Athens City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the construction of the new City of Athens sign on State Route 682.
Athens City Council members discussed a proposed bike path that could cost more than $2 million at its meeting Monday night.
The proposed bike path would span from Armitage to Columbus roads, and Councilwoman Michele Papai, D-3rd ward, said the city is willing to spend about $2.3 million toward the building of the new path.
“The majority was funded through (the Ohio Department of Transportation), federal money and a small city grant,” Papai said.
Papai also said the plans for the new path have been in the making for many years, and it will most likely be a long-term project.
Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st ward, showed support for the project as well.
“This isn’t happening all willy-nilly,” Butler said. “We’ve made up a bicycle master plan and this falls into that bigger vision of connecting our bike paths.”
Council members also approved construction of a new "City of Athens" sign over State Route 682.
The new sign will be funded by a grant of up to $30,000 through the Ohio Department of Transportation.
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Athens Mayor Steve Patterson said the new sign will look much like the one above Richland Avenue, featuring the city’s colors of blue and green.
City council also continued the discussion on purchasing new recycling bins for residents.
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Patterson announced at the council's March 28 meeting that Athens had been selected to receive a grant of $80,000 from The Recycling Partnership toward the purchase of new bins, according to a previous Post report.
Along with the grant, the city will also spend $250,000 toward the new bins, along with marketing and campaigns.
The size of the bins will increase largely, from the existing 18-gallon red bins to 24-gallon blue bins.
Butler said the purpose of the new larger bins is to accommodate more recyclables.
“I’ve been seeing two or three red bins in front yard filled to capacity, so I can see the benefits of the 64-gallon containers,” Butler said. “They are also more appealing and sanitary with closed lids.”
Patterson also voiced his support for the purchase of the new bins.
“If I have to roll a 64-gallon container outside only every two weeks, then that’s one less stop our garbage trucks have to make,” he said. “I just feel this is the proper step in the right direction to reduce wet trash going in our landfill.”
Butler said he also believes this is a step in the right direction for the city.
“I see this as an investment in our future to help get the word out about recycling,” Butler said. “We were ahead of the game a few years ago and this is just continuing the process.”
Council also approved an ordinance that will close a portion of Mill Street between North McKinley Avenue and South Green Drive on May 14 for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Human Powered Vehicle Challenge.
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