Administration poised to tackle several projects

A substantial goal in 2018 for Perry Township officials is to finally see concrete planning bear fruit in efforts to widen U.S. Route 20.

Trustee Rick Amos said the project, one of many on the list in the township, has gained momentum over the years.

“Hopes are up (for the widening),” he said. “ODOT has put it much higher on the priority list. It’s a very unsafe road. There is some activity being discussed and we have high hopes it will

be addressed as early as the next year or two.

“Theoretically, we’d like to see infrastructure improvement starting at the Route 2 and 20 split to the Madison line, working with ODOT and neighboring communities. How far it goes, naturally, depends on all monies available, but our priority is the Perry side of things, where the road is the narrowest going into Madison.”

The township is to address property-related issues, including possible restorative efforts to the mansion

on Perry Park Road next to the Perry Community Senior Center.

“The Lorimer house was built in 1833,” said Amos. “It’s adjacent to Perry Township Park overlooking Lake Erie. There’s great history there, but it’s in terrible disrepair. There has been interest in its rehabilitation, but we have no definitive timeline.”

In addition to the Lorimer house, the township has plans to look at the Champion property, which abuts east to west, partially bordering against Perry Public Library.

“Once owned by Lake County Nursery, it’s centrally located between the village and the township,” said Amos. “Trustee Bob Dawson, also chairman of the Joint Economic Development District, hired a planner to examine the Champion property. There’s interest in potentially developing this as a hot spot for commercial development. This would greatly benefit the community.”

A pump station for Perry Park road and Route 20 is also a project the township is pursuing.

Karen Sundy, the township’s new administrator who replaced Wally Siegel in November, will address all plans and projects with the board, said Amos.

“Wally is still here to focus on specific projects. He’ll continue to work without being bogged down by the day-by-day operations.”

Amos realizes the township faces significant challenges

moving forward, but he remains optimistic.

“We’ve been squeezed by the state like everyone else,” he said, adding the township is without the benefits of other communities. “We have no direct or general services levies, no income tax, other than inside millage. As cost goes up, we have to do a lot with a little and look for other sources of revenue.

“We really have to do some things different, and it gets more and more difficult. With the reduction in power plant money, we’re shrinking, shrinking, shrinking. We’re working every angle we can, but we have to remain tougher together.”

“With the reduction in power plant money, we’re shrinking, shrinking, shrinking. We’re working every angle we can, but we have to remain tougher together.” — Perry Township trustee Rick Amos