• Home
• News
• Sports
• Your News
• Forums
• Blogs
• Services
• Community
• Forms
• OhioAutofinder
• Classifieds
• Jobs
• Homes
• Legal Ads

Around the Neighborhood

E-mail Story    |    Print Story    |    Comments    |   

Following up on my article of last week, it was a pleasure to get out and talk to the owners of the downtown real estate.

Though I expect to get targeted questions at this week's council meeting about who said what, it is best to remember that you should not poke someone in the eye unless you are prepared to be poked back. With that said, to a man, the downtowners have a vested interest in making the area look better. It helps them be more competitive, and most of all have more pride in their business, as well as, those around them.

One meeting I thoroughly enjoyed last Tuesday was the railroad strategic planning meeting. The group of 12 was very focused on what they were doing and everyone had comments on making the group's focus a success. One idea that came out of the meeting we all have been talking about this week was that the railroad should be called the Byesville Historical Railroad instead of Scenic as the renditions and information about the coal mines and miners makes this train unique among train rides. Out of nothing comes something. A great idea may be born.

There are at least three to six more meeting being planned for this focus group to generate a plan of action. The group consists of a wide variety of talent and walks of life, but the common thought thread is that by making the train more successful, everything around it should be more successful which brings me back to the downtowners.

As stated last week, the façade of the downtown underwent extensive renovations over a decade ago. The common consensus is that it looks nice, but there are no businesses located there or at least willing to locate there long term. Most don't have enough foot traffic to justify the rent or can't sustain business long enough to stay in business during downturns in the economy.

This Wednesday's council meeting should be the starting point to working together on a plan of action. Cool heads and calm demeanor will be called for as we strive to put our money where our mouth is. There are some things government can do, but at the same time local owners will be asked to close their eyes and step off into the unknown with us. Like any venture, it will only be hampered by lack of planning, not good intentions.

Another item on the agenda this week's council meeting is the waste water plant out behind Meadowbrook. As it has been reported in the paper, Byesville has given up receivership of this plant. Over the past two years, village employees have made great strides in bringing this plant into compliance. But, as we have done everything required on our part to make this plant better, the people involved have done nothing or very little to resolve what is to become of this plant.

In all likelihood, this wastewater will eventually make its way to Byesville and our new wastewater plant.

The Attorney General's office is foreclosing on its million dollar judgment against the owner and the holders of the notes against it will have to do something now. A resolution is imminent with a sale. But, in all likelihood, Byesville will cease to operate the plant. I have been told this is the consensus of council.

However, I do hope it is for a better reason than things aren't getting done here in Byesville.

The only operator we have at the site is a wastewater guy that only operates the plants and is not out in the system or any other projects with the village. And remember, enterprise funds aren't general fund. We can't use sewer money to patch the streets. But, I have went over that time and again. It's best left for another day.