Norwich Trustees back Rails-to-Trails purchase and launch township recycling program

Norwich Township trustees voted to support a Rails-to-Trails acquisition and to begin a local recycling program as the county and nonprofit partners pressed for community involvement.

Tom Katzenmeyer of the Heritage Trails Coalition presented plans to purchase the abandoned railroad corridor between Hilliard and Plain City; trustees agreed to set aside money and later approved a $6,250 contribution to acquire the first segment, with Washington Township and others sharing costs. Katzenmeyer told trustees the purchase would encourage recreation, tourism and potential business development along the trail.

Nut graf: At the same time trustees worked with Solid Waste Authority representatives to start a recycling pilot; the township placed phone-book recycling bins at the fire station and accepted grant assistance and operational guidance from the Authority. Trustees saw recycling as a cost-saving, environmental stewardship step as nearby landfills close and disposal costs rise.

Trustees approved the trail contribution by motion and unanimously accepted the recycling plan and initial site placement of bins. Solid Waste Authority staff detailed grant timelines and told the board the Authority could subsidize initial bin costs and provide collection logistics. The board also asked the clerk to handle publicity and follow-up with the Authority.

Ending: The board’s support of both the trail acquisition and recycling program signaled an appetite for regional partnership on recreation and waste-management initiatives; trustees asked for regular updates as grant applications and advertising proceed.