ALERG has also retained Gensler, a San Francisco-based architecture and planning group, who is positioning the property to expand economic activity and benefit the surrounding communities through job creation and enable this site to provide the best potential use for the community and City of Avon Lake moving forward.
Power Plant Updates
The City of Avon Lake has made significant progress toward realizing the vision of a beautiful lakefront park at the site of the former power plant. City Council recently voted in favor of a real estate purchase agreement with Avon Lake Environmental Research Group (ALERG). ALERG is the company that owns the property and is responsible for the contractors who performed the shutdown, decommission, and demolition the plant, as well as managing environmental cleanup and redevelopment at the site.
Th purchase agreement is a critical first step that will give the City control of the site, bringing us closer to transforming it into an extraordinary lakefront asset for generations of Avon Lake residents, and a catalyst for further economic development.
Follow this page for regular updates.
November 2025
At its meeting held on November 24, 2025, City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a real estate purchase agreement with ALERG for the acquisition of approximately 23 acres of land at the former power plant site. This is a critical next step that will give the City control of the site, enable the City to pursue grant funding and a park planner to help transform the site into a lakefront asset for generations of Avon Lake residents.
The City is pursuing the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to purchase the lakefront property from ALERG. The FAQs below attempt to explain what TIF is and how it works in simple terms. For more in-depth information about TIF, we recommend these resources:
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) FAQs
Q: What is Tax Increment Financing (TIF)?
A: In essence, TIF is a public financing tool that local governments can use to pay for big public infrastructure projects without raising taxes on all residents. The main idea behind TIF is to use future taxes generated by a new development to pay for the public infrastructure that made the new development possible in the first place.
In Ohio, local governments are allowed to designate TIF areas under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 5709.40, 5709.41, 5709.42, and 5709.43. A TIF area can be as small as a single parcel, or they can encompass a larger area known as a “district.” There are currently approximately 1,850 active TIFs statewide.
How it works
- Establish the location – City Council creates legislation to establish a TIF district, i.e., a specific geographic area designated for redevelopment.
- Freeze the “baseline” tax – the property taxes within the TIF district are "frozen" at their current level for a set period. TIF is not permanent in Ohio and durations may vary. TIF has a maximum term of 30 years, but it can be extended under certain circumstances. In TIF, the frozen property tax is often called the “baseline tax.”
- Fund the project – City government borrows money to pay for the public improvements and infrastructure needed for the project (e.g., roads, sewers, utilities).
- Collect the tax increment – as the new development is built, property value increases, generating new property tax revenue. The new tax revenue (i.e., the “increment”) is converted into something called PILOTS (i.e., Payments In Lieu of Taxes) and diverted to a special TIF fund created for the purpose of paying for public infrastructure improvements or property acquisition for redevelopment. Only the new tax revenue goes into the TIF fund. The frozen “baseline” tax is paid to the usual recipients as before.
- Pay back the loan – the money collected in the TIF fund is used to repay the bonds that were issued to finance the project.
Q: What are the benefits of TIF?
A: TIF benefits cities by providing a tool to finance public improvements needed for new development projects, encouraging private investment, and boosting economic growth. Cities can use TIF to capture the future increase in property taxes from a project and use those funds for public infrastructure improvement projects like roads and sewers, or to purchase property for redevelopment. The community as a whole benefits from the new development that will add activity, residents, and jobs.
TIF is typically used to fund projects that might not otherwise be financially feasible.
Q: How does TIF impact schools?
A: When TIF is established, school districts still receive all of the tax revenue from the “baseline” value of the property — meaning they do not lose any of their existing funding. In addition, school districts benefit from additional revenues above “baseline” tax levels through School Compensation Agreements (SCA). An SCA is an agreement between a city, school, and developer to provide an agreed upon level of compensation to the schools. This is new revenue for the schools that would not be available without the TIF in place.
Q: Is TIF a tax increase?
A: No, TIF is not a tax increase for current residents. It is simply a method of capturing future tax revenue increases from new development to pay for public improvements in a specific area.
Q: Is TIF permanent?
