Macedonia Approves New Longwood Trail, Debates RV Rules, Updates on BP and Key Inn Properties

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