Councilmember Paley and Neighborhood Leaders Open Improved Fairwood Avenue Near Church and School
For Immediate Release
November 19, 2012
Contacts:
Dan Williamson, Mayor’s Office, 645-5300
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
Rick Tilton, Public Service, 645-7263
George Zonders, Public Utilities, 645-2926
City Councilmember Paley and Neighborhood Leaders Open Improved Fairwood Avenue Near Church and School
Rebuilt Street and New Sidewalks Improve Pedestrian Safety
City Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, Marion Franklin Area Civic Association President Robert Patterson, Hope United Methodist Church Reverend Richard Dunbar and Watkins Elementary School Principal Tom Revou today opened a rebuilt Fairwood Avenue between Watkins Road and Koebel Road. The reconstructed road that runs by the church and one block west of the school includes new sidewalks, curbs and storm sewers. Fairwood Avenue between Watkins and Koebel roads previously had no sidewalks or curbs.
“Our investment in sidewalks and a reconstructed street will make Fairwood Avenue safer for children and all residents who walk in the neighborhood,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “But we also need motorists to do their part and be alert and slow down.”
The addition of 40 Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps also increases safety for pedestrians who need the ramps to safely cross the street. New storm sewers, curbs, gutters and a roadway that was lowered in the reconstruction of the street will improve stormwater drainage.
“Strong and safe neighborhoods include sidewalks that promote the walkability and wellness of a community,” said Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee. “These improvements that we are celebrating today mean a better Columbus for decades to come.”
The Department of Public Service and Department of Public Utilities worked closely with the neighborhood to plan the project.
“Thank you Mayor Coleman and members of the City Council for your due diligence in making the Fairwood Project a successful and needed addition in making the Marion-Franklin/Southfield Area the best and safest place in the city to live, work and raise a family,” said Marion-Franklin Area Civic Association President Robert Patterson.
The project also includes improvements to Benvue Drive, Faber Avenue, Fairbank Avenue, Evergreen Road and an alley north of Watkins Road that runs east and west between Fairwood Avenue and Bulen Avenue. The roadways, curbs and sidewalks on Benvue Drive, Faber Avenue, Fairbank Avenue and Evergreen Road between Fairwood Avenue and points 100 feet west of Fairwood Avenue were reconstructed. The alley between Fairwood Avenue and a point 75 feet east of Fairwood Avenue was reconstructed.
The project was completed on time and under budget by $400,000. The $3.9 million cost of the project includes design, acquisition of right-of-way, construction and inspection costs.
A separate sewer project that has just been completed installed new storm sewers on Fairwood Avenue between Watkins Road and Southfield Drive South and on Southfield Drive South between Fairwood Avenue and Woodway Road.
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