Service committee authorizes appropriation and legal action to acquire property for Riverside Drive bridge replacement

The City of Newark Service Committee on Sept. 2 approved an ordinance to appropriate a portion of property formerly part of the Simpson Foundry and Engineering Company property to enable replacement of a deficient bridge on Riverside Drive over Long Pine Run.

A committee presenter said staff had reached successors of the original property owner and that only a small parcel of land is needed for the bridge replacement. The committee authorized the director of law to proceed with a complaint for appropriation in Licking County Court of Common Pleas and declared an emergency to expedite the action, citing the need to replace a bridge that provides access to manufacturing facilities in the area.

Committee members approved the ordinance and emergency clause by unanimous voice vote. The presenter said funds are available for the replacement and emphasized urgency to avoid a potential collapse or further deterioration of the structure.

The ordinance will permit staff to begin legal acquisition steps; if negotiations do not produce a voluntary conveyance, the city will proceed with a court-filed condemnation/complaint for appropriation as authorized.