A: No, TIF is not permanent in Ohio and durations may vary. TIF has a maximum term of 30 years, but it can be extended under certain circumstances. When a TIF expires, tax revenues revert back to their original recipients.
August 2025
The bulk of the demolition work has been completed. Environmental assessments and site work are ongoing. Many artifacts from the building have been preserved, and the Avon Lake Historical Society has begun selling bricks from the building for residents who wish to own a piece of history.
May 2025
Lake Road, in front of the old power plant, had to be closed on Friday afternoon, May 2, 2025, due to an unexpected and potentially hazardous condition at the site. Relatively weak sections of the building facade began to fall from the front of the administration building during demolition activities at the rear of the building. For safety reasons, the decision was made to remove the weakened facade sections from the front of the building. The building remains stable and demolition will continue, as planned and on schedule.
The City of Avon Lake, ALERG, and the Avon Lake Historical Society are committed to saving as many artifacts from the building as possible, and will continue to evaluate removal while ensuring the safety of the community and contractors.
April 2025
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented an update at the Economic Development Committee Meeting on April 7, 2025.
February 2025
Insulation Material Report
Additional testing was conducted on insulation material and debris. Results determined this material to be fiberglass insulation with no asbestos present in the samples.
The full report:
January 2025
Power Plant Demolition Air Quality Reports
The City of Avon Lake contracted an independent environmental consultant, Verdantas, to conduct air quality monitoring and testing before, during, and after the controlled demolition of the former Avon Lake Power Plant, which occurred on December 19, 2024. Verdantas reviewed the air monitoring data and confirmed that particulate levels, metals, asbestos, and other pollutants were minimal, posing little risk to both the surrounding public and onsite workers. The report details measurements from six monitoring stations, with results showing that concentrations of dust, metals, and respirable particles were well below safety limits set by OSHA. Additionally, no significant levels of hazardous substances, such as asbestos fibers or mercury, were detected. Overall, the air quality during and after the demolition event indicated no notable health concerns for either local residents or workers, with the findings aligned with established safety standards. These results from Verdantas align with the results and analysis from Avon Lake Environmental Redeveloment Group (ALERG) report.
The full reports and data are available below:
November 2024
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) gave a presentation at the Economic Development Committee Meeting on November 18, 2024.
October 18, 2024
The City of Avon Lake is in discussions with the Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) on an interim development agreement, for the former power plant area, which would include the use of TIF to fund the purchase of lakefront property to create a park and additional infrastructure improvements. Avon Lake City Council will be reviewing legislation to approve the interim developmental agreement at meetings through November 12.
October 15, 2024
At the Avon Lake City Council meeting held on October 15, City Council and Members of the Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) discussed the proposed Development Agreement, including the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
October 7, 2024
Avon Lake and Power Plant Site Owners Discuss Development Agreement That Includes City Ownership of 23 Acres of Lakefront Land
During a work session at the Avon Lake City Council Collective Committee Meeting, a presentation was given about the proposed Development Agreement.
September 2024
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Economic Development Committee.
July 2024
7/31/2024 - The boiler building #9 & #10 was successfully imploded on Wednesday, 7/31 at 5:39 AM.
7/30/2024 - Statement from Mayor Spaetzel regarding the implosion: “We appreciate the community’s valuable feedback and concerns regarding the upcoming implosion and want to provide an important update. The Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) announced that ALERG’s long-planned implosion of the boiler building #9 and #10 will take place on July 31, 2024 between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM EST. This planned implosion is the next step toward the demolition and redevelopment of the former Avon Lake Power Plant. In preparation for this milestone, ALERG has performed comprehensive dust abatement, asbestos abatement and removal of other hazardous materials at the facility for over the past year. Ohio EPA representatives have toured the plant site and reviewed ALERG’s site preparation activities. On July 30, 2024, City representatives confirmed the Ohio EPA’s Air Division is both aware of the planned implosion and will be present to monitor demolition activities themselves.
The City consulted with both the Law Director and outside counsel regarding whether the City has a strong legal basis to delay the implosion. Based on these discussions, the City concluded that ALERG has the legal right to proceed with its long-planned activity.
