Jewett Council explores park upgrades and expanded Christmas celebration

Jewett Village Council began its monthly meeting with public comments from resident Carl Stewart, who raised concerns about vehicles blocking an alley near the Jewett Restaurant.

“I was wondering if you could put up a no parking sign by the fire hydrant there,” Stewart said. “They’re blocking the fire hydrant, and you can’t see out of the alley.”

Stewart said he has spoken to the drivers but they continue to park there. Mayor George Baillie said he would address the issue with them directly.

Stewart also asked whether the village could expand its Christmas celebration this year, noting that there is now more open space since the old school was torn down. Council member Bobbie Prevot said she hopes to move the village Christmas tree to the old school property and decorate the area.

“I’d love to see something down there,” Stewart said. “Decorate it up a bit.”

“I agree with you 100%,” Prevot replied, adding that she has spoken with local woodworkers about making snowman cutouts similar to those used in Cadiz. She said the area will continue to develop, with new restrooms and other amenities being added through a grant for the Conotton Creek Trail, which passes through Jewett and has a trailhead on the former school property.

“The trail project is getting ready to go out for bid,” Baillie said. “We were always getting one restroom. They were fighting us on a second, but they’re going to allow it. It’ll have a nice handicap ramp going up to it and everything.”

Prevot said she hopes to eventually add playground equipment, picnic tables and grills to encourage residents to use the space for outdoor activities.

Council also discussed plans for repairing the park building, which is currently in disrepair. Prevot presented cost estimates totaling $47,010 and said MPLX has offered to donate $11,500 toward the project. She said she plans to request $20,000 to $25,000 from the county commissioners to help cover additional costs.

“Maybe we can spray the cabinets and just replace the ones that are broken,” Prevot said. “I’m willing to go out there and paint, go down there and help with a hammer to get it usable right now. I think a community building could be utilized, rented out—something for the kids.”

Council members expressed support for starting small and making improvements over time to bring the park building back into community use.