ASHLAND — The COVID-19 pandemic has not and will not keep the city of Ashland from achieving success and moving forward with projects, Mayor Matt Miller said during his state of the city address Thursday evening.
The city of Ashland saw increases in income, sales and property tax, despite the challenges of the past year.
“There’s no doubt the year 2020 posed some unique challenges for all of us, but now that all the dust has settled, and the numbers are finally in we can honestly say that 2020 was a great year for the city of Ashland,” Miller said.
Income and sales tax collections saw increases of “several hundred thousand dollars,” while property tax collections rose by nearly $8 million.
“All of those are important indicators to show that our local economy is growing and Ashland is in fact a city on the rise,” Miller said.
He addressed progress in several city departments through a video posted to the City of Ashland’s Facebook page and shared with Ashland Source at 7 p.m. Thursday.
The Streets
The city of Ashland spent a record amount of money on street resurfacing in 2020.
According to Mayor Miller’s address, more than $2.3 million was spent on streets.
The city resurfaced 18 streets, or 16.5 lane miles. It also constructed the Wells Road extension, which spans from Ford Drive and U.S. 250.
“By putting in that portion of Wells road… we added almost one mile of additional frontage out in our city industrial park,” Miller said.
“And I have to tell you, it’s already paying off because as I stand before you tonight, we are already working with two different prospects on potentially locating their business along this wells road extension.”
In the coming year, the mayor anticipates replacing the Claremont Avenue bridge. He believes the bridge was constructed in the 1800s.
Miller anticipates the project will cost approximately $1 million, but it will be covered largely by grants.
In 2021 or 2022, a roundabout will be completed in the area of Faultless Drive and the US 250 bypass. Grants are expected to help cover the $2 million project.
“It’s been custom designed to meet our needs for that location,” Miller said.
The roundabout will be one-lane and larger than most to accommodate trucks that will travel through.
The mayor reminded residents that Claremont Avenue will be completely reconstructed from Baney to Smith Road in 2022. Last year, the city focused on extending the current road’s life.
Housing and Economic Development
The city anticipates a slew of new housing options in the coming year. Many of these projects began in the past year.
Near the new $14 million OhioHealth Ashland Health Center near George Road, 192 market-rate apartments and townhouses are to be added by a developer for $44 million. The city passed a resolution in support of the project at its most recent meeting.
Nearby, affordable workforce housing is also underway, and behind Home Depot, Union Lofts has already opened.
In the Pump House District, two story apartments are anticipated at the corner of Fourth and Union Street.
Additionally, the developer of the former Hess and Clark building is now considering adding more housing, too. The initial plans were to build a data center.
“That pump house district is just a few blocks away from what’s becoming a very vibrant downtown and Main Street,” Miller said.
Behind the Drug Mart and Miller’s-Hawkins, a developer is building 45 new single family homes, the mayor continued.
New businesses in Ashland’s downtown include Ohio Fire, South Street and A Town Tap.
On Main Street, the city worked to improve the appearance of 16 E. Main Street. The building may eventually house the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce.
Safety Services
The city of Ashland began constructing its second fire station in 2020. Building is now underway and expected to be completed in June 2021.
At the Ashland Police Division, 31 officers are currently employed. In the coming weeks, the department expects to be fully staffed for the first time, Miller said.
He also noted the loss of a well known and beloved officer. Garry Alting passed in 2020. He was recognized late last year with a street dedication. The road leading to the Justice Complex was named Alting Avenue.
Engineering and Zoning
Last year was the first full year with commercial building and zoning inspections done by the city of Ashland. Previously, this work was done in a nearby county.
“The feedback that I’ve received from our area contractors and some private citizens has been tremendous,” Miller said. “By bringing that service in house, we’ve been able to expedite the process and save these contractors, local business and even quite honestly some citizens time.”
The change happened in September 2019.
The city worked towards the creation of Center Run Trail throughout 2020. Demolition of houses along the proposed route began this year. The space will become a recreation area.
The city’s Parking Lot B will be reconfigured in 2021. It will feature a portion of the trail.
The Parks
When speaking about the parks department, the mayor highlighted renovations at the city-owned golf course.
In 2020, Brookside Golf Course saw its financial situation improve. More rounds of golf were played than in the previous year.
At Brookside West, a new bike pump track was added in the last year.
The Water Department
Miller highlighted how the wastewater treatment plant was upgraded to meet EPA standards.
More visible changes include the painting of a water tank.
The hydropillar near the Ashland County Fairgrounds is expected to be painted in 2021.
