By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
A fix for traffic problems plaguing Swisher, Toy and Saltzgaber roads is on the way according to the Franklin County Engineer’s Office.
Fritz Crosier, chief deputy of engineering with the county, explained his department’s response to long-standing complaints at the Madison Township trustees’ Feb. 11 meeting.
While applications were approved by Ohio Public Works Commission in 2019 for projects submitted by both the township and the county, the township was asked to pull theirs. The county application was driven by a developer and is extensive.
“We’re currently working with the developer,” said Crosier, who said the project includes the full reconstruction of Saltzgaber Road with additional turn lanes on Groveport Road. Maintenance to improve and resurface Toy and Swisher roads, along with drainage improvements is included in the project.
Cul-de-sacs will close Toy Road, except for emergency vehicles, and keep truck traffic to the west and residential traffic to the east thereby separating commercial Toy Road from residential Toy Road. Low cost maintenance would address roadway issues on Toy and Swisher.
“We’re trying to get all of the commitments from the developer, who is eager to proceed with development and is interested in constructing the project later this summer,” said Croiser. “Saltzgaber was not meant for the traffic that is there now.”
While Trustee Chairman John Pritchard expressed concern about a right-of-way issue previously discussed, Croiser said a meeting with property owners went well.
“We’re all thrilled the project is going to happen and the roads are going to get fixed,” said Pritchard.
Citizens Advisory Committee
The township received 17 applications for its Citizen Advisory Committee. One was from Groveport, one from Canal Winchester and the remaining from residents throughout the township.
“We will review the applications and then set up the committee,” said Pritchard.
Committee meetings will be announced to the general public and recommendations reported to the trustees during their monthly meetings.
“I am directing the administrator to send a letter to the people selected for the Citizen’s Advisory Committee,” said Trustee Michele Reynolds, who expects the committee to hold their first meeting by the end of February and bring recommendations on the permissive vehicle tax to the trustees.
Fiscal Officer Laurie Vermeer said if the township wants to make the July deadline for the tax, a decision needs to be made in April.
