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Residents raise concerns about Railroad Street pavement; council hears mural proposal for 5 Points Park
Summary
During public comments at the Feb. 4 Milford City Council meeting, resident Dan Whitaker described unclear street classification and pavement encroachment near Railroad Street; Council also heard a mural proposal for 5 Points Park from a community representative and discussed alternative placements and funding.
Two public-comment items drew council attention Feb. 4: a resident’s concern about the status and condition of Railroad Street and a presentation of a proposed mural for downtown in conjunction with the America 250 celebration.
Dan Whitaker, of 49 Mound Avenue, told council he had emailed the city manager about the “alley” now signed as Railroad Street and said mapping and plat records show parts of the existing pavement are on private property while the roadbed in the correct right-of-way is “now mud.” Whitaker said 12 residences (13 addresses counting a duplex) have direct connections to the roadway. He asked the city to make the roadway selectable in the city’s reporting system and to review its legal status and maintenance responsibilities. City Manager Benjamin Gunderson responded that staff would review the matter internally and provide a response by the end of the week.
Nut graf: The public comments raised a property/maintenance question that may affect repair obligations, easements and resident access. Separately, council considered a small public-art proposal intended to draw visitors to 5 Points Park.
Mural proposal
Vice Mayor Parrish introduced community presenter Kate Albert, who said the mural project — part of America 250 plans — had initially been slated for a retaining wall behind Harvest Market but was moved after runoff and material concerns. Albert proposed placing a mural on the restroom building at 5 Points Park, on the walls that face the park and Main Street, or printing the artwork on vinyl panels that could be mounted where needed. She and others discussed costs and funding options; a preliminary total project cost was estimated at about $35,000 with potential grant support from the Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau and local sponsorship opportunities. Mills (city manager staff) and council members noted possible space constraints if a future community-center expansion occurs.
Council response and follow-up
Council members favored examining both sites. Vice Mayor Parrish asked Kate Albert to explore printed-panel options and cost estimates with Benjamin Gunderson and to consult Andrea Brady of the Chamber of Commerce for updated budget figures. Gunderson said staff would review the Railroad Street issue and return with information; Albert said she could finalize artwork in a few months if council gives approval to proceed.
Ending: Both the Railroad Street property-status question and the mural location options will be followed up by city staff. The mural proponents were encouraged to explore funding and installation logistics and report back to council.
