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Residents get edgy as berms get stoned
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - October 01, 2008)
Residents get edgy as berms get stoned
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Munson Township Trustees took requests last week from residents who would rather not have stone berms along the fronts of their yards.
Trustees discussed requests from residents on Rockhaven Road and Stonegate Drive to forego the stone berms along their properties.
Rockhaven Road resident Hugo Alpers said the stone presents an obstacle to mowing his lawn, where it meets the blacktop.
Trustees took the requests under advisement but took no action, instead turning the matter over to Road Superintendent James Teichman for consideration.
Mr. Teichman said the latest requests are not the only ones the township has taken from residents who want to avoid the swatch along roadways. Previous requests have come from various corners of the township, including Woodiebrook Road, he said.
Mr. Teichman said a decision would have to be reached quickly, because the township is under contract for the berms along recently paved roads.
He said he is not in favor of foregoing the stone or recycle asphalt that is used to cover the generally foot-wide berms. The berms serve a specific purpose in providing support to the pavement, he said. Without it, the asphalt roadway begins to fold over and will crack, Mr. Teichman said.
The policy is backed by the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Geauga County Engineer's Office.
Mr. Teichman said virtually all roads have gravel berms, although grass has grown through the stones in some areas.
But some residents say the stones present problems for lawn mowers. Township Trustee Frank Gliha said he has ruined the blades on his mower after getting too close to the roadway.
Whether the township has a choice on whether to include the berms will be studied before any action is taken, Mr. Teichman said.
But Mr. Alpers already decided to take his chances without a berm along his property. He erected a row of signs along his front yard, asking that no gravel be laid down there.
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