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Council weighs options to clean up and beautify Richmond Street railroad approaches; CSX interaction noted
Summary
Council discussed painting or otherwise improving the Richmond Street railroad overpass and nearby gateways; staff noted CSX has been difficult to coordinate with and said the city will pursue underpass plantings via an urban-forestry grant.
Council discussed the condition of railroad overpasses and the idea of installing a 'Welcome to Painesville' sign on the Richmond Street overpass at the April 22 meeting, but did not commit to painting the railroad bridge.
A council member said the Richmond Street structure is dilapidated and asked whether the railroad would permit painting or a mounted gateway sign. Staff said past requests were met with resistance from the railroad, which indicated an unwillingness to approve work on the bridge because train operations and safety oversight would require their involvement. Officials cautioned that painting the bridge without addressing its structural condition could draw negative attention if the bridge looked worse than nearby approaches.
Council received two related updates: (1) the administration has an urban-forestry grant to plant trees at both underpasses and in other gateway locations (including the long grass median near Route 2) and plans to install irrigation to maintain plantings, and (2) staff have submitted photos and reports to federal/state railroad contacts following the East Palestine derailment but have had limited response.
Council directed staff to continue outreach with railroad and state contacts, explore gateway improvements on municipal property (plantings, signs closer to I-90 exits rather than on the bridge), and to pursue the urban-forestry plantings on city-controlled right-of-way when planting season allows.
