Community Organizers and Officials Honored for Successful Campaign
The Brunswick City Council meeting transformed into a celebration as officials and community members gathered to commemorate their successful fight against a proposed highway interchange project that threatened local homes.
Mayor Ron Falcone presented proclamations to State Representatives Sharon Ray and Melanie Miller, along with County Commissioner Erin Harrison, recognizing their pivotal roles in stopping the interchange and working toward the repeal of section 5501.60 of the Revised Code.
“You really took an interest in helping my constituents, our constituents, in protecting their homes,” Mayor Falcone said during the ceremony. “You can’t get any more personal than your home.”
The grassroots organization “Homes Not Highways” received special recognition for mobilizing community opposition. Residents wore matching t-shirts and created signs to raise awareness about the potential negative impacts of the project.
A representative from the group, who works for the city, thanked everyone for their persistence. “It’s been a ride. It’s been a real ride,” he said. “I know there’s even more people that probably couldn’t make it tonight.”
In addition to celebrating the interchange victory, the council issued proclamations for Childhood Apraxia of Speech Awareness Day (May 14th) and National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23).
A parent whose daughter has childhood apraxia explained the challenges of the neurological disorder. “When Delaney got diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech, we’d never heard of it. We had no support and had to do all our own research,” she said. The family has since created a parent support group to help others facing similar challenges.
Councilman Delsanter praised the community effort regarding the interchange project. “The Homes Not Highway group inspired a bunch of hard-sitting politicians to get off of their tail and do something about a big problem,” he said. “Watching all of you commit yourselves inspired every one of us to do our job.”
Vice Mayor Nick Hanek announced that a “Homes Not Highways” t-shirt would be displayed on the council chamber wall as a reminder of what the community accomplished together. “It’s up there as a memory but it’s also that we can put that shirt back on and fight again if we need to,” he said.
During council business, Andrea Shore was appointed to the Medina County Advisory Council for Aging and Disability, and the mayor recommended Denise Arno for the ethics board. Councilman Smith announced that Bike Medina County slow rolls would begin June 5th, starting at Plum Creek.
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