NORTHWOOD, Ohio — The city of Northwood is proposing to put in roundabouts near the entrance to the new high school and potential redevelopment of the old Woodville Mall.
The city hired an outside contractor come in and do a safety study for Woodville Road from Williston Road to Norcross Drive.
Federal grant money would mean that improvements to the aging state route would cost the city 10% or less of the entire project.
"I look at it now as a way to keep traffic moving. You might be going a little slower by having the roundabout, but you're going faster than if it was a red light," Bob Armstrong, Northwood City Administrator, said.
It could also mean decreasing the number of accidents. The stretch at the road between Williston Road to Norcross Drive has had fatal crashes.
Additionally, there are plans to put in sidewalks and lighting near the schools.
Some of the money for that has already been secured.
"It is important that these things are marked well, that people have an idea of where they need to be," Armstrong said.
Perhaps the most controversial part of the recommendation is the installment of a pair of roundabouts, much like the one outside Springfield High School in Lucas County.
"Woodville Road probably needs some changes. As far as a roundabout at that location, I would have a lot of questions about the school right there, and there are a lot of children that walk to school," Fran Gordon, owner of Tax Tyme Services located at Woodville Road, said.
Also being discussed is redevelopment of the former Woodville Mall.
The city bought the vacant property and paid to safely tear down the asbestos-filled buildings.
As part of this step forward the hope is to put in a new mixed use commercial and residential living area with apartments, office space and green space.
The city is hoping to begin work next year and has plans of applying for various state and federal grants. Leaders do not foresee any new tax levy to make the development happen in the near future.
