Trending
WARREN -- City council unanimously approved ordinances that further infrastructure and city management initiatives when they met Wednesday, including contracts for a waterline replacement project and road improvements.
The Second Street and Union Street Waterline Project is an initiative to replace and upgrade waterlines in the two areas.
The $1.5 million project will be paid for from a mix of funding sources -- $724,000 from the local water fund, a grant for $440,7000 from the Ohio Public Works Commission and a loan from the agency for $409,210.
Councilwoman Helen Rucker, D-at Large, asked about the timeline, to which Warren Engineering Director Paul Makosky said funds should be available by July, with preliminary engineering already underway.
Council also approved the city's 2025 roads program, which includes Parkman Road, Martin Luther King Boulevard, Brier and Sedgwick streets and Coventry Avenue. The ordinance also authorizes Safety Service Director Eddie Colbert to advertise for construction bids.
The $1.1 million project is funded with $264,500 from the city, the same amount from a Community Development Block Grant contribution and a $621,000 grant from the state.
Colbert also discussed construction and development progress across the city. He noted growth on the west side, mentioning developments at Cleveland Steel Containers, improvements to Parkman Road Plaza and construction progress on the West Warren project.
Cleveland Steel Containers purchased several acres of land on Enterprise Drive off Parkman Road that will be used to make steel containers.
Meanwhile, Trumbull Plaza on Parkman Road is set to welcome Rural King Supply, an Illinois-based, family-owned farm and home supply retailer. Rural King purchased the plaza for $1.8 million and plans to open a new store, providing a boost to the local economy and filling a long-standing commercial space with essential retail services.
The West Warren project, led by West Warren Property 1 LLC, involves constructing a 98,000-square-foot industrial building featuring five docks and two garage doors on 9.8 acres within the 84-acre West Warren Industrial Park. The total project is estimated to cost $12.6 million.
"The city's progress over the past 12 months is truly outstanding and should be noted," Colbert said.
Councilman Ron White, D-7th Ward, echoed Colbert's statement, saying Warren is "growing" and noting new developments could bring jobs and additional housing options.
Council also approved an ordinance to seek proposals and contracts for an expanded commercial insurance package. The package includes coverage for city properties, equipment, cybersecurity, and liability, among other essentials.