Matthew Reynolds

09/13/2026

Great article. As I stated in my official response to this petition, the proposed amendment does not give voters a say over whether a developer proceeds under Chapter 1219. Section 1219.03(b) clearly allows a developer to choose to develop under Chapter 1219 without rezoning.

Sadly, many residents were misled into believing this amendment would give voters the ultimate say over development of the property. Its more likely result will be increased toxicity and instability, further discouraging responsible development and investment in our city.

It is also important to remember that there was an opportunity to challenge Chapter 1219 through the established referendum process. That opportunity was missed. The petitioners are now attempting to use a charter amendment as a backdoor referendum. Our City Charter is essentially Avon Lake’s constitution. It should be treated with respect, not altered to circumvent a missed deadline or target one specific ordinance.

The ballot measure also combines two distinct issues, raising serious questions about its validity. Regarding the TIF provision, there are equally serious legal questions about whether a municipal charter can override the process established by the Ohio Revised Code.

This amendment is poorly drafted, legally questionable, and likely to push development investment away from Avon Lake. Merely placing it on the ballot has already caused damage. Voting it down is a necessary first step toward restoring stability and moving forward.

Vote NO. 🇺🇸

The proposed charter amendment would not undo the site’s May rezoning or require votes on every redevelopment proposal, but it would require voter approval of a future TIF ordinance and certain overlay-district rezonings.

09/11/2026

🇺🇸

A Message from Mayor Mark Spaetzel:

Twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced an unimaginable tragedy that changed our country forever. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders who courageously ran toward danger while others were running away.

Today, we remember each life lost and honor the families, friends, and communities forever changed by that day. We must never forget that our nation was attacked by terrorists who sought to divide and weaken us.

But we also remember what followed — the extraordinary courage, compassion, and unity that brought Americans together. Neighbors helped neighbors. Communities stood together. Our differences seemed less important than what united us as Americans. Today, when division and incivility too often dominate our public discourse, the unity we witnessed after September 11th carries an even greater meaning. It reminds us that, despite our differences, we are stronger when we stand together — with respect for one another, compassion for our neighbors, and a shared commitment to something greater than ourselves.

As we mark the 25th anniversary, may we honor those we lost by remembering their sacrifice, supporting those who serve, and carrying forward the spirit of unity and service that emerged from one of our nation’s darkest days.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day, Avon Lake. 🇺🇸

09/04/2026

Fantastic opportunity to help our community! 🇺🇸

09/02/2026

Avon Lake council sends power plant charter amendment to voters, then urges rejection

More drama at the Avon Lake power plant, advancing to citizen vote

09/02/2026

During Monday's meeting, Avon Lake Council discussed the potential impacts of the proposed charter amendment regarding future development of the former power plant site that will be brought to voters in November.

08/13/2026

Today I had the opportunity to participate in Lake Erie Day for Decision Makers at Stone Laboratory on South Bass Island, and I truly can’t think of a better way to spend a day learning about our greatest natural resource.

We started the morning with a science cruise on Lake Erie, followed by a tour of Gibraltar Island, presentations from Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory, and a tour of the research facilities on South Bass Island.

For a community like Avon Lake, our relationship with Lake Erie touches nearly everything: our environment, our economy, recreation, infrastructure, quality of life, and the future of our lakefront. Having the opportunity to learn directly from the people conducting this research and working every day to protect and conserve the lake was incredibly valuable.

Just as valuable were the conversations throughout the day. I had the chance to meet and learn from representatives and decision makers from communities and organizations across the region, exchange ideas, and make connections that I hope will continue well beyond today.

And this one was a little extra special. I brought along my mother-in-law, the principal of St. Joseph School here in Avon Lake and, many years ago, my own fifth grade science teacher 😊 Getting to experience a day like this alongside the person who once taught me science in an Avon Lake classroom was pretty incredible.

A huge thank you to Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory for creating opportunities like this for local leaders to better understand Lake Erie and the work being done to protect it. I came home with a lot of information, new connections, and even greater appreciation for the incredible resource sitting right in our backyard.