Jewett mayor updates council on uptown revitalization plans

Mayor Bo Bailie opened discussion of Jewett’s uptown revitalization plans at the Jan. 29 meeting, telling council he spoke that day with a representative from Neighborhood Strategies. Bailie said the company was involved in the village’s previous trailhead project.

“Of course they shot down the uptown revitalization project,” Bailie said, “but there is enough money left to begin again.”

“But there’s enough money in there to at least get a start on a scope of work for this uptown revitalization project,” he said.

Bailie said the scope could include new sidewalks and streetlights, including improvements “going around the turn.” What ultimately is done remains under discussion, he said, but Neighborhood Strategies will come in and “take a look at everything.” Bailie said about $25,000 is available for the company to put a plan together.

“We’re going to work with that company as soon as we get these plans in and we’ll be able to take this and we’re going to try to go after a grant,” Bailie told council, adding Neighborhood Strategies will assist.

Bailie said once the plan is put together, the company will come back to the village seeking input. After that, the village will move forward on an agreed-upon plan. Bailie said Oct. 1 is the deadline, but he was told the plan would be completed by July.

“I told him it was for the village of Jewett, Scio and Cadiz,” he said, adding he would like Jewett listed first.

Bailie also discussed the Community Development Block Grant the village received for a sidewalk tied to the retaining wall project on East Main Street. He said the project was delayed until the grant agreement could be sent to the Harrison County commissioners for a signature.

“Once we have it I will have at least two months to get the environmental review process done,” Bailie said.

Bailie said he hopes an Ohio Department of Transportation engineer can assist with the scope of work.