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City files paperwork for West Broad Street park
The proposed West Broad Street park for the Westland area appears to be a step closer to reality. The park will lie on 30 acres of land south of U.S. Route 40 at Alton & Darby Creek Road. According to Maureen Lorenz, representative of Columbus Recreation and Parks, paperwork for the necessary permits is being filed. Development of the project began a year ago, but the city of Columbus had difficulties getting permits through the Darby Accord. The land is in the Darby flood plain. This puts the city on the same time frame as a year ago, where construction would start in April and finish in October. Since then the city has reached in agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A stream that runs through the property will be rerouted so the parking lot meets the required 400-foot setback. Lorenz said the water quality will not be harmed. The traffic light at the entrance to the park could be converted from a three-way to a four-way signal. “If no one is in the park, there is no need for the light to be changing,” Lorenz said. The park will have two soccer fields, two walking trails of a quarter mile each and the parking lot will accommodate 51 vehicles. Lorenz said a recreation center is still a possibility. One problem the city faced was the cost of operating the center once it was built. However, with talks of partnering with Prairie Township, a center is back on the table. “We now have a new partner and we’re excited,” Lorenz said. “This time they bring eggs in their basket.” Lorenz said the Joint Economic Development Zone voters approved in November could assess income tax to help provide funds for such projects. WAC elections WAC President Linda Pitts announced petitions are available for those who wish to serve on the commission. Petitions are available at the Westland Area Library, 4740 W. Broad S. Petitions should be returned by March 21. Elections will be held May 5.
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