The Village of
RUTLANDOHIO
Tyler M. Eblin, Mayor
Notice: Department of Parks and Recreation Initiates Emergency Food Assistance Program
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The Village of Rutland Streetscape Improvement Project is centered on revitalizing the Village's downtown corridor along State Route 124 from Locust Street to Larkin Street. The Project's goal is to address multiple areas of challenges currently experienced by the Village, the overall challenge being the lack of existing downtown infrastructure conducive to a business district that is appealing and attracts visitors, is walkable, promotes outdoor exercise, has increased security and electrical connectivity features, and most importantly, facilitates improved safety and accessibility to those of all ages and physical abilities and rebuilds the infrastructure necessary to better foster future economic development.
>> Implementation
>> Pre-Implementation
>> Awaiting Village Funding
>> Awaiting Grant Funding
>> In Development
>> Proposed
Please, mail all letters of opposition or support to:
Tyler M. Eblin, Mayor
Rutland Civic Center-Village Hall
337 Main Street, Suite 106
Rutland, Ohio 45775
The Project's estimated budget is $2,991,582.00. Application for funding was initially submitted through the Appalachian Community Grant Program (ACGP), but was not awarded. A second application for funding was submitted through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, and it also was not approved. A third application will be submitted in the fall of 2025 through the Active Transportation Program (ATP), administered by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
To assist in the acquisition of grant funding for the Streetscape Improvement Project, the Village of Rutland is currently collaborating with the Ohio University, Mayor's Partnership for Progress and
204,685 linear feet of existing sidewalks in the Rutland Business District (downtown Main Street) are obsolete, substantially cracked, damaged or warped, uneven and not conducive to wheelchair traffic or elderly or handicapped pedestrians. Contingent upon the amount of funding received, the Project will include the replacement 204,685 SF of existing sidewalks along State Route 124 from Locust Street to Larkin Street with new concrete.
All streets intersecting Main and Salem streets (State Route 124) lack measures which provide for curb ramps, detectable sensory pavers, crosswalks and safe areas for pedestrian crossing. Many pedestrians cross the heavily traveled state highway in sporadic areas due to the lack of designated, safe crossing zones. Contingent upon the amount of funding received, the Project will include the construction of traffic calming measures with integrated curb ramps, detectable warning pavers and crosswalks.
Lighting along sidewalks and streets in the Rutland Business District is insufficient for safety, security, and lacks electrical connections for use by vendors, including itinerant merchants. Contingent upon the amount of funding received, the Project will include the installation of 22 light posts along State Route 124 from Locust Street to Larkin Street, spaced approximately 150 feet apart, each with electrical outlet connections for vendors, including itinerant merchants.
The Rutland Business District lacks vegetation to absorb a portion of rainwater. Only two trees are found along the public right-of-way from Locust Street to Larkin Street, which includes four blocks. Street trees aid in the drainage of rainwater by absorbing the first 30% of most precipitation through their leaf system, allowing evaporation back into the atmosphere. Street trees additionally reduce and facilitate more appropriate traffic speeds, creating safer and more appealing and comfortable walking environments, increased security, improved business, and contribute to the emotional and psychological health of residents and visitors.
The addition of benches will create a sense of convenience for those traversing downtown by sidewalk while simultaneously not only encouraging and promoting time spent outdoors in the business district, but also increased exercise by having convenient areas for resting.
In an effort to bridge the gap between the older generation and the younger generation by instilling the understanding of the historical significance of the Village, including the Village’s coal mining industry, historical markers placed within or near traffic calming measures will highlight key historical moments of the Village.