LOUDONVILLE — Washington Street runs past the Bill Harris Ford property and nearby homes in Loudonville.
That stretch of the street will soon look different.
Village Council approved closing a portion of Washington Street near State Route 3 Tuesday as the village moves forward with plans involving the Bill Harris Ford property at 506 E. Washington St.
The portion being vacated runs from Jefferson Street to before the alley with no name.
The closure is part of planned renovations to the Ford property. Council members discussed how it could affect nearby residents, parking, sidewalks and traffic.
Bill Harris plans to change how traffic moves through the property
Council also discussed emergency vehicle access and how trucks would enter and leave the property.
Bill Harris General Sales Manager Josh Bull said the dealership plans to handle loading and unloading on its own property rather than rely on Washington Street.
“The goal will be to minimize using public streets for any kind of loading or unloading activity,” Bull said.
Residents raise concerns about parking and pedestrians
The closure also raised questions from nearby residents.
The village sent 15 consent letters to property owners about the proposed closure. Six were returned.
Four of the residents most directly affected supported the proposal. The village also received four calls from residents who opposed it.
Residents asked about parking spaces near their homes and whether the closure could affect access to properties.
The village still has engineering and design work to complete before the changes move forward.
The village will continue plans for a new municipal building
Council also decided to continue with its original plan to build a new municipal building rather than renovate the former McMullen assisted living building.
The village had considered using the former assisted living building for village offices and the police department.
Mayor Cathy Lance said the village revisited the options after speaking with a funding agent.
Lance said they have decided to stick with the original plan of building a new building.
The American Legion has provided funding for the project, and the village already has used funds to demolish the existing building.
A $1.8 million pedestrian project moves toward construction
Loudonville is moving closer to construction on its $1.8 million Main Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Improvements project.
The village is finalizing a contract for the project, which is expected to begin in spring 2027. Some water work could begin earlier.
The project will add bike lanes, widen sidewalks and improve pedestrian crossings along Main Street.
Some council members said downtown businesses will need to be involved as construction planning continues.
“The ones that’ll be affected the most is business owners. They need to be involved. Any decision that we make, we need their input,” Councilman Tom Young said.
The project was funded through the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program.
Council members said communication with businesses will be important as the village works through the construction process.
The Main Street project is expected to bring a significant amount of construction activity downtown, making coordination with businesses and residents an important part of the planning process.
The projects will change how vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists move through portions of Loudonville as the village continues work on its downtown infrastructure.
