Independence mayor pushes long‑term service garage, bridge and road upgrades as projects advance

Mayor Greg Kurtz said the city must plan now for long‑term maintenance and infrastructure needs, including a new service‑department facility to house heavy equipment and improve response times.

"The county bridge replacement project that began in January 2024 is expected to be completed in November 2026," Kurtz said, describing ongoing regional work and a broader need to modernize city facilities and roads.

Kurtz told attendees the current service department, built in 1976, now has 28 full‑time employees, four mechanics and two part‑time staff and that the city owns roughly 40 heavy‑duty vehicles and equipment. He argued a centralized garage with features such as a wash bay and high‑bay roofs would extend equipment life and save long‑term costs.

The mayor said an ordinance to fund a new roof at the existing service department building will appear on a future council agenda and described the roofing work as "general maintenance." He also recounted a recent meeting with an Ohio Department of Transportation deputy director about a Route 21 culvert repair and discussed potential regional improvements, including an emergency ramp onto I‑77 and an I‑480 interchange intended to ease morning backups.

On local roads, Kurtz said the city has spoken with engineers about widening the Pleasant Valley exit to two lanes for improved safety and traffic flow. He framed these projects as part of a multi‑decade vision that also includes repurposing older buildings, noting the…