Lincoln Heights officials announce $2.65 million in SORTA funding for streets; park repairs and programs also planned

Interim Village Manager Michael Lemon reported that Lincoln Heights has been awarded a substantial SUM of funding from the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) and described several concurrent park and community projects at the Feb. 26 council meeting.

Lemon told council that SORTA provided a check to the village totaling approximately $2,647,412 intended for street infrastructure improvements. He described the money as targeted to improve local streets and reduce the maintenance burden on residents.

Manager Lemon also updated council on park renovations: the village will meet this week with a vendor to select park course equipment funded by a Hamilton County mini-grant; the administration has approved design work for a new concession stand with restrooms to replace a demolished, older unit; and village staff are evaluating replacement of light fixtures and the installation of security cameras. Lemon said the village received an insurance reimbursement of $66,000 for copper stolen from park lighting but that total repairs, scoreboard replacement and vandalism remediation are estimated at $141,000, leaving a funding gap staff may pursue through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications.

Lemon said he applied for an event grant from Hamilton County to support a 'fine arts series' including Shakespeare in the Park, the Cincinnati Black Theater Company and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Ensemble if funded. He also reported that Paint the Town has 25 initial applications and that staff expect to have around 15 homes painted if approved.

Council members suggested a photo op to publicize the SORTA check; staff agreed to arrange the photo and to display a check or easel publicly.

The council moved and seconded acceptance of the interim manager's report and approved it by voice vote.