43
Liberty installs ‘green’ sign
The Vindicator (Youngstown)
Photo
A new energy-efficient and computer-operated sign recently was installed at Liberty Township Administration Building, 1315 Church Hill-Hubbard Road. Standing by the new sign, from left, are June Smallwood, director of parks and special projects; Jodi Stoyak, trustee; and Pat Ungaro, township administrator. The sign was funded by a grant from Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council. Smallwood wrote the grant.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
LIBERTY
The township administration building has a sign of the times.
A newly installed sign in front of the building at 1315 Church Hill-Hubbard Road is energy-efficient, computer-operated and modern.
Pat Ungaro, township administrator, said the sign replaces one that was about 30 years old, outdated (had to be changed by hand) and in disrepair.
The new sign is 12 feet long and 8 feet high. The screen display is easily visible from the road. The sign is operated through a computer program in the township office.
Ungaro said the sign, which cost about $28,000, is part of a $108,000 grant from Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council. “The sign is LED, and that’s more energy-efficient,” he said.
The administrator said community and school events now can be publicized easily on the new sign. “Whatever is relevant for township residents ... it will be on the sign,” he said.
Jodi Stoyak, a township trustee who has promoted “going green” in the township, said the new sign is a welcome addition at the township building. “It’s for the benefit of township residents.”
Stoyak, continuing her campaign of recycling, made arrangements for the old dismantled sign to go to a local scrap yard, where it brought $107.49. “The funds will go toward Liberty in Bloom for landscaping in the township,” she said. That flower-planting project is funded through aluminum-can recycling started by Stoyak. Volunteers maintain the project of planting at strategic sites in the township; there is no cost to the township.
Other funds from the $108,000 NOPEC grant went to:
Retrofitting the township, road department and fire department buildings, Churchill Park and Liberty Center Park with LED lighting for $20,000.
Upgrading and adding restrooms and energy-efficient lighting in the restrooms and kitchen at Liberty Center Park for about $25,000.
The remaining NOPEC funds will be earmarked for other energy-related projects to be determined.
“The bottom line is that this was done at no cost to the township,” Ungaro said.
An upcoming project using LED lighting is the total renovation of the bridge on Shady Road. The $1.5- million project is being funded 100 percent by the state. The bridge, lighting and sidewalks will be redone, Ungaro said. LED decorative landscape lighting will cost $100,000 with $18,000 from NOPEC and $82,000 from the state.
Energy-efficiency isn’t the only area of “going green” in the community of about 12,000 residents. Stoyak said 80 percent of residents recycle. “They’re not contributing to landfills,” she said. In 2009, the township recycled 821.66 tons and in 2010, 853.05 tons.
The township is part of the Trumbull-Mahoning Green Pact, which promotes practical steps to protect air and water and increase green space and recycling.