Bainbridge Center and Historic Relevance

Last night's meeting at the Town Hall allowed Township Trustees (BOT) the opportunity to hear from the Bainbridge Historical Society and their interest in the oldest structure in Bainbridge, the Bissell-Tucek House, built in 1835.

The township owns the home, located immediately south of the township's fire station, and has not initiated any progress on its future since the last presentation by the Historical Society, over 5 years ago. One of few remaining structures of the original hamlet, Bainbridge Center, the Bissell-Tucek House is in relatively good condition and is being considered as the home of the Historical Society and future museum.

Did you know, every third-grader that attends Kenston schools is required to study local history and specifically, they learn about the history of Bainbridge and Auburn Townships. Currently, these kids travel to Burton to visit Century Village, where they visit the General Store, a building formerly located on the corner of Bainbridge and Chillicothe Roads. Would a building, repaired and brought up to code by Bainbridge Twp. and operated by members of the Historical Society serve a community purpose? Would a defined Historic District celebrating Bainbridge Center, and re-establishing a Sense of Place for Bainbridge residents be of value to township residents?

More importantly, what are the needs of Bainbridge residents as it relates to township-provided services? Does the government campus of these five buildings serve those needs now or, with some vision, foresight and committment, could the campus better serve the residents in the future?

This question remains: What are the township's plans for the township-owned properties along Chillicothe Road, and how do the five structures (Burns-Lindow, Fire Station, Town Hall, Bainbridge School, and the Bissell-Tucek House) fit into possible plans for the 50+ acres located in the center of Bainbridge, seconds from the Gateway to Geauga County at I-422.

I advocate for a master plan of the township properties and structures. We need to understand the needs of our residents, the abilities of our departments to serve those needs now and in the future, the impacts of a major arterial traffic corridor (Chillicothe Road) that connects an interstate to our township, and the future of properties that abut this corridor, including the township's 50+ acres!

Not only do we have a fiscal responsibility to our residents, but as trustees, we have an obligation to use the assets we are entrusted with to their fullest potential, to benefit the residents and to serve their needs. This we have not done!

What are your thoughts?

Early Learning Center (Bainbridge School) Proposal by KCE

Kenston Community Education (KCE) presented a proposal to use the former Early Learning Center school building on Chillicothe Rd. Their proposal focused on a proforma illustrating that operation costs of the building could be paid for with existing and new programs. These programs included afterschool programming (latchkey), senior activities and educational and recreational events. Senior programming was thoroughly discussed at tonight's meeting.

A copy of the proposal is available at the Town Hall for public review. Hard copies are available for a nominal copying fee (I believe) or electronic copies can be emailed by contacting the KCE office (440) 543-2552.

Imagine a community facility where seniors citizens can come and go as they please during the day, stopping in for a cup of coffee, playing cards, engaged in a book review or simply talking with friends. Or if they prefer, enrolling in community education or recreation classes. Perhaps even teaching a class to local youngsters.

This same facility transitions to an evening center that offers recreational and educational programming to local youth and adults alike.

The cost of this facility to taxpayers? An allocation of some of the Investment monies (Frohring estate tax dollars) for capital improvements for a building that could last 50+ years...new windows, new roof, and a new HVAC system. Approximately $750,000. The annual cost to operate, based on preliminary estimates, is projected to be $75,000. Again, quite possibly covered entirely by program revenue.

Let me know what you think about this idea to convert the former ELC into an economical and fiscally sound community facility for multi-generational use!

WELCOME!

I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome one and all to my brand new blog site!

The idea to host a Blog site was inspired by members of our community that want an outlet to communicate their thoughts, concerns, complaints, and hopes to a township official. Many folks cannot attend the meetings but want to stay connected to the township we live in. In fact, someone approached me at a meeting and asked where my site was, so I got to thinking...maybe this is a good idea!

I am one of three trustees (like a mayor) in Bainbridge Twp. (pop. 11,000 +/-) and I cannot make decisions independently of the other two members of the board. It takes a majority of the members (2) for a formal "board" decision. In fact, the "board" and I may disagree on decisions that affect policy. That is why I plan to update this blog weekly, to help many of you understand my position on issues deliberated by "the board". This blog represents my perspective on decisions that may affect you and your family. What's important is that you have an outlet to share your concerns and opinions with me and I can represent these concerns as I share your thoughts with the board publicly and here on this site.

Take a moment to express your views and opinions, especially if you're a Bainbridge resident! As one of your elected officials, I want to use this forum to hear from the residents about all issues pertaining to their lives and experiences in the township. Occasionally, I will even run an Opinion Poll to gauge sentiment on a particular issue, non-scientific of course! As always, I reserve the right to delete inappropriate comments or remarks.

Thanks for reading, sharing and caring!

Jeff