By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
Even though not specifically stated, the underlying message came through loud and clear Monday in Galion Mayor Tom O’Leary’s press conference: plenty of things are happening in the southeast part of the county, plenty of good things.
O’Leary outlined both projects that are either nearing completion or have been recently completed, as well as a laundry list of projects in the works for Galion. That latter list will be featured Thursday in a story on Crawford County Now.
The press conference began with an explanation of the Arlington storm water project.
“It sits a little low,” O’Leary said about the area around Arlington, Highland and Clearview. “This was attaching the second half of that neighborhood.”
Orchard Park has also been milled and resurfaced, a project that O’Leary noted came in under the estimated cost.
The major project that has been recently completed is the Portland Way South construction that began just over a year ago. It was funded by $1.5 million in Issue 1 funds.
While many have seen the project as a lengthy process, O’Leary said the timing was specifically designed that way.
“We knew right from the start it was set up to do as much as possible in the fall, and then come back and finish up in the spring,” O’Leary said. “It’s really amazing how quick they got that done.”
The mayor said extending sidewalks were not part of the original project plans due to budget constraints, but acknowledged that issue could be revisited. All that remains is “smoothing out the ride” in some spots and putting down a center stripe.
A lift station has been replaced on Cummings Road and some current mill and pave work is going on in the areas around Grant and Summit. O’Leary said that work was a result of taking advantage of Bucyrus Road Materials being in town for another project.
“The quote reflects that we did real well,” said O’Leary. “We continue to do most of our paving in the fall.”
Another major project was the overpass on Church Street and just in time for Saturday’s CritFest.
“People were able to access the east side of town,” said O’Leary.
The mayor said the project was on time, but a little over budget due to a change order midway on the project.
“We had to bid that three times last year,” O’Leary said. “Very frustrating.”
The change order was due to additional work that was required on what is called the parapet wall which was sealed at the suggestion of the contractor.
The mayor said, “That was good money invested.”
Area lighting and lighting under the overpass was also replaced as part of that project.
Ongoing and future projects the mayor highlighted that will be detailed Thursday include the Heise Park press box, the East Park splash park, work on the Shoemaker Ditch, work at the wastewater treatment plant, the pavilion at the Big Four Depot, Portland Way North and Keller Drive among others.