Worcester council approves South Market streetscape, waterline replacement and Christmas Run pool renovation

WORCESTER — The Worcester City Council voted April 7 to approve several budgeted infrastructure and recreation projects, including a $250,000 downtown streetscape improvement, a waterline replacement project on Gashi Street and South Columbus Avenue, and authorization to move forward on the Christmas Run pool renovation.

The council adopted Resolution 2025-27 declaring the city’s intent to improve pedestrian areas on South Market Street and South Street and to assess affected property owners for a portion of the cost; preliminary assessments were presented as $67,881.52 with the rest of the estimated $250,000 borne by the city. Councilmember Wharton said the work is timed to support ongoing downtown development and named two businesses and a theater among those to be assessed.

The council immediately followed by adopting Resolution 2025-28, authorizing the director of administration to advertise for bids and award a contract to the lowest-and-best bidder for the same streetscape work. City staff told council the project is planned for after Labor Day and will be coordinated with property owners.

Council also approved Resolution 2025-29 to advertise for bids and award a contract for the Gashi Street and South Columbus Avenue waterline replacement. During comment, a council member asked whether the project increases pipe size; city staff said 4-inch lines in the area will be replaced and upsized to 8-inch where applicable.

On recreation, the council adopted Resolution 2025-31 to advertise and enter into contracts for the Christmas Run pool project. Staff described a package of mechanical and safety upgrades plus new amenities; slide and major feature options will be bid or priced separately because of wide cost variation. Councilmembers said the city will provide additional detail about parking and phasing to nearby residents as the project moves toward contractor selection.

Other measures adopted included amendments to the traffic-control file, an update to the city income-tax ordinance to align with the Ohio Revised Code, acquisition of a small parcel from GGI Properties for up to $35,000 to improve parking near the community center, and a disclosure of city services under revised code section 709.03 related to a potential annexation. The council also approved a liquor-permit hearing waiver for a new C2 license for Best Price LLC (dba Best Price Cigarettes) at 516 Bell Avenue.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025-27 (South Market/South Street streetscape — declare necessity and assess property owners): Motion to adopt by Wharton; second by Dizet; roll call recorded Yes votes from Wharton, Abernathy, Myers, Malta, Gaffey, Jose, Hussain. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 2025-28 (Advertise for bids — South Market/South Street streetscape): Motion to adopt by Wharton; second by Abernathy; roll call recorded Yes votes from Wharton, Malta, Myers, Gaffey, Abernathy, Jose. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 2025-29 (Advertise for bids — Gashi Street & S. Columbus waterline replacement): Motion to adopt; second by Myers; roll call recorded Yes votes from Malta, Abernathy, Gaffey, Wharton, Jose, Myers. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 2025-31 (Advertise/contract — Christmas Run pool project): Motion to adopt by Myers; seconded; roll call recorded Yes votes from Myers, Wharton, Gaffey, Malta, Jose, Abernathy. Outcome: adopted.

- Ordinance 2025-05 (Traffic control file amendments to enact Traffic Commission recommendations): Adopted after suspension of rules; roll call showed unanimous support. Outcome: adopted.

- Ordinance 2025-06 (Update local income tax code to match Ohio Revised Code Chapter 718): Adopted after suspension of rules. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 2025-30 (Acquire property from GGI Properties, not to exceed $35,000): Adopted after suspension of rules; roll call recorded Yes votes from Jose, Gaffey, Abernathy, Myers, Malta, Wharton. Outcome: adopted.

- Ordinance 2025-07 (Statement of services for parcel 557-00034 to Wayne County pursuant to R.C. 709.03): Adopted. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 2025-32 (Amend Resolution 2025-17, purchasing detail): Adopted after suspension of rules. Outcome: adopted.

- Liquor control request/C2 license (Best Price LLC, 516 Bell Avenue): Motion to waive hearing by Abernathy; second by Jose; voice vote in favor. Outcome: hearing waived.

Why it matters

The measures fund and authorize near-term work on downtown pedestrian improvements and essential underground infrastructure, and they start the procurement process for a multi-year pool renovation that city officials say aims to broaden amenities and address mechanical and safety systems. Upsizing water mains can affect fire flow and future development; streetscape work is paired with modest property-owner assessments tied to specific parcels.

What’s next

Several of the ordinances (2025-03 and 2025-04) remained at second reading and were scheduled for a special Wednesday meeting to complete third readings and votes. Bids for projects will be sought under the authority the council approved; councilmembers asked staff to provide ample advance notice to affected businesses and to share concrete plans and schedules before construction begins.