SHADYSIDE The first phase of the loop revitalization project is growing closer to initialization.
A July 3 meeting is scheduled in New Philadelphia between ODOT officials, project engineers, architect Danny Popp and others to discuss overall plans and begin the process of bidding out the work.
Shadyside Councilwoman Connie Gross brought up the point about what's being done to honor Pauline Swamberg, since it was her sizable donation that enabled to village to seek out the grant that is fueling this two-phase project.
"I think it's time to sit down and discuss this issue," Gross said. "I think what we could do is take the money we've set aside to honor her and build a really nice shelter."
The potential location for the shelter would be near the ball fields and playground down near Ohio 7.
The problem is the possible $100,000 for the potential shelter is contingency money budgeted into the overall grant project.
That money may be available in its entirety. But as pointed out at the meeting, overages and change orders could diminish the funds.
Gross and Councilman Tim Merryman determined that a committee needs to be set up to specifically look at ways to honor Swamberg for her gift.
They felt that Darlene Bergund, a woman who helped care for Swamberg during the latter years of her life, had to be a part of the committee.
Mayor Bob Newhart explained that any resident who wishes to get involved could do so and he asked that anyone wanting to do so contact him at his office.
One established, a date for the first committee meeting will be chosen.
Councilman John Tipton reported back from legislation and education committee that the grouping had come up with a list of guidelines for the issuance of residential handicap parking spaces in the village.
Three main criteria were listed:
1)If the requester had to use leg braces to get around;
2)If the requester was permanently confined to a wheelchair;
3)Or, if the requester had a terminal illness confirmed by a physician.
Tipton noted the Shadyside is more or less the only community locally that issues residential handicap parking spaces. In order to do so, criteria had to be established so that only spots were issued to only those who needed it the most.
It was also stated that anyone who doesn't meet the criteria yet currently has a space near their house would keep said space until the next yearly review came about.
Council as a whole wished to wait until the next meeting to discuss further while its members sought public input to see if any changes needed to be made.
Councilman Bob Bell reported that the next meeting of the Ohio River and Western Fire District will take place on July 9 at the Shadyside fire station. That meeting will be used to finalize the levy information that will be placed upon the November ballot.
It was reported that the Shadyside Fireman's Festival will take place between Aug. 1-4, with the parade scheduled for Aug. 3.
Hughes may be reached at mhughes@timesleaderonline.com
