By Paula Scott

The Saturday, December 3 meeting to discuss the proposed Village of Ada Neighborhood Revitalization Grant application was led by senior planner Whitaker Wright of CDC of Ohio, Inc., who reviewed a spreadsheet of results to date from a survey of Ada residents (attached). He also led discussion on developing and documenting community projects in the village, which is also part of the application process.

SURVEY RESULTS
With 57 residents responding at the time of the preliminary evaluation, survey results were sorted into categories including 

• Parks and recreation
• Street improvements
• Fire protection
• Water improvements
• Community center/senior center
• Curb and sidewalk
• Flood and drainage
• Historic preservation
• Demolition
• General services

Wright explained that neighborhood revitalization grants are not aimed at business or commercial district projects. It was also noted by Village Administrator Jamie Hall that it would be difficult to develop projects involving the Ohio Department of Transportation in time for the June application deadline.

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The intersection of Main St. and Lima Ave. was a common topic of concern for survey respondents. Curbs and sidewalks were also a priority for respondents. Discussion at the meeting centered on sidewalks on Main St. to Community Markets and to the Ada Schools on State Route 81. Wright noted that it would be unlikely for a grant to cover a comprehensive sidewalk project and that priorities should be determined for this and other areas of interest.

Discussion included several proposed projects at War Memorial Park, including drainage, a new, separate concession stand and handicapped accessible seating at the home side of the stadium.

Village and park district officials talked with Wright about Liberty Township-Village of Ada boundaries, which will need to be addressed in the grant application process. Areas that function as part of the village are considered part of the township in census tracts.

Among projects that were not identified in the survey, but could be considered for the grant are replacement of inoperable fire hydrants. Wright noted that fire safety projects are a high priority. 

NEXT STEPS
Setting priorities and developing evidence of the village’s sweat equity are the next phase of the process. The next meeting date was set for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

Participants at the meeting were encouraged to create lists of community projects that are underway and that plans, cost estimates and funding contributions be submitted to the village. 

A form for submitting this information is part of the attached packet. The work period is September 1, 2023-August 31, 2025. 

For more information, please call the Village Hall at 419-634-4045.