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Different view offered for Mill Street boardwalk
(by Barbara Christian - July 28, 2010)
Different view offered for Mill Street boardwalk
By BARBARA CHRISTIAN
Chagrin Falls Village Council's streets and sidewalks committee got a look Monday at what a proposed Mill Street boardwalk could look like.
Robert Darden, a builder and part owner of the Spillway property at the end of Mill Street, presented a model showing an exposed steel girder and wood railings and walkway illuminated by industrial-style lampposts.
Mr. Darden said his boardwalk idea at the former Ivex-Alcoa property on Cleveland Street is intended to recapture the industrial feel of the Spillway property, which was historically a paper-making plant.
Although wood or a wood composite is shown as construction material for the surface of the boardwalk, the walkway could be made with a lattice-style steel which would allow rain and snow to drip through. A wood strip could be installed to prevent high heels from becoming stuck in the grating, he added.
Mr. Darden also suggested raising the boardwalk 2 feet above the roadway to provide extra separation.
Spillway is planned as a multi-use retail, office and entertainment area featuring a brewery and restaurant as its centerpiece.
Mr. Darden said it was appropriate for him to suggest the look of the planned Mill Street boardwalk, since Spillway will be paying for part of it.
Village Engineer Timothy Lannon said he admired the look of Mr. Lannon's concept, and, while materials were different from his engineer's vision, it was not far from an engineered design.
Mr. Darden said his idea would be less expensive, and that is a consideration where Spillway's role is concerned.
Mr. Lannon's estimate for the 425-foot-long boardwalk is $300,000. He said he doesn't think Mr. Darden's proposal would be that much less expensive.
Councilwoman Janis Evans, who chairs the streets and sidewalks committee, asked if the boardwalk would expose the village to liability.
Law Director Steve Byron said the village should not "let liability drive the project," noting that conditions on Mill Street already present a risk for the village.
The Mill Street boardwalk is key in the long-needed link between the north and south ends of town and between the schools and Hamlet Village and library, officials have said.
Hamlet residents have lobbied council for years for a way to walk to the library using Cleveland Street instead of Bell Street and the long way around. The seniors have pointed out nonexistent or disrepaired sidewalks on Cleveland Street and Bell Street.
When the new Mill Street and boardwalk will be built is unknown. The village is working with some funds provided by federal government and the Safe Routes to Schools grant, but will seek other outside funding sources.
Mr. Lannon advised the streets and sidewalks committee that is still preparing a survey of the larger project, which includes Cleveland Street sidewalks that will extend from East Washington Street to North Street and including the boardwalk.
Sidewalk-assessment information and a hearing process involving property owners also must be done.
Estimates are 2,375 feet of sidewalk exist between North Street and Cleveland Street. The estimated sidewalk budget, including crosswalk flashers and two sections of retaining wall, is $975,000.
While sidewalks are key to enhance the way pedestrians will access the village and its services and attractions, it was not the only issue to occupy the village.
On Monday, council passed an ordinance submitting an application for transportation program funds through the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency. The funds would be used to rebuild a portion of Mill Street adjacent to North Street, and top it with brick like that which exists there now. Some federal funds already have been obtained for the project.
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