New U.S. 6: Too close for comfort

Eminent domain vs. front yard: A retired pastor’s anguish on Cleveland Road

HURON TWP — Locals celebrated the announcement three years ago that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a federal RAISE grant totaling about $25 million to remake the U.S. 6 corridor coming into Sandusky from Rye Beach Road in Huron.

Aerial view of 3319 Cleveland Road West. The red line represents where the public right way ends, about 15 feet from the front door. (Photo/Gary Livingston)

The project will include six new roundabouts, a bike trail alongside the roadway and a widened U.S. 6. At the time, it was one of the largest federal roadway reconstruction grants in the state’s history. Then Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, then U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, county commissioners, city and township officials gathered at Shoreline Park in Sandusky — with its view of Cedar Point as a backdrop — to announce the award.

The major construction phases get underway in the spring, but the preparations for it in the final stages are coming extremely close to home for one local resident, and his elderly neighbor.

Larry Oldaker, holding the good faith offer and appraisal he received from ODOT in October. (Photo Gary Livingston)

For Larry Oldaker, a retired pastor who spent 35 years starting churches across Ohio, and his wife Kalynn, both 67, their home on Cleveland Road West (Route 6) was supposed to be their sanctuary. They bought the house in 2016 and lovingly renovated it. Now, the state plans to widen the road, add a 12-foot multi-use bike path that will end up being about 15 feet from their front door.