PLYMOUTH – Plymouth Mayor Cassaundra Fryman is focused on shaping the future of the village.
Voters in both Richland and Huron counties re-elected her to a second term last November. She defeated challenger Shane McClary.
Fryman gave her State of the Village address Feb. 13 during a Plymouth Village Council meeting. The mayor is hoping to build on momentum generated throughout 2023.
“This year, we aim to craft long-term planning strategies, ensuring sustainable growth and improved, updated, infrastructure,” she said.
“We will also be working on fostering stronger ties in both counties we call home, building a network that strengthens our community and becomes a pipeline for more resources and opportunities.”
Long-term planning pays off for Plymouth
The mayor said 2023 was the year Plymouth proved how “long-term planning and work” can pay off.
The village successfully negotiated with multiple parties to resolve the funding for a bridge replacement on West Broadway Street.
Last October, Fryman announced Plymouth had been awarded more than $1.7 million in grant funds from the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The bridge, closed since July 2022, is centrally located in Plymouth and its closure has impacted roughly 350-400 homes.
Construction is estimated to begin around 2026, Fryman told Richland Source in October 2023.
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Additionally, the West Broadway Street repaving project – a three-year effort – has been completed.
This work improved the village’s infrastructure and removed lead water lines along a residential corridor, the mayor said.
Grant funds and donor contributions allowed the village to open a splash pad at the Plymouth Pool.
“We will continue working to improve our beautiful park and eagerly anticipate this year’s improvements on the scout hut, and other projects for this year.”
Future infrastructure projects a priority
Financially, Fryman said the village is well-positioned to continue operating “in the green.”
She added Plymouth has a “modest” budget and the projects the village would like to complete will be costly.
“With fiscal responsibility we will continue maximizing the use of each dollar we spend in order to keep the village operating efficiently,” the mayor said.
Multiple infrastructure improvements are planned for the future, in addition to the West Broadway Street bridge replacement.
Participation in ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program will improve existing infrastructure for students who walk to Plymouth-Shiloh Local Schools.
The program “provides resources, technical assistance and project funding to encourage and enable students in grades K-12 to walk or ride their bike to school,” according to ODOT.
Improving the village’s park entrance and enhancing crosswalk safety is another project on the agenda, Fryman said.
“We also have several smaller projects, including the mapping of all remaining lead water lines and planning for their eventual removal,” she said.
The village also has several grant submissions they’re hoping to hear back about soon.
While the village continues to make upgrades and improvements, Fryman hopes to preserve tradition as well.
“Together, we can build on our historic, beautiful village and continue maintaining the heart of what makes Plymouth such a special place to live and raise a family,” she said.