poland township Residents want Clingan Road improved

June 4, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

By Robert Connelly

POLAND

Residents of Poland Township attended a community meeting to ask when improvements could be made to Clingan Road. But township officials explained that since the road is the county’s responsibility, there’s little they can do.

“This will get to Mr. Ginnetti. We’ve been talking about it,” Trustee Eric Ungaro told a crowd of about 15 residents Tuesday night.

Trustee Joanne Wollet said many residents are concerned about semi-trucks using the road, with many residents specifically citing Sebastian Trucking. There is a weight limit on Clingan, and Poland Township Chief of Police Brian Goodin said, “With all the residents here and all the travel here, [Pat Ginnetti] might be able to restrict semis” on Clingan.

The hour-long meeting took place in the clubhouse of James Place Condominiums off Clingan Road, and offered residents the opportunity to ask questions freely of the township officials. Ungaro said a similar meeting took place last year at a church in a different part of the township.

Township officials said they will make recommendations to Ginnetti and the Mahoning County Engineer’s Office and would look into reaching out to the companies that are using the road the most.

Residents pointed out that 1.3 miles of Clingan was paved last year, from Dobbins Road to U.S. Route 224. One resident asked if the road could be widened and pointed to the foot track of people walking to Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt, 6594 Clingan Road. Township officials again said that’s a matter for the engineer’ office to decide.

Also discussed was a senior watch, a program that provides wellness checks by police for senior residents living on their own. If police don’t hear from them, they would go to their home to make sure they were OK.

A resident asked when a well that was linked to earthquakes earlier this year would be reopened after the Ohio Department of Natural Resources closed it.

“I just have to trust that when they reopen, it’s for the right reason,” Ungaro said.