Funding Sought for Sidewalk from Berkshire School to Village
Safety concerns for Berkshire Schools students walking from the district campus to Burton Village may lead to construction of a sidewalk along Claridon Troy Road.
Safety concerns for Berkshire Schools students walking from the district campus to Burton Village may lead to construction of a sidewalk along Claridon Troy Road.
Village Fiscal Officer Jennell Dahlhausen said the Joint Economic Development District board has been discussing using some of the JEDD funds for the sidewalk.
The district was formed to oversee school employee income tax distribution between the village and Burton Township when Berkshire Schools moved from the village to the new school built in the township. The JEDD receives 1% of the income tax.
Dahlhausen, who serves as secretary for the JEDD board, said Burton Township Trustee Ken Burnett consulted a contractor who estimated the cost of a sidewalk at about $100,000.
She said the full length of the sidewalk would be 1,520 feet, with about 1,116 of that in the township.
“The JEDD board can use some of the funding for improvements for safety within the JEDD property,” Dahlhausen said.
“The kids walk through the (Geauga County) fairgrounds now,” added council member Nick Tromba. “It’s safer than walking along the road.”
The fairgrounds are not always accessible, Mayor Ruth Spanos said, adding access is limited during the annual Christmas light show.
She said the village sidewalk along Claridon Troy Road ends at the fairgrounds driveway.
The village would be responsible for clearing ice and snow from a sidewalk from there to the township line — about 385 feet, she said.
Dahlhausen said school board member John Manfredi is looking into possible grants to make up the difference between what the JEDD board can supply and what the township can afford.
