Richmond Heights seeks ODOT sidewalk funds and CDBG support for community center upgrades

Council members discussed two grant applications on Nov. 25: an Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) alternative-program sidewalk application for Chardon Road and a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) request for audio/visual upgrades at the community center.

A council member described the Chardon Road project as approximately 2,000 linear feet of sidewalk on the south side of the road, where residents currently walk on a berm or grass alongside a 35 mph roadway. The engineer's estimate for construction was given as about $262,500 with an 80% grant share and a 20% local match. The presenter noted that, if accepted, the program can transfer the 20% match to a state safety fund, which in practice could make the project fully funded without local contribution. The presenter said the application deadline was Nov. 30 and asked that council pass the application that evening to permit submission.

On CDBG, the presenter said the community center has outgrown its audio/visual system; the facility functions as an emergency shelter and hosts senior programming and county uses. She argued upgrades would improve emergency broadcast capability, rental competitiveness and day-to-day operations. She also confirmed that CDBG eligibility rules limit use to certain census tracts and that the building falls within a qualifying area.

The transcript records council confirmations during the procedural sequence to allow these submissions.