The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Official provides preview of 2019 projects
‘Hanging Rock’ marker, bike path completion among plans
EDITOR’S NOTE
This is one in a series looking at how individual communities and broader governments and economies in The News-Herald’s coverage area fared in 2018 and what is being expected in 2019.
It’s no secret that preserving Chardon’s historic past is among city leaders’ priorities.
So being able to mark the community’s connection to the one and only execution in Lake and Geauga counties is counted among officials’ accomplishments in 2018.
Along with offering free Wi-Fi and yoga on Chardon Square, City Manager Randy Sharpe noted that the city obtained a grant to recognize “Hanging Rock” with a historical marker. The site will be on the next portion of the Maple Highlands Trail south of the square.
“Hanging Rock was the site of a public hanging in Chardon approximately 200 years ago,” Sharpe said.
“The dedicated area will include the Ohio Historical Marker, benches and a sign with the brief history of the event.”
It was Feb. 1, 1823, when Benjamin Wright paid his debt to society for fatally stabbing Zopher Warner. The execution drew thousands of people from miles around, according to records.
“It’s history,” Sharpe said. “A pretty crazy story.”
The other projects he highlighted from the past year were of a more routine variety, but significant nonetheless, he said. They include: • The Railroad Trunk Sewer Project and Cherry Street improvements that added a left-hand turn lane onto Center Street, new sidewalks and curbing
• Claridon Road and East King Street storm sewer improvements and widening Claridon Road
• New sidewalks on Chardon Square
“The City of Chardon continues to enhance the walkability prospect for residents to enjoy,” Sharpe said.
The new year will bring a number of diverse challenges.
Among them is bringing new staff onboard after the retirement of three longtime employees. Street Superintendent Steve Borawski, Recreation Director Joe Rodriguez and Accounts
“Chardon is an independent, small city among large cities in Northeast Ohio. The goal is to continue striving to be a complete small city with all the amenities.” — Chardon City Manager Randy Sharpe
Payable Clerk Vicki Pallet combine for 85 years of service to the city.
City Council recently approved making the recreation position full time.
“The biggest challenge the city is facing is the transition to the election of a mayor,” Sharpe said.
In November, Chardon residents voted to have the ability to elect the mayor, replacing current charter language that allows council members to pick the mayor from among their peers.
“Another challenge facing the city for 2019 is the continued discussion of the county offices potentially moving,” he said. “Chardon officials look forward to speaking with the county commissioners to work on a solution that is best for everyone.”
The big projects planned this year include the following:
• South Hambden Street Improvements
• The Maple Highlands Trial Phase II connecting Water Street to South Street
• Gazebo structural reinforcement
• Continuation of the LED lighting project converting city light poles from old bulbs to new
• The Sidewalk Maintenance Program completion
• Connecting sidewalks on a portion of the east side of South Street as part of the Sidewalk Connectivity Program
City staff also continues to work on updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan, incorporating input from community meetings, including diversity of housing, such as multifamily and townhome units, increasing the use flexibility in commercial zones and emphasizing the Square as the focal point of the city.
“Chardon is an independent, small city among large cities in Northeast Ohio,” Sharpe said. “The goal is to continue striving to be a complete small city with all the amenities.”
He noted that the popularity of Concerts in the Park has prompted Chardon Square Association to expand the series to four more Friday nights.
“Concerts will begin before school is out and continue after the students return to class,” he said.