Richland County is undergoing a transformation, an economic and community-specific boost, so to speak. Community-driven, development-targeted and culture-enriching sector projects have been, or are underway, in areas from beautification to safety to educational and artistic support, in the effort to better the communities and its residents.
The Richland County Development Group, with cooperation from development, educational and community improvement organizations throughout the county, has become a ‘Single Point of Contact’ with a goal to provide economic and community development.
“We are grateful for the funds and try to use them where they would have the most impact,” said Bridget McDaniel, Executive Director at RCDG.
For the second year in a row RCDG has received a $50,000 grant from the Richland County Foundation.
Last year RCDG funded approximately 20 sector projects and currently has seven projects under way with two pending approval.
Karen Smith, owner of Smith Hardware in Bellville and a member of the Bellville Revitalization Committee commented on the assistance received from RCDG, “It was wonderful to get the money, it helped the project to look finished,” she said, adding, “ We appreciate everything they have done for us and the community.”
The original funds set for the Streetscape project in Bellville provided enough money to complete the improvements just short of State Route 97 and Main Street. The funds provided by RCDG, a total of $ 10,496, helped to extend the work to include that section and the ability to purchase four additional street lights to be placed on either side of Main Street, including in front of and behind the bandstand.
Brad Preston, Chairman of the BRC said, “Of course we are very grateful for the help, it helped too give the Streetscape project continuity.” Lake Erie are the contractors overseeing the project and the project is estimated for completion in late August with the lights as some of the final touches.
Christina Thompson, Community & Economic Development Coordinator of Shelby expressed her gratitude in being included as one of the most recently approved sectors to benefit. She noted that Shelby Green is a multifaceted project that began in 2011 with grant money from ODOT as part of a gateway program to welcome visitors to Shelby. The ODOT grant money paid for a landscaping including trees and plants on either side of Route 39.
The RCDG sector funds totally $8,900 will be put toward signage. A “Shelby Welcomes You” sign will be designed by Lantz Star Graphics and fabricated by Cooper Enterprises, both of Shelby. “We are fortunate to have manufacturers here in Shelby,” Thompson also added, “Improved signage will allow residents and visitors to easily identify locations in order to participate in educational and recreational activities in the City of Shelby.”
The B & O Bike Trail that extends from Mansfield to Lexington and on into Bellville and Butler will also benefit from the sector project money. Lee Tasseff,Mansfield Visitors Bureau president said.”Based on frontline experience and feedback about the bike trails, we realized the bike trails map had not been updated and needed to be in digital form.” Tasseff noted the RCDG money helped to facilitate that project for the good of the community. “The updated maps will be available in print as well as digital form,” he added “This will provide those who use the trail a reference as well as those not very familiar to see where the trail takes them as well as businesses in and around the area.”
With many more projects in the works, McDaniel noted in order to receive funds the process for consideration involves a two page application to be submitted and three points to be identified and considered include: What is it they wish to accomplish? Will they leverage other funds? And is there any other “in-kind” money?
From educational, community, government and agricultural sector projects of the past to the more recent beautification, tourism and cultural projects in the art sector, RCDG has a hand in creating a positive point of impact across Richland County.
“We are grateful for the funds and try to use them where they would have the most impact,” said Bridget McDaniel, Executive Director at RCDG.
