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ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP -- The St. Clair Township Board of Trustees views the economic growth for the township in 2024 as one of the township's accomplishments for the year.
Economic growth has come with the addition of Fairway Cheverolet GMC, Wash-rite Car Wash, Starbucks, Chipotle and the rebuilding of Sheetz.
Other accomplishments include the completion of chip and seal on 3.7 miles of roadway and expansion of the community park footprint with the removal of blight structures with help from the Columbiana County Land Bank.
"St. Clair Township has seen remarkable progress and growth during 2024. We are thrilled to see a continued increase in economic development in the township with many new businesses and properties being updated and developed," Trustee Robert Swickard said. "Housing developments are rising, and people want to live, work and spend time in our township. This is a testament to the quality of our community and what we have to offer."
The most significant projects completed for the township as listed by the trustees include the grant award for the Midland Fredericktown slip repair project, which is scheduled for completion on April 1, 2025, energy saving projects such as the new roof with skylights for the Road Department garage and the upgrade to LED interior lights in all the township buildings which was paid for with grant money.
"Through strategic collaboration and persistent pursuit of funding, we have secured critical resources to enhance our township's infrastructure," Trustee James Sabatini said. "The Ohio Public Works Commission grant for the Midland Fredericktown Road Slip Repair Project represents the State of Ohio's support and collaboration with the township to remedy a problem that will make the roadway safer to travel We are grateful to our partners who share our vision of creating a safer, more connected community for current and future residents."
The township also finalized the fire contracts with Calcutta and Glenmoor volunteer fire departments.
Notable resolutions passed by the board of trustees in 2024 include prohibiting medical marijuana cultivation, and retail dispensing and prohibiting adult use cannabis operators. Both apply to the unincorporated area of St. Clair Township.
There were no staff or operation changes for the township except the road department replacing a retiree, which allowed them to maintain a staff of four, and the police department filled a position vacated by a resignation.
The trustees said the biggest challenges faced by the township in 2024 were sustaining the chip and seal while trying to increase the number of miles to be done. With rising costs, the township's challenge is maintaining the roadways without a road levy. There were 3.7 miles of roadway completed in 2024 and there are 4.05 miles proposed for 2025.
Maintenance of the township's roadways is expected to be a challenge to the township in 2025 as the township miles have increased to 70.62 due to new residential subdivisions developed in the township.
"With the rising costs of road materials, maintaining our roads is becoming increasingly challenging. We have successfully sought funding sources and grant opportunities to supplement our tax dollars and positively impact our road maintenance and infrastructure," Fiscal Officer Deborah Dawson said. "I'm confident that with our dedicated team in St. Clair Township and our relationships developed with state and local officials and entities, we will continue to collaborate to find innovative solutions to keep our roads safe and well-maintained."
Dawson also said there are no notable cuts or changes in the budget for 2025 and all 2024 year-end carryover balances for all funds are on target to sustain expenses moving into 2025.
Goals the trustees have for the township for 2025 include the completion of the Midland Fredericktown Road Slip Repair Project, increase the mileage of the Chip and Seal Program, increase mileage of the Line Striping Program and complete the parking lot for the Community Park.
"We are excited for 2025. The Midland Fredericktown Road Slip Repair is being addressed with a safe and effective solution that will enhance accessibility to our township for years to come," Trustee Jordan Williams said. "We are committed to exploring and embracing every opportunity to propel our township forward. We will continue to strive for positive change in every way we can to ensure a good quality of life. The future is bright in St. Clair Township.
kgarabrandt@mojonews.com