Girard Will Host Meetings on Comprehensive Plan

GIRARD, Ohio – The city of Girard will host two public meetings to let residents, business owners and community stakeholders to share their thoughts on the future of the city. Girard contracted with the Trumbull County Planning Commission to produce an update to the city’s 2000 comprehensive plan.

The first meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Girard Multi-Generational Center. The second meeting is set for 7 p.m. April 21 at Girard Municipal Court.

At the meetings, planning commission staff will give an update on the planning process, review the results of the community survey and gather community input on the future of Girard including the Girard Lakes and former Girard Leatherworks property.

“After a 14-year lawsuit, the City now owns the Girard Leatherworks property. That is 27-acres of prime real estate that is located adjacent to our park and US 422. I am excited to see what the community sees for the future of that property,” Mayor James Melfi said. The Trumbull County Brownfield Coalition and the city recently funded a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment on the property.

The meetings “are a very important component of the process,” First Ward Councilman Stephen Brooks said. “The residents of Girard will be able to participate and share their views on the direction that the city should plan for and help decide the foundation for future growth.”

The same information will be presented at both meetings.

“Planning for the needs of a community, instead of reacting to them, can eliminate chronic problems, save tax dollars and reduce duplication of services,” Trish Nuskievicz, executive director of the planning commission, said. The plan update is scheduled to be completed in April 2017.

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