Photo Provided SHOWN HERE is the Great Stone Viaduct during some cleanup work last fall. The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society is planning a festival to celebrate the bridge’s anniversary.

BELLAIRE — The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society is getting ready to start its project to turn the grassy area around the old stone railroad bridge into a park and trail.

During a Bellaire Village Council meeting Thursday, council members learned the society is planning to start the project in early 2022 and have it completed in fall 2022. As part of the project, the society is accepting public comment on the ecological impact the endeavor could have on the space.

A letter from the society noted a study showed the project would not harm the viaduct itself or any ecological features around it.

The society also was granted approval by council to use a portion of Belmont Street for its festival, planned for June 25-27 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the viaduct.

Meanwhile, council approved a $4,750 bid for a lot at 4167 Franklin St. from Persone McGee. The village advertised for bids to sell the property, and McGee met the minimum bid requirement.

In other matters, Village Administrator Mike Wallace said the Cherry Alley sewer would be smoke tested Wednesday and then have cameras run through it. This work is part of a project to replace the sewer line there.

Wallace said he is looking into updating the computers in the utility office and mayor’s office as the machines in both are outdated.

“I’m scared we’re going to lose them,” he said. “We’re looking at working with the IT Guy to do cloud storage.”

Wallace said a new computer system would need to be compatible with the billing system.

Wallace also said he had a meeting with village service department workers about being more organized with equipment this year. He also wants the workers to take better care of items.

“I made it very, very clear. I don’t care if you abuse a paper bag that we own — if you destroy it on purpose, you’re no longer going to be here,” he said, referring to the workers.

Council also held a closed-door session regarding possible litigation, personnel and property.

Also, council held a moment of silence to recognize the death of James Piatt, 85, of Bellaire on Jan. 1. Councilman Jerry Fisher said that Piatt once served the village as a councilman and safety director.