Council Advances Longwood Park Trail Project
Macedonia to Begin $571,000 Trail Construction This Fall
Macedonia City Council unanimously approved a contract with Ohio Paving & Construction Company for the Longwood Park Trail Improvement Project during Thursday’s meeting. The $571,829 project will create a 10-foot-wide, 1.04-mile paved asphalt trail around the outside of Longwood Park.
City Engineer Joe Gigliotti said the contractor previously worked on the park’s main driveway and was the lowest bidder. Construction is expected to begin this fall and complete within 30 days.
Council President Jeff Garvas praised the project as accessible to all residents. “This is absolutely for everybody in the park – any age, any mobility, any skill level,” he said.
The trail will loop around the baseball fields and west side of the park, extending to Longwood Manor, while preserving existing wooded trails.
Council Debates RV Parking Rules for Summer Use
Proposed Changes Would Allow Recreational Vehicles in Driveways During Camping Season
Macedonia City Council introduced legislation to modify recreational vehicle parking restrictions, potentially allowing RVs to be visible from streets during summer months from May 1 through September 30.
Council President Jeff Garvas explained the proposal responds to resident feedback about preparing RVs for camping trips. Current rules require recreational vehicles to be hidden from street view year-round.
Council members discussed adjusting the start date, with Councilor Vini Ventura suggesting March 1 to accommodate spring break trips. Others preferred April 15 as a compromise.
Building Commissioner Nino Monaco identified existing code conflicts that need resolution, including restrictions that currently only allow passenger cars and trucks to park overnight in residential areas.
The ordinance includes provisions preventing permanent utility connections and prohibiting RVs from being used as dwellings.
New Driveway Requirements Under Discussion
Hard Surface Mandate for New Residential Driveways Advances
Council moved forward with second reading of an ordinance requiring new residential driveways and parking areas to be constructed with hard surfaces – concrete or asphalt – rather than gravel.
Building Commissioner Nino Monaco said the change addresses maintenance issues with gravel driveways that become wider over time and lack clear boundaries. The requirement would apply to driveways being more than 40% replaced.
The ordinance previously received planning commission review and aims to enhance city appearance while maintaining property standards.
Mayor, Law Director Address Vacant Property Issues
BP Station Settlement Near; Key Inn Property in Complex Litigation
Mayor Nicholas Molnar and Law Director Mark Guidetti provided updates on two long-standing vacant properties after a resident raised concerns about their deteriorating conditions.
The former BP station situation is nearing resolution. “We’re really right up to the point where we’re about to have a settlement agreement executed,” Guidetti told council. The settlement includes specific requirements to improve the facility’s appearance and encourage productive use. The city had been close to demolishing the building when an injunction was filed in court.
The Key Inn property presents a more complex situation. The city successfully obtained an injunction through Summit County Court of Common Pleas to stop operations due to safety issues and the deteriorating nature of the building. Simultaneously, a foreclosure action proceeded through the bank holding the mortgage.
“That foreclosure has fairly recently been granted, went through a couple attempted sheriff sales,” Guidetti explained. The property is currently being considered for purchase by a third party who may put it back into use, though significant work would be needed.
Guidetti emphasized the city’s position: “We’re basically waiting to see how that’s shaping up. But we’re also trying to make it very clear if that doesn’t happen in the immediately near future, the city’s going to take additional steps.”
Mayor Molnar expressed frustration with the lengthy legal processes, noting he’s been working diligently with the law department on both properties. He’s also discussing the broader issue with a state senator regarding legislation that might address how long property owners can leave dilapidated buildings vacant.
Traffic Safety Concerns Raised at Highland Road
Dangerous Left Turns Prompt Call for Signal Timing Review
A resident brought safety concerns to council regarding the traffic light at South Bedford and Highland roads, reporting dangerous left-turn conditions during peak afternoon hours.
The resident described traffic backing up past the bridge with close calls between vehicles attempting left turns and eastbound traffic on Highland. The situation worsens during school hours despite classes not yet being in session.
Mayor Molnar acknowledged the problem, saying several council members live in the area and often avoid the intersection.
The city plans to add a right-hand turn lane on Highland Road in 2027-2028, which should improve traffic flow, though the left-turn visibility issue will persist. Council may need to re-evaluate the flashing light timing for peak hours from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Administrative Appointments and City Operations
New Assistant Building Commissioner Hired; Elevator Repairs Begin
Building Commissioner Nino Monaco announced the hiring of Todd Allen as assistant building commissioner. Allen brings 25 years of experience from Summit County and holds all required certifications except plumbing, which Monaco hopes to help him obtain.
Mayor Molnar said the position prepares for future succession planning as Monaco approaches retirement, ensuring continuity of building department expertise.
The mayor also announced city hall’s elevator will be out of service for up to a month beginning Monday for major repairs. Residents needing basement access should plan accordingly.
Additional departmental updates included ongoing sidewalk repairs affecting 25,000 square feet of concrete, completion of Ledge Road paving phase one, and preparation for the annual recreation center shutdown August 21-September 1.
Solicitation Regulations Strengthened
New Ordinance Targets Aggressive Door-to-Door Sales
Council introduced legislation to strengthen regulations on peddlers, solicitors and canvassers following numerous resident complaints. Councilor Vini Ventura said solicitation has become the biggest complaint during his door-to-door campaigning this year.
The proposed changes increase penalties to misdemeanor of the second degree for first offenses and first degree for repeat violations within 90 days. Registration fees would increase to $100, with exemptions for tax-exempt organizations.
Business hours would be restricted to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with no activity on holidays. “No solicitors” signs would be required to be at least 3×4 inches and prominently displayed.
Law Director Mark Guidetti explained municipalities cannot completely ban solicitation due to constitutional protections, but can impose reasonable restrictions.
TIF Agreement for Divinity Landing Project
Council Approves Tax Increment Financing for New Development
Council approved an emergency ordinance establishing a tax increment financing (TIF) agreement for the Divinity Landing development near Northwoods. The TIF will capture property tax increases from the development to fund public infrastructure improvements. Related press release about Divinity Landing.
Finance Director John Veres explained the arrangement allows the city to capture dollars that would otherwise go to the county for public improvements in the area. School districts will continue receiving their full tax payments.
The development required extensive tree removal, prompting Building Commissioner Monaco to promise individual meetings with affected residents about privacy screening and replacement plantings before issuing occupancy permits.
Fall Fest Returns with Fireworks Finale
September 27 Event at Longwood Park to Feature Postponed Summer Celebration
Parks and Recreation Director Peter Eckendorf announced Fall Fest will return Saturday, September 27 at Longwood Park, featuring the fireworks display originally planned for the summer sendoff event.
The annual community celebration will take advantage of the park’s amenities and provide families with entertainment as summer transitions to fall. The fireworks finale will cap off the day’s activities.
Details about specific activities, vendors, and timing will be announced as the event approaches. The celebration represents the parks department’s commitment to providing quality community programming despite earlier scheduling challenges.
Council also established finance committee meeting schedule: September 11 for capital projects covering police, fire, service and city hall departments; September 25 for operating budget review; and October 23 for annual appropriations ordinance first reading. Meetings will begin one hour before regular caucus sessions.
The recreation center’s annual shutdown runs August 21 for the pool through September 1 for maintenance projects including work on the activity pool and other facility improvements.
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