LORAIN — A spirited discussion over possibilities for using a planned new high school as a jumping off point for new development downtown had people talking about everything from shipping to recreation.

Architect Gary Fischer and Rick Novak of the Port Authority led the forum at St. Joseph’s Community Center.

“We wanted to see what people were feeling,” Fischer said. “It was a good crowd, willing to give ideas a shot.”

Fischer showed three areas where a “health and education” campus — with the high school and other facilities such as Lorain County Community College class buildings — could be built.

The first area was a four-block area west of Reid Avenue, north of 21st Street and south of 17th Street. The second area would be a four-block area south of 21st Street, west of Broadway and north of 26th Street. The third — and most contentious — area would be along the Black River south of the Norfolk Southern train tracks, north of 21st Street and east of Broadway.

Fischer said it would take 40 to 50 acres to build the sort of campus he’s thinking about.

Those who favored the riverfront area spoke of it having potential for development along the riverfront as well as recreation opportunities.

Some were strongly opposed to using the riverfront area for a school. Mitchell Fallis, a Lorain City Council member, said that the riverfront was a prime commercial asset, and that Lorain should take advantage of it to build an international shipping port.

Matt Millard, who favors using the riverfront site for a campus, said the city has had decades to build a port there but has done nothing.

A few residents favored the first area, saying that many blighted homes would be demolished to make way for the campus.

Some residents were squarely for “none of the above.”

Some said a new high school should be built on the Admiral King land. Others said that such a large, concentrated campus would take away from trying to revitalize downtown. And others said the cash-strapped city could not afford such an undertaking right now.

Money, and where it would come from, was not on the table for discussion, Fischer said. First, he said, people had to figure out what they wanted and where they wanted it before costs could be calculated.

And what people wanted was diverse. Many mentioned a recreation center including an indoor pool. Several liked the idea of building a new main branch of the Lorain Public Library. Good public transportation access was brought up. Bringing in small retail, like a coffeehouse to serve students and visitors, was suggested. Other ideas included day care and after-school care facilities, walking paths, good parking, a community garden and a stadium for the high school sports teams.

Going green for the facilities — using geothermal, solar and wind power — was popular with several in the crowd of about 80 people. One man pointed out that it could help bring government funding to the project.

Millard said attractive architecture would be key. “Don’t let it look like the city jail,” he said.

Contact Melissa Hebert at 329-7129 or mhebert@chroniclet.com.

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