ONTARIO — Ontario Mayor Kris Knapp knows the wheels of government grind slowly.
Efforts to improve safety and mobility in “old Ontario” may take years, but Knapp outlined a plan to get started at a school board meeting Tuesday night.
“I’ve learned real quick in government, it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years,” Knapp said.
“By the end of 2025, we’ll have a final plan and then a basic cost,” he added. “We’re putting this plan together so each year we can implement this. Hopefully in five, 10 years, along with our comprehensive plan, we have this area developed.”
It all started with the city’s Safe Routes to School grant application in November.
Knapp announced in January that funds had been awarded to hire a professional consultant from the Ohio Department of Transportation. That consultant will work with a committee of city and school officials to develop a school travel plan.
That committee will include Knapp, Ontario Safety Service Director Adam Gongwer, Ontario councilman Joshua Bradley, city engineering firm KEM McCartney and Ontario Police Chief Tom Hill.
School district representatives will include Supt. Keith Strickler, assistant superintendent Mike Ream and school board members Heidi Zimmerman and Brett Baxter.
Former Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson will serve as the community representative. Hutchinson works as the mobility manager with the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging and, according to Knapp, lives within the two-mile radius surrounding the school.
Knapp said having a plan will allow the city to apply for additional grants to cover the cost of sidewalks and other mobility and safety improvements within a two-mile radius of the school district campus on Shelby-Ontario road.
Committee will develop school travel plan by end of 2025
Knapp said the committee will form and hold its initial meeting in April or May and immediately begin collecting data. During the summer, the committee will look for key issues.
In the fall, the committee will develop a draft plan and hold a public meeting where residents can provide input as required but the grant. The committee will develop its final plans and beginning apply for grants at the end of the year.
Knapp said having the plan will allow the city to apply for safety and small city grants to implement the plan.
According to Knapp, small city grants are specifically for municipalities with between 5,000 and 24,999 residents.
“We’re not competing against the Cincinnatis or the Clevelands or the Akrons,” Knapp said. “We are dealing with the cities of our size with this.”
Strickler said he has wanted for years to build additional sidewalks and safety features such as crosswalks.
“I can think of lots of places where kids might face safety hazards trying to walk or bike to school,” he said. “The city’s growth since I was growing up has added a lot of heavy traffic.
“We have great neighborhoods in Ontario, but they’re not very walkable.”
Ontario’s elementary, middle and high schools are all located on Shelby-Ontario Road. To be eligible for state reimbursement, the Safe Routes to School projects must focus on areas located within two miles of schools serving K-12 students.
In Ontario, that two-mile radius includes Marshall Park, the Park Avenue West and Shelby-Ontario/ Lexington-Ontario road intersection.
“We could do some really great things if we had a bit of funding,” Supt. Keith Strickler said.
“Marshall Park and the schools are a real hub for our community. I would love to have a safe way for kids and families to travel between them besides driving a car.”
The City of Shelby received a similar grant for three of its schools this summer. The grants support building sidewalks, light poles, crosswalks and more.
Knapp said he’d already spoken with Shelby officials about their experience.
“We have already met with them and we have the entire plan,” he said. “So from a template standpoint, that’s nice. We have the template, now we can gear it specifically for Ontario.”
According to its website, ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program has provided more than $83 million to schools, municipalities, health districts, park districts or key non-profit partners to improve safety for students since its inception in 2005.
A state committee of subject matter experts from ODOT and the Ohio Department of Health select the projects that earn funding based on ability to demonstrate improved bike or pedestrian connectivity, improved safety, number of students impacted, economic need and available funding.
Knapp also noted walkability and connectivity is one of the strategic plan initiatives for the city.
“Hopefully the roundabout on Fourth and Rock and the sidewalks on Shelby Ontario and Park Avenue will be taking place simultaneously,” he said.
Knapp ended his address with a reminder to vote in the May 6 primary election. Knapp is one of three Republican candidates for mayor.
“When I applied to run for mayor, I was told only 10 percent of the city of Ontario will vote May 6, so I’m encouraging all of you to please get the word out,” he said.