East Palestine to seek voter OK of road levy

STAFF REPORT

EAST PALESTINE — In an effort to address residents’ concerns about road conditions, city council has agreed to ask voters to approve a 6-mill levy in November.

Officials said the road levy would generate about $400,000 that the city could put toward a major paving project, which would focus on repairing East Martin Street, West Martin Street and various other roads.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has earmarked a $750,000 grant for the project and has been waiting on the city to secure its share of the cost, officials said.

If residents pass the proposed levy, the project likely would be done in 2010, officials said.

Council members and city officials are looking at promoting passage of the levy, which would be included on November’s general election ballot, by forming a committee to hold informational meetings on the matter, canvassing the community and distributing materials explaining the proposed road levy and paving project.

Officials explained they have received numerous complaints from residents about the bad road conditions in the city.