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Council approves grants and utility relocations for downtown transportation Phase 2
Summary
Sylvania council approved an agreement for Charter Spectrum to relocate underground near downtown, advanced a $879,000 OPWC funding request (50% grant / 50% 10-year interest-free loan) for downtown transportation improvements Phase 2, and heard a timeline for utility relocation and street work expected in 2026–2027.
The Sylvania City Council on Sept. 2 approved measures to support the city’s downtown transportation improvements Phase 2, including an undergrounding agreement with Charter Spectrum and a funding application to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC).
Council approved Ordinance No. 96-2025 authorizing acceptance of Charter Spectrum’s proposal to relocate 392 feet of fiber-optic cable and 354 feet of coaxial cable underground on Maplewood Avenue for $5,944.25. Council voted to appropriate the funds and authorize the mayor and director of finance to accept the proposal.
Public Works Director Shaw (presenting) said Phase 2 of downtown improvements will move utilities below ground, remove poles and complete work between Maplewood and Erie. The administration requested the city submit an OPWC application that asks for a 50% grant and a 50% 10-year, 0% interest loan: $439,500 as the grant portion and $439,500 as the loan portion, for a combined $879,000 OPWC ask covering the city’s share of Phase 2 work. Council approved Resolution No. 15-2025 authorizing the mayor and finance director to file the grant/loan application.
Shaw briefed council on construction sequencing: utility companies will place as much underground conduit as possible in the fall and then continue winter work by pulling and connecting cables; the city cannot begin physical construction until project agreements are in place (project agreement cycle begins July 1). Shaw said the goal is to begin underground work in late autumn and complete above-ground transfers over winter, with the final Phase 2 construction to follow once agreements and permits are finalized.
Council members asked about timing and potential winter weather impacts. Shaw said the city will aim to put conduit in the ground in October–November if ground conditions permit; if some work slows over winter, the team will finish in spring without affecting overall timelines. The mayor also noted that the city has an existing tax-increment financing (TIF) revenue stream that could be used for future loan repayments; he said a loan agreement tied to the TIF will come to council for consideration later in the year.
Council approved the Charter Spectrum appropriation and the OPWC application by voice vote. No public opposition was recorded during the related portions of the meeting.
