Winter stops Crocker-Stearns work
By Jeff Gallatin
North Olmsted
Published Dec. 19, 2007

With bad weather closing in, work on the $13 million Crocker-Stearns road extension project is shutting down for the winter this week.

North Olmsted city officials expressed disappointment that the work on their portion of the project to link the roadways and cut down on other traffic throughout the area was not completed, adding that they hoped the work would get back on track when work resumes in the spring. The initial timetable for the work when the long-awaited project got underway in the spring had projected having the North Olmsted portion of the work be done by the end of 2007. However, unexpected delays in sewer work and the need to do additional work slowed the work by Fabrizi Construction in the late summer and fall.

Despite the delays, North Olmsted Mayor Thomas O’Grady said he is taking an attitude of cautious optimism about the project into the holiday season.

“I’m disappointed that they weren’t able to get all the work done in the city like had been planned,” O’Grady said. “It’s a project people have been talking about for a number of years, so there has been a great deal of anticipation about it in the community. People are anxious to get it done.

“However, I’m pleased that the project officials believe they will be able to get the project back on track next year and actually be able to complete the entire project by the end of 2008 instead of early in 2009 as originally planned,” he said. “When we get the work done, it will be a major addition because it will link those roads and stop a lot of traffic from going down a lot of side streets in the area, which will make it better for those neighborhoods.”

O’Grady said he still sees the project as helping spur additional growth and positive development for the area.

“It will bring a lot to the area in terms of strong development as long as we do it right, which is why we’ve been studying it closely as a city and are working to find the right pieces to put in place in the area.”

Nicole Dailey Jones, the city council streets and transportation committee chairwoman who also represents Ward 3, the area where the project goes through North Olmsted, said the delay has been tough on city residents living in the area.

“It’s already hard for the people in the area just because it’s a major project going on in their neighborhood with all the work and delays that goes with it,” Jones said. “Now, it’s gone on into the winter without being completed, which is unfortunate. The city and county have been working with residents on getting them proper access to their homes and the area through the project area and we will continue to do so. My hope is that they will get the project work done as quickly as possible next year and provide relief for residents of the area.”

Michael Gareau Jr., chairman of city council’s Building, Zoning and Development Committee, said he hopes the area will be secured properly during the winter months.

“There have been some safety issues in the project area,” Gareau said. “I would hope they have the problems dealt with or the area properly marked so motorists and people in the area are aware.”

City Service Director Duane Limpert said he’s pleased that the sidewalks were scheduled to be poured on the east side of the project area this week.

“That’s at least one part of the project which should make it a little easier for people in the area right now,” Limpert said. “We also will continue to communicate with the county and project officials about any further developments for the work which will affect people.”