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COLUMBIANA--Council held a public hearing last week regarding an ordinance limiting Chestnut Alley to one-way. The changes would effect residents between Allen Avenue and Salem Street. Concerned citizens suggested the change in an effort to reduce property destruction and increase safety.
Resident Nathan Garwood thanked council for piloting the request on Chestnut Alley and reintroduced council members to the written petition requesting the change.
Stop signs had been unacknowledged, multiple blind spots impeded traffic flow and the width of the alley had previously contributed to property damage and narrow escapes. According to Garwood cars are less likely to pull into personal driveways and traffic is reduced.
"Reduced traffic within one direction creates a safer area and eliminates the need to leave the roadway," Garwood said.
Garwood noted how streets were increasingly narrow during the winter months after large snow falls and despite assumptions made during previous council meetings drivers are not always courteous and aware of the issues.
"People run stop signs, they speed down the alley and they drive onto peoples property without regard for what they are doing," Garwood said.
North Main Street is believed to be an ideal route without the presence of stop signs and a higher speed limit.
After receiving 9 out of 13 petitions back Garwood did not receive negative feedback. Datillio later remarked he was surprised no one came to challenge the idea after witnessing opposition making the alley one-way on Facebook.
Council members approved the first reading of the ordinance. Councilman Ted Souder expressed he only approved the first reading due to the narrow right-of-way.
"I really think we are opening up a can of worms by doing this but that is the only way I would approve that," Souder said.
In other matters, events are flourishing in the city. Mary Ann Flesse approached council to discuss holding the St. Jude Festival June 17 until 19. The three day festival will feature the Route 45 Band, a dance competition, Saturday Mass and a raffle. Council also received a request allowing Columbiana Music Boosters to hold a Tag Day and Car Wash on July 30.
Tom Mackall of the Columbiana Tourism Board discussed holding Wine Fest at 101 Town Center Avenue on Saturday June 11. The festival will start at 4 p.m. and include wine tastings from nine wineries, bands, and food trucks. Tickets purchased in advance are $25 dollars and tickets at the gate are $30.
Dying Breed Diesels Truck Repair owner Brayden Tucker requested approval from council to hold the Dying Breed Diesels truck show Oct. 8 between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. along South Main Street. The show will benefit the Firestone Dog Park after raising $1860 towards the dog park last year.
"The dog park is more than just a dog park. That dog park is a glue that brings generations together," Tucker said.
Having a place to go and interact with other people is essential according to Tucker who watches gains in his own mother's mental health.
The Dying Breed Diesels truck show helped Carla's Corner achieve its largest daily profits while also contributing to the success of a local church's chicken BBQ.
"It makes me kind of proud that truck drivers like to eat," Tucker said.
Tucker hopes the number of trucks participating increases from the 56 attending last year. Tucker hopes to bring the number of trucks participating to 106 or more.
In other news, City Manager Lance Willard introduced student representatives Dylan Fletcher and Ava Bryant to council. Fletcher and Bryant will work with RCAP along with three other students to study bylaws and discuss setting up youth involvement in councils statewide.
Regarding city recreational areas, new fencing has been installed at the Firestone Pool as well as the annexation of the children's pool area and the main pool. Park officials are working to prepare for the new pool heater to be installed outside. The changes were made after meeting with a consultant for recommendations. The pool has been drained and workers are scheduled to paint.
Lastly, Greenford Church organized a service day. Crews collected seven loads of brush and stray branches. Willard estimates between 50 and 70 people came to clean the park a few weeks ago.