Dover takes possession of building for new offices

Dover recently took possession of the former First Federal Community Bank building, and it will be renovated and used to house city offices. The building is located at 321 N. Wooster Ave.

“The city has retained architect Bruce Widder to assist us with drawing up plans for interior renovations and accessibility improvements needed to the structure prior to city offices moving in,” Mayor Shane Gunnoe said.

Gunnoe estimates they may move the offices mid-2025.

Once the city offices are relocated, the former space they occupied will be renovated for use by the police and fire departments.

The new purchase will essentially double the amount of city-owned off-street parking that is available. Gunnoe suggested downtown businesses can take advantage of these spaces for use by their employees and keep more parking open close to their business.

Some spaces will be marked for city use, but extra parking spots will still be available. Another plus for residents is they won’t have to get out of their cars to pay their utility bills.

“They will have an ATM drive-thru lane on the south side of the building,” Gunnoe said.

The city also plans to provide a nighttime drop box for utility payments. “We think it’ll add some convenience for folks who utilize our facilities,” he said.

Gunnoe announced four businesses will either open or expand in the city. Dola Jean’s Pizza is expected to have a grand opening soon. The shop is located on Third Street in downtown Dover. SpringVale Health Centers is expanding and adding additional medical providers at a new facility on Oxford Drive. New Image Auto has expanded into a previously vacant building on Tuscarawas Avenue, and Mission Thrift will open a new location on Commercial Parkway.

The city continues to work to improve the park system and expand recreational opportunities available.

“We recently paved a portion of the approach to the riverfront park to improve access to that area,” Gunnoe said.

Dover has worked with OMEGA and will submit a grant application to ODNR for partial funding of four new pickleball courts to be built near field nine in the city park.

Resolution 28-24 was approved. It authorizes the mayor to apply for financial assistance from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources through the land and water conservation fund for the purpose of obtaining a park grant for pickleball court improvements at the city park.

The city also is working on separate ODOT grant applications, in conjunction with New Philadelphia, which could fund the implementation of the second section of the Towpath Trail. That section will run from Canal Lands Park to Waterworks Park in New Philadelphia.

“The link would better connect our two communities’ park systems and would improve pedestrian and bicycle access throughout both communities,” Gunnoe said.

Gunnoe congratulated Dover apprentice line worker Anthony Landis, who recently received the Hard Hat Safety Award from American Municipal Power.

Gunnoe also gave council an update on the 20th Street bridge project.

“Paving over the bridge area was ongoing today, and concrete sidewalks and restoration work will follow,” Gunnoe said. “We hope to have the street open to traffic again in the near future.”

Gunnoe announced the details of Dover’s annual Christmas parade and lighting ceremony. The event will be held Dec. 7. The parade will begin at 4:45 p.m. from Crater Stadium. In the downtown area, those attending will be able to hear a performance by the Dover High School choir from 4:15-4:30 p.m.

The reading of “T’was the Night before Christmas” and the lighting ceremony will begin at 4:45 p.m. as the parade steps off, bringing Santa to town. The Dover Lions Club will serve hot chocolate and popcorn. Cookies will be available beside Santa’s house. Food trucks also will be available.

In other legislation Resolution 24-24 authorizes the lease of equipment that has been replaced and declared surplus by the Dover Fire Department to the Buckeye Career Center fire and EMS technology program.

The next Dover Council meeting will be held Dec. 2 in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.