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Sidewalk plans move ahead for Bainbridge Road
(by Sue Reid - December 15, 2010)
Sidewalk plans move ahead for Bainbridge Road
By SUE REID
Solon City Council's public works committee approved a motion last week to accept the recommendations from ward council members in the Bainbridge Road area to install sidewalks on both sides of the entire length of the street.
As part of the motion, the committee also will provide proper notification to the Cuyahoga County Engineer's Office.
Public Works Director James S. Stanek said that, per the design of the project, the sidewalks would be installed the entire length of the road and would stop just short of the eastern corporation line.
"Are we going to defer from the original plan or go as designed?" Mr. Stanek said of the question that needs answered. "The sidewalks are already in, so the decision would be whether or not to move forward with them."
Mr. Stanek said it's important to move forward and let the county know the city's decision.
Ward 3 Councilwoman Toni M. Richmond presented at a recent meeting of the public works committee the findings of a survey she conducted with regard to sidewalks. Based on the opinions she gathered from residents on Bainbridge Road and in contiguous neighborhoods, she recommended sidewalks on both sides of the road.
Ward 6 Councilman Edward H. Kraus shared that opinion.
During the public works meeting, Councilman Robert N. Pelunis read a letter from Mr. Kraus, who stated his position on the subject. He said he did not agree with using residents' property to install a temporary road for the project. But now "that the property has been acquired and used for a temporary road, I would find it disingenuous to not provide sidewalks on Bainbridge Road, at least between City Hall and Liberty Road," he said.
"Before the improvement project, sidewalks were partially installed on the south side of Bainbridge Road in this area and for a short time on the north side," Mr. Kraus said. "I firmly believe sidewalks are imperative for this section of Bainbridge to eliminate safety concerns for pedestrians, especially those living on Bainbridge Road and the developments off of Bainbridge Road who prefer to walk to places such as City Hall, Marc's and Walgreens."
Mr. Kraus said the installation of sidewalks is required for any other new development or new road project.
"Therefore, I would support the installation of sidewalks on both sides of Bainbridge Road at least between City Hall and Liberty Road," he said. "This part of Bainbridge Road was always designed with sidewalks to provide residents with a safe place to walk." He also said it would be unsafe for residents to use the bike lane for walking.
Ms. Richmond, who received input from nearly 175 residents, also cited safety reasons for those desiring sidewalks in order to be more connected in Solon. "People said they feel it is dangerous to walk on Bainbridge Road," Ms. she said following her survey.
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