Plain City outlines 2025 goals: crosswalks, sidewalks, Depot Plaza and Bicentennial Park engineering

Plain City staff and council used the annual organizational meeting to review the council’s 2025 goals and objectives, spotlighting pedestrian-safety and downtown public-space projects, capital improvement planning and neighborhood connectivity efforts.

The administration urged the council to prioritize completing ongoing projects with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), advancing several capital improvement program (CIP) projects, and starting engineered work this year on Uptown improvements. The session highlighted several specific projects: an engineered Maple Street crosswalk funded in part by a CDBG pedestrian grant, an Uptown Crosswalk project to support businesses, a sidewalk maintenance program focused on a previously identified Zone 1, Depot Plaza reconstruction and landscaping slated for spring completion, engineering for the Bicentennial Park project, and initial visioning for Sugar Run Park following the Raver property acquisition.

Why it matters: the projects address pedestrian safety, ADA accessibility and downtown economic vitality. Councilors emphasized moving projects from planning to construction while pursuing grant funding to supplement local CIP allocations.

Key project details discussed during the meeting: - Maple Street crosswalk: staff reported the crosswalk has been engineered and that the village received a CDBG pedestrian grant. The grant has a two-year completion window beginning in January; the engineering estimate came in higher than expected. The project includes creating a pedestrian island where a turn lane begins, preserving an existing parking space in front of an animal hospital, adding flashing beacons and modest streetscape work. Staff identified the project as partially grant-funded. - Uptown Crosswalk (Maple Street to support businesses): council and staff recommended moving forward with the engineered design and assessing police input on an additional marked crosswalk on Main Street; budgeting for flashing lights will be considered as the year’s finances are finalized. - Sidewalk program: staff recommended a maintenance-focused program to repair and fill gaps, concentrating initially on Zone 1 that staff previously identified. - Depot Plaza and Marketplace: Depot Plaza reconstruction is nearing completion; a pre-construction meeting is expected in coming weeks and sidewalks, brick plaza, a small path and landscaping are planned for spring (weather permitting). Work on the marketplace roof and building envelope will be phased over multiple years if needed; engineering will proceed this year if budget allows. - Bicentennial Park: engineering on the next phase is starting; staff said the project will be lengthy and will incorporate public input as designs develop. - Heritage Trail expansion: staff reported a consultant is assisting with a trail network expansion plan and the village will pursue easements and development-driven opportunities to extend the trail. - Sugar Run Park and Raver property: staff noted acquisition (the Raver property) is moving forward and that initial visioning—not engineering—will begin to shape future park amenities.

Council members suggested adding an additional crosswalk near Park and 161 to support pool events and other downtown gatherings; staff said they would evaluate police input and funding for flashing beacons.

Ending: Staff will continue pursuing grants and completing engineering steps for these projects; council members asked to keep connectivity and downtown public spaces as high priorities while the CIP and funding plans are finalized.