The Sunbury Services Committee on Sept. 3 agreed to advance final design work for the East Granville widening project, favoring an option that adds both a 7-foot sidewalk and a separate shared-use path. City staff said they will bring a design contract for council first reading on Sept. 17 so the engineering consultant can complete final plans.

Carla, a city staff member who presented the project, said Alternate 2 — the option with both sidewalk and shared-use path — “seemed to have a slight edge in favor by the public, also, is my recommendation, as well as other staff members are in favor of this orientation.”

The nut of the debate was whether to build the 7-foot sidewalk at street level in addition to an elevated shared-use path. Supporters said adding the sidewalk improves safety and connectivity to the Ohio to Erie Trail; opponents (none strongly represented at the public meeting, according to staff) raised cost considerations. “I definitely like 2 the best,” said Mr. Grumney, a committee member. “I mean, you only get 1 shot at this, really, at least in a lifetime.”

City staff summarized costs and schedule. The preliminary construction estimate used when applying for grants was roughly $7.5 million (the presenter said that estimate included a $500,000 contingency). Staff said a typical design fee based on that earlier estimate would be about 10% ($750,000). The design proposal to complete Alternate 2 was presented as roughly $823,000 — about $73,000 above the earlier design estimate — while the construction cost for Alternate 2 is about $1,000,000 higher than the lower-cost orientation because of additional right-of-way needs.

Carla said the city has secured a federal award of $4.2 million tied to the project and will meet with the Ohio Department of Transportation District 6 to pursue additional grant funding that could target safety and pedestrian mobility. She told the committee the immediate next step is to bring a contract (just under $600,000) with American StructurePoint for final design to the full council for first reading on Sept. 17.

Committee members discussed timing and construction impacts. Staff said the project schedule aims to award construction in mid‑2027, with the hope of substantial completion in 2028 and possible final punch‑list work into 2029; staff noted that utility relocations and right-of-way acquisition are critical path items that could begin before the formal construction award. The presenter said maintenance‑of‑traffic plans and retaining‑wall construction will be topics for the design consultant and contractor to resolve.

Preservation Parks was mentioned as working to finance an extension of the Ohio to Erie Trail from the existing bridge abutment to Cherry Street; staff said that connection would link the new path to the broader regional trail network. The committee also heard that push‑button midblock crossings and ramps are under consideration at several trail crossing points to improve pedestrian safety.

The committee’s discussion produced a direction to staff rather than a final procurement decision: members supported moving forward with design of Alternate 2 and staff will bring the proposed design contract to the Sept. 17 council meeting for a first reading. A formal council vote would follow required agenda procedures.

The presenter said another public meeting will be scheduled later in design to show residents how the project will affect easements, temporary construction access and traffic during the multi-year build-out.

Ending: The committee’s endorsement advances the city toward detailed design and permitting; final contract approval and construction funding remain subject to council action and potential additional grants.