Our latest #GOPCThread is available on Twitter., as we feature our second #OHCommunitySpotlight, traveling today to Ashtabula in northeast Ohio. Once a leading port on Lake Erie, Ashtabula has reinvented itself as a tourism destination on Ohio’s north coast.

Not on Twitter, the thread is available online , as well as below.

Greater Ohio Policy Center Read on Twitter

Today’s #GOPCThread is the second in our #OHCommunitySpotlight series, featuring @cityofashtabula. Located on the shores of Lake Erie in northeast OH, is best known for summer festivals, restaurants, fishing and boating activities.

At the turn of the 20th century, the @cityofashtabula harbor was known as one of the largest ports on the Great Lakes. The railroads connected the harbor to Youngstown and Pittsburgh and iron ore and coal were transported #OHCommunitySpotlight #GOPCThread

With prosperity, also came tragedy. Ashtabula was the site of the Great Train Disaster of 1876, when a train dropped 150 feet into the frozen river when the bridge collapsed. The disaster killed 92 people and injured the remaining passengers. #GOPCThread 

In 1925 The Ashtabula Lift Bridge – a Strauss bascule bridge that crosses over the Ashtabula River in the harbor, was completed. Besides being a major transportation route, it occupies a crucial location in the city’s-built environment #OHCommunitySpotlight #GOPCThread

Like many rustbelt cities, manufacturing & the iron ore & coal industries started to decline, leading to the closing of docks & industries that once thrived on the north coast. A new vision was desperately needed to revitalize the once vibrant small town #OHCommunitySpotlight

In 2008, the lift bridge was closed for lengthy periods of time for repairs, thus cutting off travel through the harbor. The merchants came together & formed the Lift Bridge Community Association, working together to increase their visibility & rethink their strategy #GOPCThread

The Harbor is home to a number of restaurants, retail establishments, and several other boutiques, creating a unique shopping experience #OHCommunitySpotlight #GOPCThread

Historic Bridge Street was awarded the 2018 “America’s Main Street Award” by @IndWeStand for their dedication to the revitalization of the Harbor. With the $25,000 prize, the community voted to erect a large “ASHTABULA” sign along the waterfront 

A favorite summer attraction is the Wine & Walleye Festival held in the heart of the harbor. Featuring 3 days of music, street vendors, boat parade, fishing contests, wine garden featuring the counties’ favorite wineries, and of course the delicious Lake Erie Perch and Walleye.

Ashtabula Downtown Development Association ( @downtownadda) – Rebirth of Main Avenue brings life back to century old buildings with new restaurants, bars, and small businesses. 

The north shore trail has completed Phase 1 and will run from Walnut Beach, through the Harbor, to the Greenway Trail

Just a few miles west of the harbor, Ashtabula is also home to @KentState, Ashtabula Branch, offering bachelor, associate, and online degrees, making it possible for its residents to pursue their education in a small-town environment. #OHCommunitySpotlight 

Ashtabula is getting its first hotel in nearly a century, fully loaded with a rooftop wine bar and luxury style rooms located in the harbor on the shores of the Ashtabula river. #OHCommunitySpotlight #GOPCThread

Tourism has become a major economic force in the area. Recently, City Manager Jim Timonere said “In 2017, tourism to Ashtabula County alone generated roughly $451 million in sales, up $17 million from 2013 and up almost $100 million since 2009”. He expects this trend to continue

Just 3 miles east of the Harbor, the beautiful Lake Shore Park offers 54 scenic acres, including a beach, covered pavilions, a playground & a boat launch for fishing. #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight

On the nearby Ashtabula River, visitors can rent a canoe or paddle board & relax & explore the lake or Ashtabula river #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight 

Ashtabula has shown that cities, taking advantage of their existing habitats and infrastructure, can re-invent themselves and plan a new future #GOPCThread #OHCommunitySpotlight