ASHLAND — City council members and Mayor Matt Miller parted the orange seas Friday morning, revealing a freshly resurfaced, multi-directional Fourth Street.
The reopening marks the first time Fourth Street has been a two-way road since the 1950’s.
The two-way road stretches from Cottage Street to Miller Street. The official unveiling comes with a warning for motorists to be cautious of drivers who are unaware of the change.
Parallel parking spaces are lined along the north side of the street. The traffic light sitting at the Union Street and Fourth Street intersection will continue to be a yellow-flashing light on Union Street and a red-flashing stop light on Fourth Street.
Mayor Miller recognized a multitude of individuals, including the men and women of the city street department, who maintain more than 220 lane miles in the city.
“For years Fourth Street has been a critical street in this community,” Miller said. “I would just ask that all of you that will be travelling this street, pay extra close attention to Pioneer National Latex as they are making their way to and from their cars during the morning and evening rush hours.”
The city will also be installing a pedestrian crosswalk by Pioneer National Latex for employees to use.
Fourth Street is Kokosing’s first street project completed in the city of Ashland this season. The company will look to resurface 15 additional streets by the time colder weather hits the region.
The newly renovated street sits adjacent to “The Pump House District.” This area will be undergoing major development in the coming years.
Ashland County Commissioners have agreed to purchase and renovate an establishment to house county offices and offer important city surfaces.
A piece of land behind Washland II Laundromat has been sold to a developer who is looking into building 32, two-story apartments on the property.
The city has also teamed with a non-profit organization to construct an “Urban Meadow.” More details on that will be released in the future, Miller said.
“Through a partnership with the Ashland County Community Foundation, we put together a ‘Targeted Action Plan,’ ” Miller said. “Our goal is to see this street lined with mixed-use properties.”
“It’ll take time, but we’re convinced we can do it and this will become one of the most vital corridors in our great city.”
Miller also took time to thank Cameo Bahr, Interim Director of the Ashland Area Economic Development team, who assisted in the revitalization of Fourth Street.
