Sewer district project aims to relieve stormwater issues on four streets in Broadview Heights

by Jacqueline Mitchell

March 18 council meeting

Broadview Heights Mayor Sam Alai said the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District recently completed its stormwater master plan, “and the first project out of the box is a project in Broadview Heights in Briarwood Estates.”

The $10-million stormwater relief project aims to improve drainage in areas of West Ridge Drive, Echo Lane, Briarwood Drive and Wallings Road. Specifically, its goal is to eliminate first-floor flooding in eight houses; reduce flooding of the four roads; and improve floodplain connectivity, stream function and stream health by restoring a degraded, culverted stream to a natural channel. Bid opening is set for April 12.

“We are happy that NEORSD will be undertaking this project to help the residents in these areas that have experienced problems for many years,” said Councilperson George Stelmaschuk.

He said he began talking to residents on the four affected roads after a heavy rainstorm in 2006, and many of those residents had been experiencing flooding issues since before that time.

Stelmaschuk initially contacted the sewer district in November 2016 about the project, he said. Since then, he, the mayor, City Engineer Gary Yelenosky and Service Director David Schroedel have had several discussions with NEORSD in a concerted effort to make the project happen, he said.

Route 82 widening project

City council approved two pieces of legislation related to the Route 82 widening project, which will add two lanes to the existing three-lane roadway in a 6,200-foot stretch between Ken Mar Industrial Parkway and Town Centre Drive. Construction was slated to begin in April, and Yelenosky announced at a March 11 council work session that work is scheduled to be complete on Aug. 15, 2021. Total construction cost is estimated at $11 million.

The first resolution passed by council authorized the city to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Public Works Commission, which has agreed to give the city an interest-free $3.6 million loan for the project, according to Finance Director David Pfaff.

A second ordinance provided for the issuance and sale of notes in a maximum amount of $8 million, in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to provide funds for the project.

A portion of the widening project will take place in Brecksville, and the city has agreed to cover 30 percent of construction costs. Broadview Heights has received $6.5 million from the Ohio Department of Transportation and Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency for the road expansion.

Building official

Broadview Heights Building Official Michael Skvasik choked up while announcing his retirement, effective May 19.

“I hope that I contributed in some way to make Broadview Heights a better place during my time here,” he said. “God bless you. I will miss you.”

Members of council offered their well wishes to Skvasik and complimented him on the work he has done for the city.

School donations

Council approved several donations to local school districts. The city will donate $250 each to the North Royalton High School and Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School after-prom committees. In addition, the city will use proceeds from the 2018 Broadview Heights Home Days to donate two $500 scholarships: one to North Royalton City Schools and one to Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Schools, both to be awarded to Broadview Heights residents.

In other business, council:

  • Approved purchasing a light transit vehicle for the human services department from Bus Services Inc. through a $61,373 grant from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, of which $49,099 will be reimbursed.
  • Agreed to advertise for bids for concrete materials, asphalt materials and the city’s street striping program.
  • Authorized a $20,000 payment to the Southwest Council of Governments for membership dues.
  • Authorized the service department to sell two trucks via public auction.
  • Accepted a 2006 Ford SW Escape and 1999 Dodge Neon donated by Kevin and Judith Smith to the fire department for firefighting extrication training.
  • Approved the applications of property owners at 1400 W. Boston Rd. and 8900 Avery Rd. to place each parcel of land in an agricultural district.