In addition, the City has retained Verdantas, a nationally recognized environmental consultant, to represent the City during the demolition process. Verdantas has assembled a team of experts from across the United States, with deep experience in monitoring similar activities, especially dust monitoring. Therefore, the City believes it has taken prudent and proactive steps to monitor this demolition, in collaboration with Ohio EPA’s regulatory oversight, in a manner protective of City residents.”
June 2024
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
April 2024
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
March 2024
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
February 2024
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
January 2024
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
November 2023
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
October 2023
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
September 2023
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
August 2023
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
July 2023
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
June 2023
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
April 2023
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
March 2023
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
February 2023
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
January 2023
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) and Environmental Affairs Advisory Board (EAAB).
December 2022
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
November 2022
Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) presented to the Council appointed, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).
July 2022
There was a public meeting to discuss the demolition and redevelopment of the Avon Lake Power Plant site. The featured presenters were from Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG), a subsidiary of Charah Solutions.
The program began in the Avon Lake High School Performing Arts Center (PAC), where ALERG presented information then representatives from ALERG, the City, and the Avon Lake Community Improvement Corporation went to the commons area to discuss the project with attendees.
May 17, 2022
Below are a second set of questions answered by the Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG).
Q: Do you have an estimate of how extensive the clean-up/restoration will be both in terms of time and amount of soil removed?
A: The former coal yard will be one of the first areas to be addressed to remove coal and coal residuals from the soil surface. This phase is estimated at 3 to 4 months and will be conducted somewhat concurrently with demolition in the coal yard. Other soil management work will proceed after Phase II Environmental Investigations, soil borings, and soil testing is conducted during Summer/Fall 2022.
Q: Where is the closest facility that can receive materials from the site?
A: Appropriately licensed off-site treatment, disposal, and recycling destination facilities that are capable of processing/disposing of/recycling/treating the compounds in the demolition materials will be used. The locations from the site will vary. The closest Subtitle D landfill to the site is Republic Services, Lorain County Landfill, approximately 20 miles south. This landfill will receive demolition debris that cannot be recycled. Asbestos-containing material is being transported to the Ottawa County Republic Landfill located 65 miles west of the site.
Q: Do you anticipate being able to use local (Ohio) contractors?
A: ALERG will utilize local Ohio contractors that meet our qualifications and safety requirements and are responsive to our work task orders, terms and conditions, and are cost competitive.
Q: Will there be post-restoration use restrictions at the site?
A: Currently, ALERG does not anticipate post-restoration use restrictions for the redevelopment of the property.
May 2, 2022
The Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) has received questions from Avon Lake's Environmental Affairs Advisory Board (EAAB) regarding the remediation and demolition of the Avon Lake Power Plant. Below, we have listed the questions tendered on Thursday, April 28, followed by ALERG's response.
Q: Will there be an environmental site assessment/baseline of the Avon Lake Coal Power Plant be performed?
A: ALERG has been conducting detailed environmental due diligence reviews and Phase I ESA work for the past several months. The Phase 1 ESA was completed before closing and has onsite recognized environmental conditions (RECs) that will be addressed during the remediation and demolition of the plant. Now that we have acquired the property and the plant is being de-energized, we can begin further environmental Phase II testing and assessments in the coming months.
Q: What is the redevelopment/land use plan for the facility?
A: ALERG is working closely with our real estate advisor, planners, engineers, and the City of Avon Lake to assess various land use plans and alternatives for the property. Although still in very early conceptual planning, these Master Plan Concepts have been presented in recent public meetings at the City.
Q: What is the remedial action plan for the facility?
A: Our integrated work teams are currently preparing the site with important environmental controls and best management practices to ensure the site is ready for clean-up and demolition. Subsequent near-term work includes inventory and removal of petroleum, residual chemical/material substances, remaining coal material/coal residuals, and asbestos abatement/removal. These actions will then prepare various areas of the plant for dismantlement/demolition. The facility's Remedial Action Plan (RAP) will be further developed as several rounds of Phase II environmental investigations are conducted and the nature and extent of potentially contaminated media (soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water) become defined and quantified.
