Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the 2008 Woodlawn Improvements Project

Woodlawn Avenue Plans and Revisions

How wide is the street?

The proposed street will be 29' from back-of-curb to back-of-curb.  This consists of 12' asphalt lanes and 2.5' wide curbs on each side.  Overall, the existing pavement width is about 29.5'.  This will be reduced by about 0.5'.

How wide is the sidewalk and where will it be located?

The existing right-of-way is 60'.  The sidewalks will be 4' wide, with the back edge of the sidewalk 1' inside of the right-of-way line.  This will put the edges of the sidewalk 10.5'-14.5' off the back-of-curb.

 

Will the City be taking any of my front yard?

The City will not be "taking" any property that does not already belong to it.  Inside the city limits, homeowners own to the right-of-way line.  The right-of-way line is approximately 15' from the edge of the existing street.

 

How will my driveway be affected?

All driveways will be replaced to the right-of-way with concrete.  Driveways are installed with a maximum slope of 8%.  If this maximum slope cannot be achieved by terminating at the right-of-way line, we will replace the driveway to a point that will allow for a maximum slope of 8%.  8% is the maximum slope allowed per ADA regulations.  Any additional portions of driveways that need to be replaced behind the right-of-way line will be replaced with asphalt, stone, or concrete (match the existing material).

Will the bridges or the railroad crossing be replaced?

The bridges will not be replaced.  We are going to grind the surface asphalt off and place a new asphalt surface on the bridges.  The railroad crossing, at this time, will not be replaced.  The City has made contact with the railroad to try to get all crossings in town rehabilitated.  The railroad has not responded to our requests.  We hope to at least grind off the existing surface and replace the surface asphalt.  However, we will continue to try to get the crossing replaced.

 

Why is the City doing this project?

The City was issued Findings & Orders from the Ohio E.P.A. stating that the sewer system throughout much of the City will be repaired/replaced.  A Long Term Control Plan outlining the projects was agreed to by the City and the Ohio E.P.A.  One of the projects on this list is the sanitary sewer on Woodlawn.  Many portions of the existing sewer are in dire need of replacement.  One problem, however, is that the existing waterline is very near the existing sanitary sewer; when taps are switched over to the new sanitary sewer, we risk breaking the existing waterline.  Because of the close proximity of the two lines, the small size of the existing waterline, and the history of waterline breaks on Woodlawn, we need to replace the waterline, as well.  Also, many portions of Woodlawn do not have storm sewers.  Storm sewers and taps will be provided to all residents.  By the time all this utility work is completed, not much of the existing street will remain.  Because of the number of trenches and the condition of the existing street, the entire roadway will be replaced.

What are the limits of the project?

The project will start at the intersection of Woodlawn and Clinton and end at the intersection of Woodlawn and Glenwood.  All intersections between these two ends of the project will be replaced to the ends of the radii.  The intersection at Clinton & Glenwood will have only minor work done.  Except for waterline connections, traffic will be maintained in these two intersections.

Will all of this be done at one time?

The project will be split into two primary phases with the dividing line being approximately Haley Avenue.  Also, the area near Clairmont must be completed while school is not is session (summer).

What will I have to pay for this work?

At this time, assessments have not been completed.  The Engineering Firm that is designing this project is also calculating the initial assessments.  Once initial assessments have been calculated, Council will hold public meetings to discuss the assessments with the residents.  All residents directly affected will be notified of these meetings.  All initial assessment calculations will follow the laws outlined in the Ohio Revised Code.  The final decision on the amount of the assessments will be made by City Council pending input received from residents.  I encourage ALL persons affected by the assessments to attend ALL public meetings once the assessment hearings begin.

Are there any grant monies available for this project?

We did try to obtain grant money and low interest loan money to offset some of the cost of this project, but we were not able to obtain any outside funding.  Many funding sources have strict timelines and restrictions that we are not able to meet with this project.

Will trucks continue to be allowed to use this street?

Council has stated that they do not intend to remove truck traffic from this street.