Downtown renewal plan to be presented

This would be the third public forum about the downtown effort.
HUBBARD -- Urban Design Center of Northeast Ohio has finalized its downtown redevelopment plan and wants to show it off at a public forum.
The presentation is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 8 in council chambers at the Hubbard municipal building. This will be the third public forum on plans to redevelop the city's center.
The forum is hosted by Hubbard's Downtown Revitalization Steering Committee. Interested residents and property owners are encouraged to attend and offer their views.
Earlier this year, people looked at several options for renovations to several structures.
The first part of the two-part study is set up to create a vision concentrating on a section of downtown within a quarter-mile radius of state routes 304 and 616. This focused on Baldine Plaza, West Liberty Street, Eagle Field, St. Patrick's Church and the Creekside Senior Village.
Possible improvements
Options envisioned included renovations to the fire station, relocating or expanding the public green, creating more access paths and improving traffic flow.
Building design guidelines would look at business facades and roofs, exterior lighting, landscaping, awnings and signs.
Michael Villano, city auditor, has said city officials will apply for a $400,000 federal grant to go toward the project. However, the overall project would cost much more and would need both private and public funds.
Last year, the city was awarded a $15,000 grant for the planning phase.
For more information, contact the city auditor's office at (330) 534-1067.