logo
Geneva seeks grant for comprehensive plan

Geneva seeks grant for comprehensive plan

Yahoo30-04-2025

GENEVA — City leaders are hoping to get a grant that would pay for 90% of the $74,000 cost of redoing the city's comprehensive plan, which has not been updated since 2008, Geneva City Manager Joseph Varckette said.
The grant request has been submitted to the Ohio Department of Development.
The proposed project is expected to take about 11 months, and would include four phases: assessing needs, prioritizing vision, implementation and finalizing, Varckette said.
'Overall, the grant will support the creation of a detailed, comprehensive plan that aligns with the city's social and economic growth aspirations,' he said. 'Additionally, the plan will focus on modernizing housing, improving existing homes and fostering population growth.'
Varckette said the project will be used to weave in existing projects including a zoning code update, streetscaping, a stormwater master plan and several others.
City leaders are reviewing the best way to proceed on a balloon payment due in July on a city aerial fire truck. 'We are currently determining our best options for refinancing the outstanding balance [$669,860.42 on April 17].'
Council approved the purchase of a combination sewer jet/vac truck that will greatly assist in the cleaning of the stormwater system, helping three departments.
Varckette gave an update on the West Main infrastructure project, urging people to have patience as work ramps up for the spring and summer.
'We are just over one year into this major infrastructure project and there's another five months to go,' he said. 'This upcoming five-month stretch is going to be extremely busy with additional inconveniences along the way.'
The goal is still to have the project completed by September, he said.
He said the stormwater master plan is moving along, and the next phase will include alternatives to deal with storm water challenges, with cost estimates.
Saturday is expected to be busy for Geneva residents, with a tree planting ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. at Little Peoples Park on Eagle Street and Community Days from noon-2 p.m. at Memorial Field.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Conneaut pursuing comprehensive zoning reform
Conneaut pursuing comprehensive zoning reform

Yahoo

time16-05-2025

  • Yahoo

Conneaut pursuing comprehensive zoning reform

CONNEAUT — The city is looking to conduct a comprehensive zoning reform this year, City Manager Nick Sanford said. He said the city identified the need for zoning reform in an update to its comprehensive plan in 2018. 'Our zoning text by and large dates back in 1982,' Sanford said. The city needs to update its zoning codes to reflect the fact it is not 1982 anymore, he said. 'Our zoning code's just old, frankly,' he said. City leadership is interested in reforms that work out for both residents and developers, Sanford said. Sanford is interested in having the zoning districts have more flexibility for development and applications for development, while working to preserve historic buildings in the city, he said. Sanford said the update has to focus on the fact Conneaut is geographically diverse, with a coastline and rural and urban areas. 'It's imperative that we are mindful of that,' he said. Sanford was thankful for the work of previous city administrations and councils for what they could do to pursue the issue, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. Sanford is interested in having the zoning reforms done by the end of the year, he said. 'I think it's an achievable goal,' he said. The city is still in the early stages of the project, Sanford said. 'We're essentially testing waters to get started in this,' he said. Sanford said he wants to have community workshops to hear from residents. None are planned yet, he said. The city was interested in getting a grant from the Ohio Department of Development to fund the project. Council passed a resolution approving the grant application at an April 28 meeting. Sanford said ODD received around $2 million in requests, and had to close the window for funding applications early. 'This is something we're still going to pursue without funding,' he said. Sanford said MS Consultants, an engineering firm the city uses, has several employees versed in the nuances of zoning reform and law, who can help the city.

Local schools awarded $1.3M energy efficiency grant
Local schools awarded $1.3M energy efficiency grant

Yahoo

time05-05-2025

  • Yahoo

Local schools awarded $1.3M energy efficiency grant

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) — The East Palestine City School District will receive a significant piece of a statewide grant aimed at supporting energy efficiency. Read next: Ohio primary election: What's on the ballot, and where can I vote? The Ohio Department of Development announced nearly $8.5 million in grants to support energy efficiency projects in eight counties across the state. Locally, the East Palestine City School District will receive $1,363,533. The funds will go toward upgrading building automation systems and complete LED lighting retrofits at the elementary school, middle school, high school and board of education buildings. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 72.5%. The funding comes from the third round of the Advanced Energy Fund, which allocates a total of $8.5 million to help businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and educational institutions complete projects designed to reduce energy usage and associated costs. 'When organizations can spend less on their energy bills, they can invest more in what really matters — serving their communities,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. 'These grants are making it possible for more schools, nonprofits, and local businesses to commit to their missions and make an even greater impact on the lives of Ohioans.' All projects selected for funding must show a reduction of at least 15% in utility energy usage, ensuring a tangible and measurable impact on energy efficiency in their communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Geneva seeks grant for comprehensive plan
Geneva seeks grant for comprehensive plan

Yahoo

time30-04-2025

  • Yahoo

Geneva seeks grant for comprehensive plan

GENEVA — City leaders are hoping to get a grant that would pay for 90% of the $74,000 cost of redoing the city's comprehensive plan, which has not been updated since 2008, Geneva City Manager Joseph Varckette said. The grant request has been submitted to the Ohio Department of Development. The proposed project is expected to take about 11 months, and would include four phases: assessing needs, prioritizing vision, implementation and finalizing, Varckette said. 'Overall, the grant will support the creation of a detailed, comprehensive plan that aligns with the city's social and economic growth aspirations,' he said. 'Additionally, the plan will focus on modernizing housing, improving existing homes and fostering population growth.' Varckette said the project will be used to weave in existing projects including a zoning code update, streetscaping, a stormwater master plan and several others. City leaders are reviewing the best way to proceed on a balloon payment due in July on a city aerial fire truck. 'We are currently determining our best options for refinancing the outstanding balance [$669,860.42 on April 17].' Council approved the purchase of a combination sewer jet/vac truck that will greatly assist in the cleaning of the stormwater system, helping three departments. Varckette gave an update on the West Main infrastructure project, urging people to have patience as work ramps up for the spring and summer. 'We are just over one year into this major infrastructure project and there's another five months to go,' he said. 'This upcoming five-month stretch is going to be extremely busy with additional inconveniences along the way.' The goal is still to have the project completed by September, he said. He said the stormwater master plan is moving along, and the next phase will include alternatives to deal with storm water challenges, with cost estimates. Saturday is expected to be busy for Geneva residents, with a tree planting ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. at Little Peoples Park on Eagle Street and Community Days from noon-2 p.m. at Memorial Field.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store