Severe weather seems to be a recurring theme in recent years and this spring definitely followed the trend. Heavy storms and tornadoes swept through the area in April, knocking down trees, blowing traffic signals off wires and damaging several homes and businesses throughout the community.

City staff worked through the night and into the next day to clean up debris and repair damaged equipment and structures. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience as our crews worked to fix traffic lights and reopen streets. 

The severe weather didn’t stop with fierce winds. According to our weather station and manual counts, we received 9.05 inches of rain in April and 6.50 in May, making this Canal Winchester’s wettest spring on record. This season’s weather was even deemed the worst spring weather of the century by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The irregular weather and 46 days of rain during April and May made it difficult for crews to follow a regular mowing schedule, but they worked hard to get back on track once the ground dried.

The spring rain seems to have tapered off and the official start of summer is just around the corner. Nicer weather usually means the construction season, and this year is no exception. This summer residents will begin to notice changes due to Phase I of the Gender Road project, which should be finished by mid-September. This project will enhance traffic flow, improve access to the elementary school and make pedestrian crossings safer.

With our assistance, the Indiana & Ohio Rail Corp. will be updating the tracks that cross Gender Road. The tracks will be removed and relayed over a new and smoother surface. Plans also involve repaving the approach area between the tracks.

Beyond construction, we continue to see new businesses interested in Canal Winchester. Staples has broken ground for a store in Waterloo Crossing and hopes to open in time for “back to school” sales in August. Fairfield Medical Center opened “The Clinic at Walmart” on June 3 and Fantasy Cupcake plans to open in the former Miss Marci’s Sweet Treats location on High Street.

Perhaps the most talked about new business coming to Canal Winchester is Chipotle. The restaurant will locate in front of Walmart, on the southeast corner of Winchester Boulevard and the Walmart access road. While Chipotle has started the process with our development department, the restaurant has not announced a specific construction timeline or opening date.

Public tennis courts are also planned in Canal Winchester. We have been in discussion with the school district about installing them on school property, but an exact location has not been chosen.

Budgeting for 2012 has begun, although we remain uncertain about the exact local government funding cuts from the State of Ohio. In the meantime, we will take appropriate precautions until state funding has been decided.

It’s sure to be another fun and interesting summer in Canal Winchester. I hope you’ll find the time to visit one of our parks, cool off at our pool or attend one of our many events this summer. Further information on this season’s events, the pool and other happenings can be found inside this newsletter. 

Sincerely,

Michael Ebert

Mayor of Canal Winchester