County roundup: Construction continues across Brimfield, plus Randolph and Atwater news

Brimfield

The 7 17 Credit Union Teen Financial Education Series will offer five classes at 7 p.m. Mondays at the Portage County District Library, Brimfield Branch at 4286 Kelso Dr. The following are the first four classes:

• Sept. 8, Budgeting – Teens will learn how to build a budget by defining their expenses and balancing their income, how certain tools can make budgeting easier, how to build savings into their budget and how to set a budget that will put them on a path to financial wellness.
• Sept. 15, Saving Money – Teens will learn good strategies for saving money, how to set SMART goals, and how to use their saved money to reach their goals.
• Sept. 22, Credit – Teens will learn about how different types of credit work, the elements of their credit profile, how companies calculate credit scores, and how to use credit successfully to maintain a healthy credit profile.
• Sept. 29, Debt – Teens will learn how debt and credit are connected and strategies for avoiding and managing debt to avoid serious financial challenges down the road.

The classes are free, but registration is required. Instruction and light refreshments will be provided by the 7 17 Credit Union. 

The 7 17 Credit Union will also offer an Identity Theft class for seniors at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Brimfield Town Hall at 1333 Tallmadge Rd. Seniors will learn how to protect their identity, avoid credit fraud, identify threats and what to do if theft happens. Instruction and light refreshments will be provided by the 7 17 Credit Union.

Registration information for all of the above classes can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.

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Senior Yoga Series: S.A.I.L. will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28 at Brimfield Town Hall at 1333 Tallmadge Rd. #6916. S.A.I.L. Senior Fitness Class will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 and Thursday, Sept. 25 at Brimfield Town Hall. In partnership with University Hospitals, Stay Active and Independent for Life (S.A.I.L.) is a program designed to enhance strength, balance and overall fitness in adults. Engaging in regular exercises that build strength and improve balance is one of the most effective ways for people to remain active. Registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.

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A Timeless Memories Scrapbooking class will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Portage County District Library, Brimfield Branch at 4286 Kelso Dr. Join a Creative Memories Independent Advisor to learn techniques for incorporating geometric shapes into a six-page spread using Creative Memories Prismatic Papers. A program fee of $12 includes instruction and materials. Registration will last through Monday, Sept. 8. Registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.     

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The Boo Cruise Halloween Home Decorating Contest will be from Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Oct. 5. Brimfield residents 18 and older can register their home to be included on a driving tour of outdoor Halloween displays throughout the township. Displays on the Boo Cruise tour will be voted on by the public from Saturday, Oct. 11 through Friday, Oct. 31. The top three winners will receive prizes from local businesses and recognition from Brimfield Township on social media and the township website. To register, please visit www.brimfieldohio.gov. Please review all contest rules and regulations before entering.    

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The Fall-o-ween Costume and Decor Swap will be from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Brimfield Community Center. Donate your new or gently used Halloween costumes and fall and Halloween indoor and outdoor decorations and exchange them for something new! Donations will be accepted by the parks department from Monday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 21. This is free to attend, with a suggested donation at the door to support parks and recreation programs. Visit www.brimfieldohio.gov for donation information.   

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Township Administrative Business Manager Holly Woods is setting up interviews for all three of the board of zoning appeals alternate applicants.

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The property owner of 4618 State Route 43 was ordered to clean up scrap metal, junk and debris by Jan. 1, 2026 by Judge Laurie J. Pittman. The owner is still working on it. The prosecutor’s office has been notified of this.

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The proposed Fairfield Inn by Marriott was granted variances on the temporary fence it installed. The hotel obtained building permits and is working on the new fire alarm system and redesigning the sprinkler system.

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There will be two new occupancies in Brimfield Plaza, as Wing Warehouse and Hallmark Ornaments will be moving in and renovating. Meanwhile, the plaza parking lot is now complete.

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The Portage County Engineer and the Portage Area Regional Transit Authority continue working on a plan to connect International Drive to Mogadore.

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The new Dollar General shell is now up as site work continues.

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Wohlwend Engineering crews continue construction for a second building and will soon start the third new building on Mogadore Road. Metro Net (10-15 employees) is the tenant for the first new building. Outdoor storage will be placed in Tallmadge. Tax increment financing is being worked on for this project.

