Ashtabula Community Development: Underground Railroad Preservation, Amtrak Expansion, and Affordable Housing Initiatives

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ASHTABULA, Ohio – The first week of 2026 proved to be a marathon for local officials as they navigated over four hours of public discourse and legislative planning centered on Ashtabula community development. Between the Regular Council meeting on Monday and the Community Development Committee on Wednesday, the city moved forward on several fronts, ranging from the preservation of its abolitionist history to the modernization of its transportation and housing infrastructure.

The week began with a Regular Council session that introduced a new, streamlined agenda format designed to improve transparency and efficiency. A significant portion of the legislative business involved “pension pickups” for city employees, a standard but essential administrative move to ensure the stability of the city’s workforce. However, the meeting also saw a return to the ongoing debate regarding the city’s Racism Ad Hoc Committee. While some residents expressed frustration over the committee’s progress, council members emphasized that the work is ongoing and remains a priority for the city’s social and Ashtabula community development goals.

On Wednesday, the focus shifted to the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum. Chairman Chiron Singh provided a detailed historical briefing, reminding the committee that Ashtabula was a critical “terminal” for freedom seekers. Singh noted that the museum is currently seeking more docents and annual memberships to maintain the historic site. Council members, led by Chair DiGiacomo, pushed for a “succession plan” that would involve local high school and university students, ensuring that the legacy of figures like Joshua Giddings and Benjamin Wade remains a cornerstone of the city’s identity.

Transportation and housing also dominated the committee’s agenda. City Manager James M. Timonere reported on the “Great Lakes Limited” project, a coalition effort to bring Amtrak service back to the old depot location. This expansion would be bolstered by GoBus Ohio, which is looking to add an Ashtabula stop to its network. Furthermore, Timonere detailed the “Welcome Home Ohio” initiative, which will use land bank funds to build three affordable modular homes in the Station Avenue area by May. This project is a key pillar of Ashtabula community development, aimed at transitioning residents from substandard rentals into high-quality, affordable homeownership.

Finally, the “State of the Parks” was addressed by Tim Dibble, who highlighted the 2025 success of the Walnut Peach Inclusion Zone and the renewal of the park levy. Looking ahead to 2026, the city plans to complete the fencing at 38th Street Park and initiate a pollinator park at Caden Park. The committee also moved the “Keep Ashtabula Beautiful Ordinance” to the full council, a piece of legislation that will codify tree replacement and maintenance standards to ensure the city’s green spaces are preserved for years to come.