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COUNCIL CORNER
In 2024 Peninsula engaged OHM Advisors to work with a local steering committee to develop a plan to guide the future development of Peninsula`s downtown core. This plan was rooted in the 2019 update to the Long-Range Plan and was intended to ensure that the unique character of the village was preserved in the face of expected development from sewer and possible water systems. The three areas of focus were: downtown land use improvements, streetscapes, and mobility/wayfinding.
In 2025, residents were invited to two open houses to view plan presentations and provide feedback. Further resident and visitor surveys were also conducted. The final project report is available on the Village of Peninsula`s website under the Area Master Plan section.
The residents` survey responses prioritized Locust St/303 left turn lanes; multi-use path connections to surrounding trails; wider sidewalks, and enhanced crosswalks. This past August, the village engaged OHM again to create a detailed plan for the three priorities focused on safety in the 303 corridor: turn lanes, crosswalks and sidewalks.
OHM worked to secure $3.5 million in state safety grants to fund the complete cost of those priorities, including recovery of the $73K fee Peninsula had paid for OHM`s work. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will lead the project and is now working with OHM on the next phase of planning. The goal is to repair the road and sidewalks along 303 as soon as possible after the sewer installation, with bids anticipated in the Fall of 2027.
Safety concerns with the sidewalks are key issues, and the proposal to replace and widen them will necessitate a decision on whether to keep the existing sandstone or replace them with concrete. Most of the sandstone sidewalks on the north side of 303 from the bridge west to Riverview Road were restored in the mid-2000s with funding from the National Park and are in decent shape. On the south side, many sandstone panels are broken into pieces with grass growing between them, resulting in very uneven surfaces. While not historic, concrete has lower maintenance needs and is less costly; sandstone requires periodic cleaning to clear algae build-up making them slippery when wet.
ODOT seems sensitive to the historic nature of these locally quarried sidewalks and is expecting to hold a public meeting to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders on the best way to move forward. This will likely be this summer.
As always, you may address questions and concerns at Village Council meetings, held at 7:00PM on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month and/or Planning Commission meetings, held at 7:00PM on the fourth Monday of the month.
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