On the road to improvement

LIBERTY -- Township officials showcased to the public on Wednesday their ideas for enhancing safety and increasing access and mobility for nonmotorized users in the Belmont Avenue corridor.

Residents and business owners had the opportunity to view and make comments on the improvements proposed for Belmont Avenue between West Liberty Street north to the Churchill Commons where Giant Eagle is located. Plans include improving the aesthetics of the corridor as well.

Trustee Chairman Devon Stanley said the improvements, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bus stops and more lighting, would be done to increase pedestrian safety along the five-lane Belmont Avenue since there are bus stops along the route, as well as several hotels, restaurants and gas stations,

He said one idea being proposed is to add a walking path connecting the Hubbard Estates and California Acres areas, a residential neighborhood, with Giant Eagle and the plaza.

"We are proposing ideas and getting feedback from residents and businesses on whether they want this and can benefit from this. There are many people who try to cross Belmont Avenue at different locations. There are people who stay at the hotels who go to different places nearby," Stanley said.

Christopher Tolnar, director of public works for the GPD Group -- the authors of the plan to provide future improvements and identity potential funding opportunities -- said the goal of the study is to look at pedestrian enhancement opportunities for the Belmont Avenue corridor.

He said the sidewalk aspect would be to add sidewalks from the Liberty Street/ Motor Inn Drive area to state Route 304 along Belmont Avenue and from Route 304 north to Giant Eagle.

Tolnar said there is already funding for those two projects available within the year.

"To cross a five-lane highway is difficult," he said.

Trustee Arnie Clebone said the township received two grants totaling $730,000 from both the Western Reserve Transit Authority and Eastgate Regional Council of Governments for the sidewalks.

"The sidewalks are a priority and will make it easier for people to walk to Giant Eagle. We can use funds for lighting and bus stops," Clebone said, noting he hopes to get the sidewalks done this year and other project amenities and the crosswalks done in 2024.

Clebone said there already are sidewalks along some parts of Belmont Avenue. He said a Bike Belmont event took place Sunday along Belmont Avenue for people to see the area.

RESIDENTS' VIEWS

Resident Jack Kravitz, a retired businessman, said he rides his bike in the Belmont Avenue area but noted the sidewalks end in several areas.

"Even if you wanted to, you can't really walk to the grocery store like Aldi and Giant Eagle. As we are getting more businesses along Belmont Avenue, there should be ways to safely get to them," he said.

Resident Kim Quinlan said she likes many of the proposed ideas, but said she is concerned about having a crosswalk over Belmont Avenue.

"I am not a fan of that. That is a suicide mission. Everything else I agree with and like," Quinlan said.

Resident Aundrea Heschmeyer said people like going to the different restaurants, such as Station Square, but there needs to be a better way for people to get there and ways to slow down the traffic.

"I like the idea of creating real sidewalks and bike paths," she said.

Resident Jeff Smith said the improvements can only help, especially in the winter months when people are trying to cross the street to get to businesses.

"People are always in the Belmont Avenue area for some reason," he said.