The Bentley Road pathway project will begin shortly after May 7. That project will soon improve safety along Bentley from Grove to Augsburger.

 It is one of several village projects in the works this spring concerning street lighting, sidewalks and pathways.

The following summary from the Bluffton council’s streets, lights, alley committee meeting in late February updates several of these projects.

Pathway commission/Streets and alleys committee– Bluffton Pathway Commission continues to expand the pedestrian-bike network. America in Bloom recognized that connectivity is a high priority in Bluffton. With the help of the Lions Club the village continues improvements and expansion routes for pedestrians and cyclists that connecting green space and recreational areas.

Bentley Road pathway construction will begin after May 7. The pathway board is currently working to identify a route to from Main Street-Parkview to connect with the Triplett Bike Path as it goes to the village park.

Sidewalk connectivity – The committee discussed the current sidewalk ordinance. Discussion centered on changing the village contribution for new connectivity projects (50/50). It is the committee’s intention to make it an equal benefit for resident and connectivity for village and neighborhood.

Sunset Drive parking – Discussion involved removing “no parking” signs at Sunset and Bentley. The request is part of the Bentley Road pathway project. Jesse Blackburn said that the signs are down and parking is permitted in the former “no parking zone.”

Augsburger Road pathway lighting – AEP will install lighting on power poles along Augsburger Road from Bentley Road toward the village limits.

Bike/pedestrian pathways safety – New bike route signage and street route Recognition - The original bike route signage is faded and rusting along the Triplett Bike Path, and the crossing on Lake Street, State Route 103, Huber Street, Mound and College avenue.

Watershed improving efforts - The 2017 America in Bloom judges suggested the village increase efforts to improve its watershed by marking storm drains to discourage dumping.

The suggestion, to further protect water quality, is to stencil “No Dumping – Drains to River” on the sides of curbs to increase notice.

103 Corridor Project – The village continues to meet with ODOT, engineers, regional planners, business, and the public to move this potential project forward.