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?