Q: How will the soil and groundwater contamination be managed/remediated?
A: When the site is ready and prepared to conduct Phase II ESA work safely, ALERG will assess soil and groundwater conditions. Analytical data will be compared to Ohio EPA's applicable soil and water quality standards.
Contaminants in soil and/or groundwater will be assessed with respect to potential exposure pathways and risks to human health and the environment. If necessary, for risk reduction, feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable remedial approaches will be implemented. Remedial approaches will be defined as further site conditions become defined by Phase II work.
Q: How will hazardous materials, including but not limited to decommissioning waste (i.e., process chemicals, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead, concrete structures and substructures contaminated with PCB's/other process chemicals, etc.) be managed and disposed?
A: We have a team of highly trained, experienced staff and contractors that specialize in managing the wastes and residuals from a large power plant demolition, abatement, and clean-up project, such as Avon Lake. For the most part, off-site disposal and off-site recycling/re-use of wastes and residuals will be conducted. Appropriately licensed off-site treatment, disposal, and recycling destination facilities capable of processing/disposing of/recycling/treating the compounds in the demolition materials will be used. Clean concrete will be crushed and utilized onsite as structural back fill for subsurface voids, basements, and tunnels.
Q: How will the redevelopment plan and remedial action plan be integrated to reduce risk?
A: ALERG's objective is to safely and effectively remove the power plant and its components to an acceptable standard of workmanship and an environmental due care standard. As future land uses and/or development plans are determined, further risk-based assessments will be conducted by others responsible for redevelopment or, depending on timing, scope, and objectives, may be able to be integrated into our work concurrently.
Q: How will stakeholders be incorporated into the project lifecycle?
A: ALERG's team has communicated frequently with the City of Avon Lake and its Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). We will continue maintaining City awareness and provide information from time to time. ALERG's team also works with state and local regulatory agencies while maintaining compliance with all permit requirements.
Q: Who will be the final regulatory approval body, when it comes to remedial actions, and clean-up targets?
A: ALERG's work is regulated by Ohio EPA. We have obtained/transferred various environmental permits for our planned work. As we conduct environmental assessments, remediation, demolition, and risk reduction planning, we will be following the applicable rule making and policies under the Ohio Voluntary Action Program and under the review of an Ohio Certified Professional (CP).
Q: What is the phased project approach and the approximate project schedule?
A: We expect an approximate 24 to 36 month schedule for the work, which has now started.
April 25, 2022
In January, with the help of environmental consulting firm Verdantas, the City of Avon Lake applied for a $300,000 assessment grant from Ohio’s Brownfield Remediation Program. The grant is for the power plant site. This was a new $500 million grant program for the state, and Avon Lake applied in the first of multiple rounds of the program. It is called an assessment grant because it is specifically for environmental testing, and not for demolition or remediation. The City was excited to hear, on April 25, that it had received this $300,000 grant.
April 1, 2022
Charah Solutions Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky-based says it has completed the full acquisition of the Avon Lake Generating Station and adjacent property. They plan to start immediately start on the environmental remediation and sustainable redevelopment of the property. Through its subsidiary, Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group LLC (ALERG), Charah has acquired the former GenOn property. ALERG will be responsible for the shutdown, decommissioning and demolition of the coal power plant and performing all environmental remediation and redevelopment work at the site.
Toronto-based Avison Young has been retained to advise on the redevelopment of the property in an environmentally conscious manner and for the future sale of the remediated property.
March 2022
A last farewell to the Avon Lake Power Plant presentation was given at the Avon Lake Kiwanis meeting. Thank you to all those in the community who submitting stories, memories, photographs, voices and video shared here. See the videos below for a collection of these contributions.
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Avon Lake |
Paul Englert |
Ed Moran |
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Shea Alltmont |
Kathryn Eyring |
Dan Rogatto |
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Melissa Bentley |
Ann Jenkins |
Susan Schaefera |
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Chris Brand |
Evan McCartney |
Ron Thomas |
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Mary Lou Carswell |
Robert Menser |
Gary Vasitak |
RESOURCES
To view a 360º virtual tour of the inside of the power plant - Click Here
