Multiple renovation projects in store for Streetsboro, including the library

Pierce Streetsboro Library is getting a much-needed facelift.

Built in 1998, the building needs new gutters and siding. Council estimates the cost at $56,757.

The library is part of the Portage County District Library system, but each community — Aurora, Streetsboro, Randolph and Windham — is responsible for building maintenance. Since the district library headquarters is in Garrettsville, the district maintains that branch as an exception.

“Our deal with the communities we serve is that if they provide the space, we provide the service,” District Library Director Jonathan Harris said.

The deal means Portage County District Library was able to maintain and even extend its branches over the years, even though Harris tallied the county system as the third worst-funded in Ohio.

When county voters approved a 10-year, 1-mill levy in November, though, the library found itself with just under $6 million a year, double what it had been receiving.

Harris’s plans are to increase hours at all library branches, a measure that means increasing staff.

“Since we don’t start receiving funds for another couple months, that’s something we need to have in place before we start hiring staff,” he said.

Harris is also reaching out to communities that want to establish a branch library. Brimfield and the Southeast school district area are possibilities, but nothing is definite yet, he said. To serve areas of the county that don’t have easy access to a branch, Harris also plans to re-establish bookmobile service, which ended over a decade ago.

City Park renovations

The garage and restrooms at Streetsboro City Park are also due for new roofing, a job that will cost Streetsboro $45,000.

City leaders are also seeking bids to restore the park’s two tennis courts, including putting in new concrete sidewalks, repairing the courts, and striping and painting them so the same courts could be used for tennis and pickleball. Estimated cost of restoring this area is $99,245.

Council expects to sign legislation authorizing the repairs this spring and are hopeful for a June 10 completion date, said Parks and Rec Director Greg Mytinger.

Permit fee changes

Streetsboro City Council also approved both new and increased permit fees for the city’s building department.

Demolishing a deck will now cost $75 instead of $60, and demolishing a building will now cost $100. Contact the building department for a complete list of all updated fees.

Sidewalk grant pending

Council gave Mayor Glenn Broska the green light to partner with Streetsboro school leaders to apply for a “Safe Routes to School” grant through the Ohio Department of Transportation. If awarded, funds will be used to install sidewalks on Wiencek Road and Annalane Drive. The estimated cost is $807,600, and the grant would pay for it all.

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Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.