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The Villas at Wyles Farm Apartment Homes on Town Square Drive continue site work and constructing apartments. The Portage County Engineer has approved the public roadway improvements from tax increment financing.

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Kenda Tire construction is now complete. A ribbon-cutting date will be announced soon.

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Ryan Homes continues to construct townhomes/condos at the Woodland Reserve Condominium Development at 536 State Route 43. A model is open for anyone to see. Also, tax increment financing is being worked on to run water down state Route 43.

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Pleasant Lakes of Ohio has been granted approval to continue with condominium development off Sanctuary Drive. The roadway is now in, and several condos are under construction. Also, this developer will start building behind the Holiday Inn. A zoning map amendment was approved at this location.

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Items from the 1203 Doralee Dr. property will be auctioned by the Brimfield Road Department once titles are received.

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The VA Cancer Imaging & Infusion Center construction is nearing completion. A ribbon-cutting date will soon be announced.  

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Celebration Church purchased the property at 4494 State Route 43. Renovations will begin soon. The Cleveland Clinic will continue renting its space.

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The contractor continues to work on the structure and site work of Joe’s BBQ.

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A new retail plaza is being designed for Brimfield Crossing Drive across from McDonald’s. Construction has started on site work.

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The Hill Church construction continues on the new addition.

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Construction on the new Discount Drug Mart continues.

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The old Rico’s Bar is being transformed into a restaurant/bar owned by KWT Commercial Real Estate LLC. Construction continues on this project.

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The Hickory Hills subdivision continues selling homes for this development. Phase two is now underway. Grading and site work has started.

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The Schaffer Woods subdivision on Route 18 has been approved by the board of zoning appeals. This new subdivision will have 128 new homes and will connect into Chapman Farms.

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Brimfield Commons site work is complete, and work continues on several potential businesses in this area.

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Brimfield Township completed tax increment financing (TIF) with PrideOne to help build the Town Center Master Plan. Also, Wohlwend Engineering has developed a conceptual drawing for sidewalk and lighting areas as requested by the zoning commission. The zoning commission continues to work on lighting plans. Several TIFs are being worked on to construct the sidewalks and lighting.

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The township has 21 new homes permitted this year so far.

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Zoning permit fees as of Aug. 15 cost $46,842.85.

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Upcoming meetings:

*Portage County Storm Water Task Force: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19

*Board of Zoning Appeals: 7 p.m.  Wednesday, Aug. 20

*Portage Development Board’s Local Government Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26

*Regional Planning Commission: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10

*Zoning Commission: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11

Atwater

A special meeting was held Aug. 4 asking for Atwater residents’ input about a waste transfer station (which is listed as a prohibited use in the Atwater zoning book) at a business on Bank Street. Residents filled Town Hall voicing their objections to such a facility and that it is not welcome in the township.

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Atwater Fire Department news:

*Fire Chief Jason Brock thanked the Atwater community and the Atwater Dollar General for their support and donations of school supplies at the “Stuff the Truck” event. Donations will be distributed to the Waterloo Local Schools.  

*July saw a total of 37 incidents. 

*The Atwater and Randolph fire departments recently participated in a Rescue Task Force training at the Waterloo School.

*The annual Atwater Fire Department Pancake Breakfast will be held Sunday, Oct. 5, marking the beginning of Fire Prevention Week. Serving will begin at 8 a.m. at the fire station.  

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Upcoming meetings at Atwater Town Hall at 1219 State Route 183:

*Atwater Zoning Board of Appeals (concerning a land variance on Laubert Road): 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27

*Atwater Zoning Commission: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3

*Atwater Trustees: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 and Tuesday, Sept. 23

Randolph

The 167th Portage County Randolph Fair will be all day from Tuesday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 24 at 4215 Fairground Rd. As usual, there will be animal shows, animal contests, animal auctions, a demolition derby, live bands, karaoke, scavenger hunts, workshops, truck and tractor pulls, and a wide variety of food concessions. For more information about the fair, visit randolphfair.com.  

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Stitle Construction will soon begin work on handicapped-accessible restrooms at the Old School Park.