The relocation of the Ohio Department of Transportation garage from Burton Village to Tare Creek Parkway in Middlefield Village is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2019, with water and sewer lines to be installed yet this year.
The relocation of the Ohio Department of Transportation garage from Burton Village to Tare Creek Parkway in Middlefield Village is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2019, with water and sewer lines to be installed yet this year.
Village Administrator Leslie Gambosi-McCoy told village council Aug. 9 the infrastructure work will begin in the next 30 days.
While the equipment for the excavation is on site, another improvement may be made to part of the bypass around Middlefield.
Councilman Scott Klein said he has walked along state Route 87 at the corner of Tare Creek and feels a sidewalk would make the area safer for pedestrians, who often cut through the parking lot serving Giant Eagle, Tractor Supply and other businesses in the plaza. Vehicle traffic in the lot and at the corner has increased over the last year with the addition of Tractor Supply and the Family Dollar store, he said.
Mayor Ben Garlich said there is a fairly level area behind the horse-and-buggy shelter where a sidewalk might be possible.
Tare Creek Parkway has buggy lanes and intersects with the Maple Highlands Bike Trail, making it a popular hiking and biking path.
Gambosi-McCoy said she will see if it is necessary to get an easement for a sidewalk from the plaza owner since the proposed site might be outside the state Route 87 right-of-way.
The two parcels occupied by the plaza are owned by Burdkidz LLC of Girard and add up to nearly 11 acres.
With biking traffic increasing due to the bicycle trail, Garlich said businesses that want to attract bikers should be encouraged to install bicycle racks so the expensive items aren’t left leaning against buildings.
Village Police Chief Joe Tucholski reported he has been working with Cardinal Schools to improve security at all three buildings and the board decided to purchase three metal detectors for $2,500 each. It takes a second for a student to be scanned for larger metal items and he plans to have the night shift patrolmen stay over a couple of hours to operate the units.
The school entries have been renovated to insure visitors have to go to the secretaries’ windows to be permitted in the building, he said, adding the district plans to install outside cameras at each school.
In other business, Garlich said the village is no longer planning to have an annual trash day. The single hauler, Rumpke, will take anything residents put out as long as they call ahead.
Rumpke is not permitted to accept batteries, tires, liquids, combustible materials or any items identified as hazardous, according to its website. The customer service number is 1-800-828-8171 or visit www.rumpke.com.
