Group to donate for green spot

The green space would be located on city-owned
property downtown.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

GIRARD — A local charitable organization is looking to spruce up a vacant piece of land in the downtown, but some officials feel the effort would be better served in a part of town away from the busy U.S. Route 422 strip.

The Girard Homecoming Committee plans to donate about $90,000 for the construction of a gazebo, sidewalk upgrades, landscaping and additional seating on city-owned property at the corner of Route 422 and Kline Street. Officials say the committee would like to begin the work as soon as possible.

The city bought the property for about $80,000 in 2000 after it was no longer being used as a gas station. The purchase price included removal of all pumps and storage tanks on the property.

“It was a good piece of urban renewal,” said Mayor James Melfi. “It was an eyesore, and we removed it by purchasing it.”

According to Melfi, there has been a good amount of interest in the property since the city’s purchase. He said a doctor once looked at the property, and most recently a used-car dealership expressed interest in buying the land.

Most, he said, ultimately determine that the small lot does not have enough space for development.

Melfi said in the absence of a business buying the land, the homecoming committee plans are ideal.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” he said. “I have always felt this would be an ideal situation for a green space in the center of town, to make our town more appealing to those traveling along 422.”

Not all city officials see placing a gazebo along 422 as a good idea.

Councilman Joseph Shelby said he is in favor of the homecoming committee donation and its plans to create a green space within the city, but he said there are better locations other than the 422 area.

Shelby said the 422 property should be used in a commercial venture.

“I don’t believe this is the best land usage. I think it is a valuable piece of property in downtown Girard, but I don’t think people will want to sit in the busy 422 area in exhaust fumes,” he said.

A more appropriate location, Shelby maintained, would be the approximately four acres he says will be left after the current high school building is demolished, in preparation for the new high school to be built in a different location.

But Melfi said more entertainment opportunities — such as a parade and car show earlier this year — are looking at the downtown area. The green space complete with a gazebo and seating might help attract more entertainment to the area, he said.

jgoodwin@vindy.com