Note: All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Tuesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information.
General announcements
Low water pressure: Roosevelt Drive in Athens will have low to zero water pressure between 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, through Wednesday, Aug. 14, to replace pumps and lines. Once work is complete a boil advisory will be issued. The city apologizes for any inconvenience. Direct questions or concerns to the City of Athens Engineering and Public Works Department, 740-593-7636, or the Water Treatment Plant at 740-592-3344.
Audits released: The state auditor’s office released the audits for the following entities:
- Athens Community Improvement Corporation, Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2023
- City of Athens, Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2023
- Bern Township, Jan. 1, 2022–Dec. 31, 2023
- Alexander Local School District, July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023
Recently passed Athens City ordinances
- 0-63-24: Amends the 2024 appropriation ordinance to appropriate $55,000 from the unspent balance to the DUI Court Fund to pay half the payroll expenses for two employees currently paid from the General Fund. Introduced by Jeff Risner.
- 0-66-24: Authorizes the mayor to execute a participation agreement in a new national opioid settlement with Kroger and acknowledges that potential settlement funds are allocated and distributed by OneOhio. Introduced by all council members
- 0-71-24: Grants a special right-of-way use permit for an awning over storefront windows at 19 W. Washington St. that will be located in the city right-of-way. Introduced by council member Swank
- 0-73-24: Accepts a $41,100.75 grant from the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council community grant funds for the City of Athens Armory solar project. Introduced by Risner.
- 0-74-24: Accepts $271,114.35 in carbon fee funding from SOPEC for the City of Athens Armory solar project. Introduced by Risner.
- 0-75-24: Accepts $35,151.59 in carbon fee funding from SOPEC City of Athens Armory solar project. Introduced by Risner.
- 0-76-24: Amends the 2024 appropriation ordinance to appropriate $347,366.69 from the unappropriated balance to the general fund for the City of Athens Armory solar project. Introduced by Risner.
Traffic advisories
Athens
- West Union Street: Effective today, Aug. 13, West Union Street is open to two-way traffic from the bridge at SR 682 to Jefferson Street and from Shafer Street to Hospital Drive. Herrold Avenue also is two-way. Jefferson Street to Hospital Drive is one way eastbound (towards Uptown), where crews will begin removing the existing pavement. New storm drains, curbs and multiuse path will be constructed on the south side of the roadway extending past the gas station to Seaman’s. During this work, the existing drives will experience temporary closures. Crews will work to timely restore the drives as they are affected. Direct questions or concerns to the Engineering and Public Works Department at 740-593-7636.
Nelsonville
Parade of the Hills street closures: The following streets are closed to all traffic until 7:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, for Parade of The Hills:
- West Washington Street from Post Office to Fort Street
- West Columbus Street from Library to 45 East Columbus Street
- Rocky Boot Way from Public Square to alley by the Elks
- Public Square
Drivers should expect vendor, carnival rides and pedestrian traffic throughout the area. Use caution in the area during the festival and consider using an alternate route.
Ohio Department of Transportation:
- South Green Drive: Pedestrian safety improvements; 10-foot lane restriction. Expected completion: Aug. 5.
- U.S. 50 resurfacing: Lane closures from Della Drive to River Road; periodic ramp closures. Expected completion: Aug. 15.
- US. 33 bridge repair: Begins Aug. 19. Between State Street and Johnson Road (CR 7). One westbound lane will be closed. Expected completion: Aug. 22.
- Trimble Twp. 313: Road closures will be in place for the resurfacing and culvert maintenance project through the Wallace O’Dowd Wildlife Area. Expected completion: Sept. 1.
- SR 690 landslide repair: Between Dutch Creek Road (CR 34) and SR 550. One-lane traffic will be maintained with temporary signals. Expected completion: Nov. 1.
- Albany traffic signal replacement: U.S. 50 at Washington Road/Meadowbrook Road in Albany. Short-term lane closures with flaggers. Expected completion: Nov. 1.
- SR 144 slope stabilization: One lane closed between Mountain Bell Road and SR 7; traffic maintained with temporary signals. Expected completion: Nov. 1.
