| We have improved major infrastructure :
• The Richland Ave. Rte. 682 roundabout & renovation of Richland Avenue bridge, which resulted in safer, smoother, gas-saving traffic flow.
• Upgrades of water lines, sewers and water treatment plant
• Environmentally safer road salt application and storage
• Working in collaboration with OU, we opened Jeff Hill and installed additional street lighting as requested by OU Student Senate .
We have planned for our city’s safety and long-term viability:
• Hired Athens' first City Planner and consolidated the Engineering and Public Works department for efficient city planning and services.
• Established intercity Go Bus system.
• Negotiated with Ohio University to help fund a new ladder fire truck
• Developed and are currently implementing a comprehensive pedestrian and bike plan and have obtained and implemented Safe Routes to School grants
• Have applied for grants for home repair and home rehabilitation
• Leveraged grants extensively as well as instituted budget efficiencies throughout our administration
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We are implementing smart development:
• Instituted regular Town Hall meetings and Facebook and Twitter accounts, increasing community access, input and accountability.
• Installed solar panels at Athens Community Center.
• Increased enforcement of rental, garbage, and litter regulations.
• Responded to Uptown Business Association’s request for centralized garbage pickup
• Developed multi-year energy efficiency plan for city facilities.
• Created E. State St. Dog Park and canoe access in West State St. Park.
• Expanded Community Gardens program.
We have strengthened collaborations with OU and students. We are instituting, among others:
• Regular police-community dialogues.
• OU financial support of a new ladder truck for the fire department.
• Major infrastructure improvements on Jeff Hill and Richland Ave. .
• A noise ordinance based on a solid student proposal and with wide student participation in its development .
• Sorority-fraternity adopt-a-tree and other tree planting and beautification collaborations.
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