The Sandusky City Commission heard a presentation Nov. 24 from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy on a citywide property inventory and interactive story map. Isaac Robb, who led the presentation, said survey teams collected more than 12,000 parcel records with photos and condition data and integrated them with parcel and utility data using Regrid software.

Robb described the methodology: teams of two used tablet computers to collect exterior condition data and photos; the Conservancy combined field surveys with USPS vacancy information and city water shutoff records to create a blended vacancy indicator (definite, probable, possible). Structures received letter grades from A (excellent) to F (hazardous). Robb said the 2025 snapshot shows roughly 9,200 occupied structures and about 1,500 vacant lots; only about 112 parcels were classified as definitively vacant in the most severe category.

Commissioners asked how the data could help target grants and programs; multiple speakers said the inventory will improve grant-writing and strategic targeting. Commissioners and staff praised the project’s use of local staff and residents in data collection. Robb said the story map and raw data will be posted online for public access and for staff use in planning and grant applications.

The presentation closed with commissioners and staff thanking the Conservancy; staff indicated they will use the inventory to refine grant allocation and program priorities. The Conservancy said it will likely return in the future to repeat the inventory.