Support, concerns voiced over Follansbee plaza plans

FOLLANSBEE -- City officials heard support and concerns voiced over plans to develop the Ray Stoaks Plaza into a public square at a public meeting Monday at the Follansbee Community House.

Mayor David Velegol Jr. presented two possible plans for the square, which would be established around a roughly 6,500-square-foot area north of the City Building, including Penn Street from Main Street to Virginia Avenue and the area used for the city's Christmas display and once occupied by a stage.

An initial conceptual design created by CT Consultants of Akron called for the street to be closed and replaced with tables, a fountain, a seat-level wall, raised flower beds and greenery.

Ohio Street, another street between Main and Virginia, would be made two-way.

After some opposition to closing the street was voiced, a second design was produced by the engineering firm.

It calls for the one-way street to be paved with European cobblestone and remain open though removable bollards could be placed at each end to block entry at certain times.

The fountain and other elements of the original design would be moved to each side of the street.

Velegol said in addition to a $45,000 grant from the Charles and Thelma Pugliese Foundation, announced earlier, the project could be funded by $120,000 left to the city by Dorothy Kotroumanis, a longtime Brooke County teacher.

Chief among concerns raised by residents was the plaza's impact on traffic.

Former city Police Chief John Schwertfeger said it would eliminate an access route for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles.

City Police and Fire Chief Larry Rea was asked if he's concerned about using Ohio Street or other streets if Penn Street were closed, particularly when utilizing the city's ladder truck.

Rea said he understands Schwertfeger's concerns, but the fire department has adapted to various road closings at times.

"There are only two streets in town I can't put that (ladder) truck: Upper Walnut and Chesnut," he said.

A handicapped resident said closing the street would make it difficult for him to reach the City Building for business. He said it can be hard to get out of his vehicle when parked on Main because of the volume and speed of passing vehicles.

Velegol said if Penn Street were closed, two inset handicap spaces would be created near its current west entrance.

In the event Penn isn't closed, plans call for a handicapped space and two regular spaces to be retained on the north side of the City Building.

Resident Denise Arthurs said she's concerned leaving Penn Street open would create a safety hazard to visitors of the square.

She said it would bring much needed foot traffic to the city's businesses and attract new ones.

"If you don't have people walking in your town, you're not going to have business," Arthurs said.

It was noted a previous council had voted against the project twice.

But Rudy Cipriani, who sat on that council, noted the projected cost was $500,000 then, while it's currently estimated at $258,000.

"That's a little different," he said.

Some questioned whether city funds would be better spent elsewhere, such as in the removal of dilapidated buildings.

Fourth Ward Councilwoman Alexis Russel noted the city is engaged in several projects.

Councilman at large John Casinelli said, "At any given time, a city could have a lot of projects going."

As chairman of the city's building enforcement committee, he said the removal of dilapidated structures is ongoing.

Following the meeting, Velegol said funds have been allocated for new streetlights, the construction of a new fire station and upgrades to the water and sewer plants.

He said, "Removing (dilapidated) buildings is a vital task for every city, but it is not a growth plan."

Many residents supported Velegol's assertion the plaza would help attract people and new businesses.

Resident Don Layburn said the development would dissuade criticism the city has become stagnant.

"That plaza is going to be a wonderfully beautiful thing," he said.

In response to those who questioned whether another place would be more suited for the square, resident Jim Piccirillo said the City Building was constructed there because it was then the center of town.

"I think it's nice to carry that tradition on," he said.

Local business owner Twila Mezan said, "We could find many reasons not to do it. Isn't the end game to attract more businesses to our community?"

Scott Ewusiak, another local business owner, said he sees the future plaza as "the centerpiece coming into town."

Resident Bill Ewusiak said the city has a beautiful park and swimming pool but can be made better with the plaza.

"We have an opportunity here to get something beautiful for this city," he said.

Bill Ewusiak said the project may inconvenience some, but those involved can work with others to find solutions.

"You may have to give something up for the betterment of this city," he said.

Following the meeting, local funeral home owner Joe Mullenbach, who had expressed concern about the route of funeral processions from churches above Penn Street spoke to Rea about accommodations that could be made if it were closed.

The design for the plaza will be discussed at a future meeting of Follansbee Council, which meets at 6 p.m. on the first and second Monday of each month at the City Building.