Boardman officials want to re-sign

By Denise Dick

By DENISE DICK

denise_dick@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

Township officials want to replace signs near the community’s boundaries as a way to welcome residents and visitors.

“When you’re coming into the community, the sign is an indication of what to expect,” said Administrator Jason Loree. “We want to make sure we’re keeping the community with the times.”

One wooden sign on U.S. Route 224, near Mill Creek Park, fell down. There’s another, also constructed of wood, on Market Street, not far from the township government center.

Those two signs would be replaced as well as one erected on U.S. Route 224, near the eastern boundary line, Loree said.

Because they’re along state and U.S. routes, though, they have to meet restrictions from the Ohio Department of Transportation.

“We can’t allow a bricks and mortar sign — something that’s not a standard sign in the state right of way,” said Justin Chesnic, a spokesman for ODOT District 4. “That would be a safety hazard.”

Right of way is the strip of property reserved for maintenance and access to the road.

In order for a sign to be permitted in the state right of way, it must be a break-away sign, Chesnic said.

If a car hits it, it breaks rather than injuring the driver and other occupants.

Loree said the township will ask MS Consultants, which has a contract with the township, to survey the area to determine if the sign would be in the right-of-way.

After a design is drawn, Loree will seek donations for the materials to build the signs and expects the township road department to do the labor.