Canfield township to seek bids for improving road

CANFIELD -- Township trustees will move ahead with the bidding process for improvements to Gibson Road.
Trustees voted 2-1 in Tuesday to continue to seek bids for the improvement project. Trustees Paul Moracco and William Weaver voted in favor of the resolution, while Judy Bayus was opposed. The project calls for the road to be resurfaced. Sections of the road also would be widened to 20 feet.
Moracco noted that the project has "nothing to do with water, sewer, or anything else."
Ruling: Visiting Judge Mary Cacioppo ruled Oct. 10 in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court that a plan to install a water line on Gibson Road violates a portion of the state constitution. She also ruled that installation of a sewer line on the road would similarly violate that section.
Judge Cacioppo's ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed in May 2000 by a group of residents contending that trustees entered an agreement with T.C. Quality Homes to build the water line. The Canfield company is constructing a 140-unit development at the west end of Gibson.
The Ohio Constitution prohibits public officials from lending money to a private corporation.
Trustees have appealed the ruling.
Moracco said that despite the ruling, he and Weaver still feel they have an obligation to improve the road for the safety and welfare of township residents. He added that he and Weaver believe that the west end of the road is in desperate need of repair.
Moracco said the trustees would face the legal ramifications of moving ahead with the project when the bids are opened.