Geneva officials look to resolve West Main project traffic issues
May 14—GENEVA — City leaders are seeking to adjust traffic patterns as the West Main infrastructure project continues to provide challenges for motorists.
Traffic is blocked from the west for 18 months as a full underground infrastructure project is completed.
One of the challenges is how to divert traffic and not have trucks on side streets in the city and Geneva Township.
North Avenue resident Rachel Craig expressed concern to city council about people speeding on her street and the volume of truck traffic.
"I have to keep my windows closed because of the dust," she said.
Geneva City Manager Joseph Varckette said the city is working on the situation and one of the problems is the detour coming from the west is difficult for motorists to see because of construction at Route 20 and Route 528.
Varckette said Geneva Police Chief John Camper is working on the situation and has contacted the Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office for assistance in the township as well.
Varckette said the contractor has started the de-watering system on the north side of West Main Street.
In other business:
—Varckette reported to council about the $2.6 million Appalachian Community Grant announced last Thursday during a press conference at the Geneva Community Center. The bulk of that money will be used to pave Depot Street and improve the downtown area, he said.
He said details of what the grant covers are still being reviewed with the state.
"We are extremely grateful for the receipt of these funds and believe when fully implements, it will have a transformational impact on our community," Varckette said.
—Varckette said a grant application is being filed with the cooperation of Harpersfield and Geneva townships for a United States Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads Planning Grant. He said the $265,000 grant would enable the governments to conduct planning activities and create a comprehensive roadway safety action plan.
He said the city is seeking $95,000 of that money and would provide a $19,000 local match to be paid over two budget cycles.
—The early stages of a stormwater master plan are underway with a contractor visiting priority areas that have shown to be a problem in the past.
—The hiring of Lauren Marinar as an event planner for the city to help bring more events to the Geneva Community Center was announced. Varckette said the city is working to make sure all those involved are on the same page and are looking into new scheduling software.
—City Council authorized Varckette to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry to receive a $50,000 grant to be used with the village of Geneva-on-the-Lake and Geneva Township to hire a forester ($30,000), remove high-risk trees ($12,000), and plant trees in all three jurisdictions ($8,000).
—Council decided its next council meeting will be June 10.
—Council heard a report from Vince Crawford, of Waste Management, regarding the $1 billion nationwide investment the company has made into technology for recycling.
"The company is moving forward with technology, technology, technology," he said.
He also said the technology has increased the amount of plastic and other materials that can be recycled.
—Council member Jeff Griffiths said the city's clean-up day will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Memorial Day with people meeting at Rotary Pavilion.
—Geneva Recreation Director Myke Dowd said the city is sponsoring Community Day on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. to provide the community a chance to interact with safety forces.
She said representatives from Geneva, Harpersfield, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Safety Communities and other organizations are expected to attend. "There will be some things for adults but mostly geared to children," she said.
