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Valley View mayor outlines plan with Cuyahoga Valley National Park; bridge access, vegetation work planned
Summary
Mayor Matt March told council the Park is assessing 10 tracts within Village limits, that some demolition/construction is anticipated by the end of 2027 and that canal vegetation removal is scheduled for fall 2026; he also discussed bridge replacements to improve pedestrian and bike access and announced an upcoming police chief test and retirements.
Mayor Matt March briefed the Village of Valley View Council on ongoing work with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and on connectivity projects tied to the Village’s Master Plan. "The Park is currently collecting field data and working through compliance within their organization," March said, and added that "their anticipated construction start dates are at the end of 2027."
March told the council the Park owns 10 tracts inside Valley View, some with homes or structures, and that the federal government has allocated funds for care of some properties and demolition of others. He said the Park, in cooperation with the Village, will perform vegetation removal along the Ohio/Erie Canal beginning in fall 2026 to address unsightly conditions and maintenance concerns.
The mayor said the Village is pursuing improved connectivity into the Park, including plans to replace the Tinkers Creek/Canal and Stone/Canal bridges to provide safer access for hikers and bicyclists. He described upcoming meetings this spring with Park representatives to outline specific goals and timelines.
March also noted personnel and community items that relate to public safety and continuity of services: the Village will administer a civil-service test for the next police chief late this month; Lt. Bob Koscielski of the Fire Department will retire March 19 after service beginning in 1988; and Dave Birth of the Service Department’s Grounds Division retired March 1. "It will be a big loss to the Department," Fire Chief Papesh said of Koscielski, offering the department’s appreciation.
The mayor encouraged continued resident input on the Master Plan, referencing recent focus-group and open-house sessions and an online survey posted on the Village website.
