“We’re not going to prevent floods, but in terms of managing them, we’re actually going to be doing much better,” said Bellville mayor Darrell Bank of the village’s Streetscape project. After explaining the phases of the storm sewer project on Bellville’s Main Street, Banks then gave an outlook of town growth and accomplishment this year.
According to the mayor, the Streetscape project totals approximately $360,000 with 20 percent funded by the village. The bulk of the funding comes from state and federal grants and loans.
Towns and cities across Ohio and the U.S. have qualified for the Streetscape project, and according to the record by the Ohio Department of Transportation, Bellville’s project includes the addition of streetlights to the downtown streetscape along Main Street (State Route 13).
The absence of storm sewers on Main Street was an issue that also needed addressed. Living in Bellville all his life, Banks shared an anecdote of how flooding has affected the village.
Banks recalled the flood of 1959 when students walked on planks through rising water to enter the back entrance of the bus. By the time school let out, the water had covered the truss bridge over the Clearfork. Banks and his sister stayed with neighbors and friends. They continued to attend school for four days until the water had subsided enough to return home.
“Everyone jumps in and helps people in Bellville,” said Banks.
Though not a flooding issue, a traffic improvement will reduce accidents in the busy area of State Route 97 and Interstate 71. S.R. 97 will be widened to reduce the frequency of accidents in the busy area where businesses, hotels and restaurants like the Der Dutchman draw traffic. The project will also facilitate traffic in and out of the businesses.
In other news, Banks expressed appreciation for community service projects at the AMVETs Community Park.
“Our AMVETs Post for years have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to support projects in the community. Their largest contributions have been to Bellville Special Park fund,” stated Banks. “A couple of years ago we opened AMVETS Community Park with a skate park, open space and remodeled restrooms. In 2013, we have been able to add playground equipment retailing for $37,000 through AMVETs.”
The mayor noted that the Bellville Lions Club donated construction of a pavilion for the park. The village plans to add a sand volleyball court
Finally, Banks reported increased revenue for 2012, noting that last year was the village’s best year in terms of the income taxes that generate revenue. The improvements and the hope for another good revenue year contribute to the village’s appeal and its success.