Public works and grant-funded projects highlighted at North Canton council meeting

City public works staff and the mayor reported a series of infrastructure projects and grant awards during the North Canton City Council meeting on Feb. 10, 2025, including demolition of a former auto shop at 447 N. Main, a planned repaving of South Main, waterline and sidewalk work on Woodrow and Loess, and progress on an area groundwater well project. The mayor also reported a conditional pledge from the Hoover Foundation tied to an upcoming income-tax ballot measure.

Why it matters: The projects affect local streets, sidewalks, water infrastructure and downtown property cleanup; several are partially funded by external grants, reducing the city's direct cost.

Demolition of 447 N. Main Rob (public works) said the city will begin demolition at 447 N. Main (the former Brandy's Automotive) on Wednesday. He estimated the demolition cost at about $56,000 and said the city secured grants to cover most of the expense. Rob said the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) will reimburse roughly $42,000 (about 75% of the cost) and that the Stark County Land Bank's reimbursement program will cover an additional 12.5% (about $7,000), leaving the city responsible for roughly $7,000.

Main Street repaving Rob also discussed a repaving project for Main Street from Seventh Street to Rose Lane and a southern segment near the court line. He said the city has approximately $1,250,000 through SCATS (federal funds) expected to cover about 90% of the project, plus about $80,000 in municipal road funds. Depending on final bids, Rob said the city's share could be as little as about $20,000–$40,000 to complete the full pavement and polymer-asphalt surface.

Woodrow/Loess waterline and sidewalks Rob reported bidding and award activity for a project that will replace the water line on Woodrow (from Pittsburgh to Worsler) and install new sidewalks; roughly $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars are tied to the contract administered by Stark County Commissioners. Rob said the contractor is expected to begin mobilization and pre-construction activities within one to two weeks.

Area groundwater well (Phase 1) Rob described progress on the area headwater well: the drilling portion is roughly $514,000 and the contractor anticipated mobilizing imminently to drill a well expected to be about 500–540 feet deep. After drilling, the well will be developed to determine yield and the city’s hydrogeologist will design the raw-water line and pumping station. Rob said the project has approximately $1.5 million in grant support allocated to the first phase.

Ballot measure and Hoover Foundation pledge Mayor and Catherine reported that the board of elections certified ballot language for a proposed half-percent increase to the city income tax for the May primary. The mayor said the Hoover Foundation has pledged to provide $2,750,000 over three years if the tax measure passes, and that city staff are pursuing additional funding sources to reduce the tax burden and support capital needs including a potential new fire station.

Public information and next steps Officials said the city held a Q&A session on Facebook related to the tax measure and posted materials and a calculator on the city website to help residents estimate the measure’s impact. Rob said the city will post construction start dates and traffic impacts on social media when dates are firm.

Ending No formal council action was required for the department reports; council members thanked staff and noted plans for public outreach on the ballot measure and for project notifications as contractors mobilize.