Shelby's `24 paving project secures approval, multiple other updates shared
In a move to enhance the city’s infrastructure, the Shelby City Council unanimously approved a resolution to initiate a project to repave several key streets later this year.
The resolution, made official on March 4, approves the plans and specifications and authorizes Mayor Steve Schag, acting as director of public service, to seek bids and enter into contracts for the comprehensive 2024 paving effort.
The decision, made during a recent council meeting, comes after weeks of planning among council members and city officials.
The project, estimated to cost $618,000, will improve several key roadways in the city. The list and details as provided by the Shelby’s municipal utilities department:
– West Smiley Avenue (South Gamble Street to the Shelby High School/ymca area)
– Glenwood Drive (Samatha Drive to Technology Parkway)
– East Madison Avenue (Mansfield Avenue to Parkwood Drive)
– East Gaylord Avenue (Mansfield Avenue to Maxwell Drive)
– East Maxwell Drive (Mansfield Avenue to fiveway intersection)
– Independence Drive (all)
– Seneca Drive (all, the Seneca/wyandot sanitary sewer project is to be completed before paving).
During the council meeting, Joe Gies, city of Shelby project coordinator, illuminated the project’s intricacies.
Gies emphasized the careful planning involved, particularly concerning coordination with other ongoing projects in the area.
He stated, “We have a waterline project that’s scheduled to be awarded officially July 1 with OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission) money. We do not award that until after July 1.”
Gies further explained the timeline, mentioning special provisions have been made to ensure minimal disruption to school operations off Smiley Avenue.
A contractor is due to start roughly three weeks before the 2024-25 school year in August.
“We did put some provisions in there that when school starts to not be working before 8:30 (a.m.) and then out of there again by 2 o’clock (p.m.). That way, we don’t disrupt the buses and kids walking. And so it’s not unsafe for them,” Gies added.
Councilman Eric Cutlip, also Shelby City Schools transportation director, raised concerns about the safety of student pedestrians, particularly school children, during the construction phase.
“When they’re tearing that up through there, because the sidewalk just happens to be on the Shelby Avenue side, and there’s a lot of kids that go up and down that sidewalk during the school hours,” he said. “Are they going to put up a barrier or something around that or redirect them somehow so they’re not going over that?”
Gies assured that measures would be taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
“With the waterline project, the sidewalk on Shelby Avenue, that curb ramps and those, that’s part of that waterline,” Gies said. “So they get that fixed before the paving process goes in. They’ll get that waterline stubbed back, fix the curb ramps so the kids can walk down through there.”
This work is to be done before school starts.
Council members unanimously supported the adoption of Resolution No. 9-2024, signaling a unified effort to enhance Shelby’s infrastructure through the street paving program.
In a separate development, the council also discussed the progress of a separate project involving the demolition of a fire-ravaged building located at 52 E. Main St.
Gies reported that significant progress is occurring with demolition operations proceeding smoothly.
Gies assured council members that safety measures would be prioritized, addressing concerns about the removal of debris and other items.
Separately, April 1 is the
had people travel from Bellevue, Mt. Gilead, Mt. Vernon, Bellville, Ontario, Lexington, Galion, New Washington, Willard and more,” Britton shared.
Over the years, Britton has enjoyed being a business owner of The Coolest Shop in Town where she offers custom design apparel, embroidery and a unique gift shop. Britton also owns Sign Gypsiesrichland County.
“We opened that (Sign Gypsies) up about a year before COVID and when COVID hit I was working seven days a week doing
it. People couldn’t go anywhere, so all birthday parties were drive thru, it was so much fun. We will do any occasion. I’ve done birthdays, anniversaries and we’ve done gender reveals. It’s a lot of fun, I really enjoy it,” Britton shared.
After some thought and almost 12 years of being open, Britton made the decision she wanted to close the store front of The Coolest Shop in Town.
“I will still do apparel design and graphics,” Britton shared.
Due to the store closing, Britton explained she was holding a liquidation sale, and everything must go by
the end of this month.
“There are some really good deals in here and things are marked down,” Britton shared.
Although Britton is closing the store front, the Back Room of Hope will still continue on, just in a brand-new location at the Dream Center (Core Community Church) in the coming weeks.
“We are all really excited about that. They are working on getting that ready and it’s going to be really great,” Britton said.
Looking to the next chapter of her life, Britton shared she was excited to spend more time with her family and focus on Sign
Gypsies- Richland County.
“I had been thinking about closing for a while. My husband is getting older and close to retiring, so we want to enjoy that time together,” Britton said.
Britton wanted to specifically thank Jennifer Arms, Pat Carlisle, the Shelby Area Business Group and anyone else who was involved for all of their help with the Back Room of Hope.
For those who are interested in learning more about the Back Room of Hope, Sign Gypsiesrichland County and the liquidation sale, call 419342-0065.