Girard resident suggests recreation projects

Council to decide on uses of former Leatherworks land

GIRARD -- With the Ohio Leatherworks property being cleaned up and contaminated soil removed, residents asked city officials what could be located there for public use.

Jan Padgett was among 15 people at Monday's council meeting, and she asked if activities for adults could be located there.

"I would like to know what is going to be done with the Ohio Leatherworks. That is a concern of mine. The city got the grant money and got it cleaned to a certain degree," Padgett said.

"We have Tod Park for baseball. We have Liberty Park for soccer and hopefully a splash pad. I would like to have Ohio Leatherworks dedicated to adults," Padgett said, suggesting tennis and basketball courts, sitting areas and a pavilion for people to sit and listen to bands and concerts.

Mayor James Melfi said all contaminated soil at the property has been removed and replaced, with only some minor debris left that needs to be removed.

"Whatever goes there, and we have been proposing a bike trail, a canoe launch, it is in the hands of city council. City council chooses what goes on property. I can only suggest it as mayor," Melfi said.

He said the Appalachian Regional Commission funding coming for the city can be used for a bike trail through the property off North State Street.

"The bike trail is very doable. We could have a combination of recreational and commercial uses at the property," Melfi said.

GUNSHOTS

In other business, Annette Minnitti of Stambaugh Street spoke of her concerns about gunfire being heard often between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. coming from near the railroad tracks.

"We hear this all night long. It is continuous gunfire. I was not sure who we are to call and what can be done about it," she said.

Minnitti said her family also hears the sound of four wheelers in the area.

Safety / Service Director Jerry Lambert said residents need to contact the police.

He said he is aware of another area of the city where gunfire also is often heard by residents who have complained of "menacing."

"What is difficult is, you have to catch people in the act," Lambert said.

MORE ITEMS

Fire Chief James Petruzzi said the city fire department, as well as Liberty and Hubbard fire departments, has been jointly awarded a $100,000 grant for getting a fire prevention trailer.

He said the trailer will be shared by the three communities for smoke-detection training and severe weather training.

Petruzzi said he also met with council's health / safety committee about seeking funds for the possibility of constructing a new fire station. He said the matter is being discussed, with funding not yet approved by state officials.

Also, 1st Ward Councilman Keith Schubert said he has received numerous calls from people complaining about residents' trash sitting out by the roads.

He said he knows this is the time of the year for spring cleaning but the situation needs to be monitored so it does not become an unsightly problem.