Roads
Railroads
Parcels
Rivers / Streams
Lakes / Ponds28 CIT Y OF S A N D US K Y
BARRIERS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH IN MICHIGAN
TA L E N T P I P E L I N E JOB GROWTH
With a historically accurate track record, the University of Michigan
According to the 2013
Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics estimates there will
Governor’s Economic Summit, be almost 42,000 jobs created in 2017 and another 50,000 jobs
85% of projected jobs will in 2018. However, this job growth rate projection falls short of
likely require a bachelor’s reaching residents who often remain chronically unemployed. In
2016, according to the Current Population Survey, there were
degree between 2012-2021.
237,600 unemployed workers in Michigan— a figure that does
Yet, Michigan has the highest not include discouraged workers, or those who have stopped
rate of educated youth leaving actively looking for work because they believe there are no jobs
the state; at about 4% per available. In 2016, the Bureau of Labor of Statistics estimated the
year that’s more than double discouraged workers to be around 18,300 in Michigan. This leaves
a gap of over 163,000 jobless Michiganders. That is to say, that
other Midwestern states. job growth in itself is not a comprehensive indicator to describe
Michigan ranks in the bottom a person’s economic opportunity. Regardless of the type of
five states for the percentage occupation, there is some truth to the statement that “there are no
of 25-34 year olds. Sanilac jobs.” In fact, despite a drop in poverty status of families, the
rate still hovers above the state at over 13% in Sandusky.
County has one of the highest
Job growth has either not reached vulnerable populations yet, or
proportions of millennials worse, even as workers become employed they continue to live
leaving the county between in poverty. In either case, job growth alone has not improved the
2010 and 2015. Between 2-3% quality of life of a considerable amount of families in Sandusky.
of millennials aged 15-35 left
Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n
the county.
Transportation plays a major role in job accessibility. In 2015, the
Michigan Works! for Region 9 interviewed 400 former job-seekers.
Almost half (48%) of the interviewees reported that transportation
is a problem for finding and keeping a job; those with reliable
access to a vehicle are more likely to be employed. Transportation by automobile is most household’s second
largest expense ( up to $15,000 per year), leaving those in poverty without a reliable way to connect to
employment. Furthermore, in Region 9, 56% of workers with cars cannot necessarily afford the repairs.
The need for improved transportation networks is affirmed by the high demand for transportation services
requested through other MiWorks! agencies, 76-92% of all requests are for transportation assistance. If this
happens where there is arguably some of the best transportation networks in Michigan, imagine the impact on
rural areas! Sandusky does not have a reliable transportation system. The dial-by-ride service does not
operate frequently enough to accommodate workers with unconventional shift times and does not
cross county lines.
Housing
Many communities are dealing with the complicated relationship surrounding housing values, vacancy rates,
changing tenure status, and how this affects a city’s prospects for attracting and retaining talent. Some
MiWorks representatives working on the ground with employers also report that when companies find qualified
candidates, a lack of available housing options prevent him/her from living within the community. This is due in
large part not only to a housing shortage post-recession, but also to a lack of housing options. Housing formats
that lie along the spectrum between single-family detached homes and large apartment complexes, are missing.2017 M A ST ER PLAN 29
For those who wish to live in a condo, townhome, loft, or midrise apartment complex downtown, they are out
of luck.
As median housing values fell in Sandusky from $89,900 to $72,700 between 2010 and 2015, residents who
could no longer afford their homes turned to the rental market. As almost half of the City became renters, rent
rose to a premium. As of 2015, 50% of renters were cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income
on housing costs. The rental market has become unaffordable to its current residents, and to those considering
moving to Sandusky for work. Moreover, for those just entering the workforce, or those without a family, or
for those who are retiring and want to downsize, few options are available. Less than 20% of the housing
stock is considered “middle” housing formats. With a vacancy rate of 0% for owner-occupied homes, this is a
hard market to break into.
Ed u ca tion a nd Tr aining
The largest labor mismatch comes from middle-skilled jobs. Over the past few decades, manufacturing’s
decline has had devastating effects to Michigan’s economy. With a rebounding economy, manufacturing and
construction have seen an uptick in activity, but are hindered by an untrained workforce. Middle-skilled jobs
refer to jobs that require more than a high school degree but not necessarily a bachelor’s degree, typically
an associates degree or some technical training. In 2015, 54% of jobs were middle-skilled, but only 48% of
workers were trained for these jobs. A 6% difference
equates thousands of workers out of work. Below, STIGMA
are some shortcomings in both the public and private
sector that have contributed to this gap. Sandusky Well-intentioned parents are often at the
once had basic shop classes in tooling, welding, and forefront of steering children away from
machining in public school. Students could graduate working in factories with claims that the
with skills to enter the workforce. As high school
curriculum has shifted to college preparation, work is dangerous, unstable, and low-paying.
funding for vocational skills has dropped. Some of their trepidation stems from images
of polluting factories, jobs being shipped
Public offshore, and stagnating wages. According
• Federal cuts to career, technical and adults to a survey conducted by the non profit
education in 2012 that are only recently filled
• Michigan state funding tied to ratio of college-
organization, SME, 20% of parents surveyed
bound students without considering funding think manufacturing is outdated and nearly
vocational training 25% think it is not well-paying, half of
• Little effort to teach soft skills all respondents do not think it is exciting or
challenging. 600 manufacturing jobs were
Private shuttered just outside of Sandusky. It is
• Drop in the amount of apprenticeship programs
through employers eroding a pathway to middle- often reported in community meetings and
skilled jobs to MiWorks representatives that parents do
• Less money spent employee on training and not want their children to have the same
education
experience they had with sudden job loss.
• Stagnating wages, temporary work status, and
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