Mapleview Ditch project to get additional funding

Brownhelm Township plans to contribute an additional $10,000 to the Mapleview Ditch project to ease concerns of steep slope risk and digging deeply into one resident’s property.

Vermilion Mayor Jim Forthofer reported during a Feb. 25 City Council meeting that the additional funds for the project were announced during a Feb. 5 hearing held by Lorain County commissioners.

“The funds will be used to help enclose the ditch running from Mapleview Drive at the culvert north for about 60 feet,” Forthofer said.

“This enclosure will solve one of the most troubling challenges, which was the extremely close proximity to the ditch of one resident on Mapleview Drive at the culvert.”

The other option to improve water flow on Mapleview Drive would have been to widen the ditch.

Forthofer said this option proves more convenient for the residents involved.

“Widening the ditch would almost have to take off part of the house, so with these additional funds, the ditch will be enclosed 60 feet to the south, which more than covers their property,” he said, adding the house is 40 feet long on the side impacted by the ditch. “I think that’s a fantastic idea to help solve one of the biggest problems.”

The city applied for funding through the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, which recommended $88,809 for the project.

Including Brownhelm Township’s funding, the project is estimated to cost $98,809.

Costs for the projects first were slated in 2016 for $27,300, according to minutes from a June 4, 2018, Brownhelm Township board meeting.

Forthofer said the project will return to commissioners April 30 for a final decision.