Twinsburg Streetscape Improvement Project

Durability and winter maintenance have been a large part of the conversations over the past year. We live in Northeast Ohio, so anything ultimately selected for sidewalks, paving, landscaping, furnishings, etc. needs to be able to handle freeze/thaw cycles, snow, salt and our normal winter conditions.

The guidelines are not final construction documents, so the exact materials and specifications would be further evaluated during detailed design and engineering for each individual project.

The same is true for maintenance. If we are creating more walkable public space, we also have to think about how that space functions in January, not just July. Snow removal, ice treatment and ongoing maintenance would all need to be considered as projects are designed and before they are constructed.

Luckily, we also have Mayor Scaffide who previously served as a Service Director, so he brings a ton of practical experience with exactly these kinds of maintenance and winter-operations questions.

The December meeting was an early brainstorming session where a number of ideas and concerns related to downtown were discussed, and roundabouts were one of those ideas.

Residents are being asked now. Public comment on the entire draft document has been open for more than a month, including the sections on roundabouts, traffic calming and Church Street Commons. We intentionally kept those options in the draft so the broader community could see them and tell us what they think rather than having a small stakeholder group make those decisions.

There really wasn’t a separate list of things the stakeholders were asked that residents aren’t being asked now.

And since you have thoughts on the roundabouts, I’d love to hear more. Is there anything else in the document that you really like, don’t like, or would change? Now is exactly the time to tell us  as we genuinely want that feedback.

Thank you, Raj,

We really appreciate this perspective. Creating a downtown that feels comfortable and welcoming for people, not just cars, is a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish. The City has also been working through some of the challenges that come with the increase in e-bikes, including legislation that was passed earlier this year, so I’m glad you brought that into the conversation too. As e-bikes become more common, we need to keep thinking about how our infrastructure keeps up. This kind of feedback is really helpful as we move forward. Thanks again.

Thank you, Beth, this is very helpful and exactly the type of specific feedback we are hoping to receive.

We would love to hear a little more about two of your comments. When you suggest starting with Ravenna Road and “working your way out,” what does that look like to you? Are there particular sections or improvements along Ravenna that you think should be prioritized first?

I’d also really like to hear more about your comment that the acquisitions identified in the report are probably not the ones we want. Are there specific locations you think should be reconsidered, or other areas where you think additional right-of-way or easements would have a greater impact? That would be very useful feedback for our team.

I also appreciate your thoughts on pedestrian movement, signalized intersections, traffic patterns and the AASHTO reference. Any future changes to an intersection or traffic pattern would require additional traffic and engineering analysis before moving forward.

Please feel free to continue the conversation here, or contact Rebecca Ziegler, the City’s Economic Development Director, directly. We’d genuinely like to hear more about your ideas and perspective.

Hi, thank you for your question. A gateway is simply a key entrance into downtown. It's an opportunity to create a welcoming first impression with features like landscaping, signs, lighting, or public art that help let people know they've arrived

Thank you! We’re excited about the opportunity as well. The goal is to create a more welcoming, attractive and connected area around the Square while building on the improvements already underway.

If there are any particular ideas or elements in the Streetscape Guidelines that you especially liked, we’d love to hear that too. That type of positive feedback is just as helpful as we determine what the community would like to see move forward.

Thank you! We’re excited about the opportunity as well. The goal of the Streetscape Guidelines is to create a more welcoming, cohesive and vibrant downtown while also encouraging continued private investment and reinvestment in the buildings and properties throughout the area.

If there was anything in particular in the document that you especially liked, or something you would like to see more of, we would love to hear that feedback as well.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and support!

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such thoughtful and detailed feedback. This is exactly the type of expertise that is helpful as we refine the Guidelines.

The draft currently emphasizes durable, urban-tolerant plantings, species diversity, environmental benefits and long-term maintenance, but your comment raises a great point about more specifically incorporating native plants and pollinator-supportive species into that approach.

We will share this feedback with the Planning Commission, Council and our consultant as we review the landscaping recommendations and planting guidelines. There may be opportunities to more intentionally prioritize native trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials where they are appropriate for the conditions of the streetscape.

We would also be very interested in your offer to provide suggestions. If you are willing, please feel free to contact the Economic Development Department directly with recommended species or other resources you think would be helpful. Your experience with habitat restoration, invasive plant management and our local ecosystem would be valuable as we continue refining this portion of the document.

Thank you again for offering your expertise and for such a constructive suggestion!

A fountain or other water feature could certainly be a beautiful addition to the Square.

One important distinction is that the park itself is owned by Twinsburg Township, not the City of Twinsburg, so any permanent improvements within the park would ultimately need to be coordinated with and approved by the Township.

That said, we appreciate the idea and will make note of it as we continue conversations about improvements and amenities throughout the Square area.

Thank you for the feedback, and we’re glad to hear you’re enjoying the improvements to the Twinsburg Townships updated park. 

While the buildings along the Square are privately owned, the Twinsburg Community Improvement Corporation has created a Façade Improvement Grant Program to encourage reinvestment in these properties. All property owners along the Square are eligible to participate, and the CIC has contacted the property and business owners directly to make them aware of the program and the funding opportunity available to them.

The former bank building at the end of the Square recently changed ownership, and the new owner is currently taking advantage of the program, you may have even noticed the Façade Improvement Grant sign in the window.

We’re very hopeful that other property owners will also choose to invest in their buildings and utilize the grant program as improvements continue throughout the area.