Council OKs ODOT-backed pedestrian designs and downtown streetscape bidding

Wooster City Council on April 6 authorized design and procurement steps for three pedestrian and streetscape projects intended to improve connectivity between the OSU campus, downtown and neighboring commercial corridors.

Resolution 2026-18 authorizes Environmental Design Group (EDG) to provide acquisition and professional design services for improvements on Madison Avenue and South Beaver Street; the total services contract is $97,765, and staff said ODOT will pay 90% ($87,988). Resolution 2026-09 authorized CESO, Inc. for design and engineering services on West Miltown Road for sidewalks and a shared-use path (estimated $174,000; 90% funded by ODOT).

Council also approved advertising and bidding for the arts-district streetscape (resolution 2026-22), a $650,000 project that includes streetscape improvements on South Walnut Street, alley work and enhancements near the Wayne County Health Department parcel. Staff said the project has outside funding from the state's capital budget and the National Fitness Campaign for an outdoor fitness court and that design and bidding will proceed.

Miss Warden said these projects are budgeted and that using an ODOT pre-qualified firm is required where federal grant funds are used. Council members raised procedural questions about timing, and staff confirmed engineering and review will ensure pedestrian clearance and ADA compliance. Contracts will be executed by the director of administration and engineering per standard procurement processes.