Lancaster · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lancaster public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
River Valley Boulevard intersection repaved
After residents complained about vehicle damage at the Whittier/River Valley four-way stop, Council Member Sollie and code enforcement got the mall to repave the deteriorated intersection.
Sixth Avenue Bridge delay
The project must be rebid after the only bid came in more than 20% above the $2.4 million estimate; the city hopes raising the estimate to about $2.55 million will draw more competitive bids.
East Main Street shoulder widening and sidewalk project
The city is spending $335,000 total on land acquisition for the East Main Street walkways, 90 percent federally reimbursed — but the property owners along the route don't want to sell, and Knisley warned eminent domain could be used.
Arbor Valley Drive and 6th Avenue bridge progress
Council passed funding using school district contributions and street levy funds for this road project.
Transit EV study MOU with the county
Since transit moved to the county, a state EV study grant stays in the city's name — the county will do the study and spend the money, with reimbursements routed through the city back to the county.
Chestnut Street one-way conversion
Chestnut Street between High and Columbus becomes one-way westbound June 3. It fixes the narrow-street parking hazards, creates a three-way stop at High and Chestnut, and adds about 20 downtown parking spaces. Residents who've lost cars to crashes there strongly support it.
Complete streets after Lincoln Avenue crash
Two recent curb-jumping crashes — one at Firehouse Park — have a resident urging council to redesign streets so speeding drivers can't leave the roadway.
Eastside Industrial Connector Study
The city won an $800,000 federal grant to study an alternate east-west corridor to relieve Main Street traffic. The legislation lets the city sign the agreement and hire engineers for the feasibility study.
Whiley Road reconstruction
The city can now sign agreements with Fairfield County and hire consultants, bid the work, and award a construction contract for rebuilding Whiley Road.