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Service committee adopts resolution of intent to appropriate land for Riverside Drive bridge replacement
Summary
The Newark City service committee on July 21, 2025 approved Resolution 25-50, a resolution of intent to appropriate a parcel to allow replacement of a deficient bridge on Riverside Drive over Log Pond Run that provides access to Owens Corning manufacturing plants; an emergency clause was added to advance the project this construction season.
The City of Newark service committee on July 21, 2025 approved Resolution 25-50, a resolution of intent to appropriate a portion of land to enable replacement of a deficient bridge on Riverside Drive over Log Pond Run. Committee members said the bridge provides access to Owens Corning manufacturing facilities in the city.
Resolution 25-50, as read into the record, describes the parcel as “part of the outlet 5 as shown on the plat of the Simpson Foundry and Engineering Company” and references a deed recorded at volume 48481, page 57 of Licking County records. The resolution authorizes the mayor to give notice to the owner as required by law and declares an emergency to accelerate the project.
A city presenter explained that while preparing bridge replacement plans the city found a parcel whose last known ownership was recorded in 1956. The presenter said the property was originally dedicated as right-of-way, later sold, changed hands several times and that in a later transfer the city obtained only the portion on the southeast side of the bridge, not the northwest portion needed for the replacement. The presenter said the law director’s office has been working with staff and that appropriation of the remaining parcel is the best way to clear title and move forward with bidding the bridge replacement.
Council Member Newley moved the resolution; the motion was seconded (second not specified in the transcript) and the committee voted in favor. When asked why the resolution included an emergency clause, staff said the clause is intended to allow the project to move forward and to secure construction before the end of the current construction season. Staff also said a separate piece of legislation to appropriate funds for the property was expected in the coming weeks.
The action recorded was a resolution of intent to appropriate land; it does not itself transfer title but initiates the legal process and notice required under state law. The law director’s office and public-works staff are expected to follow up with the formal appropriation ordinance and any bidding steps required to award construction contracts.
