Springfield repainting road, lane markers to improve safety

In an effort to bolster safety in the transportation system, the City of Springfield will repaint pavement markers across the community. The update will take place through September and will require short-term lane closures.

The purpose of the markers is to improve the safety of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The markers cover 60 miles of center lines, 180 crosswalks, 200 symbols and 24 miles of edge and lane lines.

Our resident’s safety is our top priority. It’s important to ensure the markers are visible to keep everyone safe.

30th annual Peace Camp

Springfield celebrated its 30th Annual Peace Camp during the week of June 13. Nearly 200 fourth- through sixth- grade students and high school students participated in the program’s week long event.

The Peace Camp program seeks to help students learn how to work through their problems in a peaceful manner and be an up-stander, rather than a bystander, when bullying may occur.

This is a great program for our city’s students to participate in. The students receive a lot of valuable information that can be applied throughout life.

LEAD Safe Springfield Certifies Last Contract

For the past 20 years, the City of Springfield has administered more than $17 million dollars of federal funds to help homeowners and landlords make homes lead safe. During that time, the number of children who have suffered from lead poisoning has dropped nearly 90 percent.

The Lead Safe Springfield team recently certified its last contract under this long-standing effort, however the Clark County Health Department will continue to provide lead blood testing for children in the community.

We are pleased with the significant drop in those who have suffered from lead poisoning. Contractors are finishing the last homes that will be assisted through the federal funding, but we will continue to offer other housing rehabilitation programs to help our residents meet housing safety standards.

Consolidated Action Plan

The Community Development Department’s development program division will soon submit the Consolidated Plan for use of Community Development Block Grant dollars to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The plan outlines how the city proposes to use these federal funds through 2016 and into 2017. CDBG funds are used to support community services that assist moderate- and low-income neighborhoods and residents.

In addition HUD provides funding for the city to assist with emergency and traditional shelter needs for those struggling with homelessness or the threat of becoming homeless.

The document is available for review at the Community Development Department. This is an important issue, and we encourage our residents to review the document and provide their input.

For more information on these projects, please visit www.springfieldohio.gov.

Jim Bodenmiller is the Springfield city manager.

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