Funding sought for sidewalks

Officials said the project would be an aesthetic and safety enhancement.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Township trustees are hoping a $160,000 state grant will help add to the beauty and safety of the area around the schools.
In a special meeting Wednesday, trustees authorized township administrator Pat Ungaro to file a grant application with the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, which administers the grant funds locally. Ungaro said the money would be used to install sidewalks from the front of the high school, north to State Route 304, then west to the old high school.
In addition to the sidewalks, Ungaro said, the project will also include new fencing and a large flagpole along the bridge crossing Interstate 80.
"This is a project that involves the schools, and I think it is a good project," he said. "Our chances in getting this [grant] seem pretty good."
The township will kick in $40,000, making the project total $200,000. Money for the local share would be taken from the township's capital improvements fund.
Safety factor
Trustee Jodi Stoyak said the project would be good not only aesthetically but also from a safety standpoint.
"This is great for the community because it involves a safe passageway from the school to the library," she said. "Every day there are kids walking up from the schools to the library."
Stoyak said nonstudents also walk the same way for special events such as the Relay for Life held in May.
Trustee W. Gary Litch said he also sees the need for the project but still has some concerns.
"I like the project; don't get me wrong, but are we going to have enough money to operate all departments, they stay within their budgets, and still address this [project]," he said.
Litch also said he wants school district officials contacted to see if they are willing to partner with the township in doing the project. He said the project will be beneficial to the schools and they should be a partner in the project.