Mayor updates council on projects, restaurant openings

Mayor Joel Day provided an update at Monday’s New Philadelphia council meeting on building projects in the city, including the opening of a new restaurant.

The Fuji Ramen Japanese restaurant has opened at 415 E. High Ave. in the building formerly occupied by Pim’s Thai food restaurant. Pim’s has moved into The Venue building on Front Avenue SW.

“The diversity of our restaurant choices is a reason why New Philadelphia has become a popular destination for dining and entertainment,” the mayor said.

He added that Chick-fil-A and Dunkin’ Donuts, both located on Bluebell Drive, are on schedule to open within the next two months, though he said that Chick-fil-A could open next month.

Work is also progressing on a new headquarters for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District on Tech Park Drive NE near Buckeye Career Center and the Kent State University Tuscarawas campus. It is expected to be completed in late summer. The MWCD will consolidate its departments and staff in the building.

Day also echoed a recent warning from Gov. Mike DeWine about a proposal to eliminate property taxes in Ohio.

“If that funding source is eliminated, it would cripple local governments and organizations who depend upon property taxes to operate and provide services,” the mayor said. “The funding would have to be replaced by higher sales or income taxes. The Ohio Legislature has taken steps to lower property tax bills. Let’s let those measures take effect. Then we can see where more changes are necessary.”

He urged residents to educate themselves on the issue and contact state Rep. Jodi Salvo, R-Bolivar, and state Sen. Al Landis, R-Dover, to let them know where they stand.

Service Director Ron McAbier provided an update on construction of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail through the city.

He noted the hiking and biking trail is still far in the future. The project will go out to bid in March 2028 and will likely be finished by October 2028, he said.

The trail, when completed, will be 101 miles long. The northernmost trailhead is Canal Basin Park in downtown Cleveland. The southernmost trailhead is Canal Lands Park in New Philadelphia.