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
- Recycling Days: The Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District will hold its Fall Recycling Day for Athens County from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Fees will be charged for TVs, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs; cash or check only. No tires, shredded paper or hazardous waste.
- Free car repairs: Qualifying households can receive up to $2,500 in vehicle repairs from a certified mechanic through HAPCAP.
- Heating reconnection orders: Any customer served by a PUCO-regulated utility can reconnect or maintain electric and natural gas service once during the winter heating season, which begins Oct. 14.
City of Athens recently adopted ordinances
- 0-48-24: Amends Athens City Code Title 25, Flood Damage Prevention, vhapters 25.01, General Provisions; 25.02, Definitions; 25.03, Administration; 25.04, Use and Development Standards for Flood Hazard Reduction; 25.05, Appeals and Variances; and 25.06, Enforcement, and declaring an emergency. Introduced by Council Member Micah McCarey.
- 0-77-24: Approves creation of the Athens Regional Energy Special Improvement District, Inc., lending $2.4 million to Lostro Ventures, LLC, to pay for energy improvements of its property at 63 S. Court St. Lostro Ventures will repay the loan in 58 semi-annual installments of $55,987.76 beginning in 2026. Introduced by Council Member Alan Swank.
- 0-78-24: Allows the city to undertake energy efficiency improvements at Lostro Ventures’ property at 63 S. Court St. Introduced by Swank.
- 0-79-24: Levies “special assessments” on Lostro Ventures, LLC, for energy efficiency improvements at Lostro’s property at 63 S. Court St. under the Athens Energy Special Improvement District. Approves the Energy Project Cooperative Agreement and the Special Assessment Agreement. Introduced by Swank.
- 0-80-24: Grants a special right-of-way use permit at 49 Central Avenue for pre-existing patio, stairs and parking in the city right-of-way. Introduced by Swank.
- 0-81-24: Affirms the Service-Safety Director’s acquisition in May 2024 of two easements from the State of Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services needed for the construction of City Sewer System Improvements, Project #330. The first easement is for 15 years beginning June 1, 2024, at a cost of $1; the second is for 25 years beginning June 1, 2024, at a cost of $18.04. Introduced by McCarey.
Traffic advisories
Athens
- West Union Street: Two-way traffic is open 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), with work extending past the gas station to Seaman’s. Business entrances will experience temporary closures. Direct questions or concerns to the Engineering and Public Works Department at 740-593-7636.
Ohio Department of Transportation
- 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 (2): One lane closed between Mountain Bell Road and SR 7; traffic maintained with temporary signals. Expected completion: Nov. 1. One lane closed between Jewell Hollow Road and Bethany Ridge Road; traffic maintained with temporary signals. Expected completion: Nov. 15.
