Fairlawn Still Waiting on Study for Road Closure

Residents of the Rothrock Road neighborhood who want to close their road against expected traffic from a proposed will have to wait a little longer for an answer from Fairlawn City Council officials.

At a meeting Tuesday, council members said they still don't have the information they need from the Summit County Engineer to close a portion of West of Sawgrass Drive.

“We’re holding off on legislation because we’re waiting to see what the Copley Township or more importantly the developers are going to do in response to the recommendations of the county engineer,” said . 

Roth said the additional traffic study requested by the engineer's office hasn't been completed yet. “The county engineer did submit a letter requesting further traffic study at various intersections that could be impacted by potential development on that road” by the proposed 300,000 square-foot retail center

An attorney for the developers said previously that the city cannot legally close Rothrock Road. However, Mayor Roth said the city is well within its legal rights.

 “We understand the law, and we’re going to do what we think is best for the City of Fairlawn, but obviously, we don’t live in a vacuum, so we’re trying to make sure we work with all the government entities in the surrounding area.

Council voted Dec. 20 to close Rosemont Boulevard the other street expected to see  increased commercial traffic anticipated with a Walmart relocation. Temporary barriers will block through traffic on Rosemont Feb. 1. The city will decide at some point in the future whether it wants to spend $100,000 to permanently close the road with a cul de sac.

In other business, council also discussed joining the Ohio Department of Transportation in constructing additional sound barriers west of the interchange of Miller/Ridgewood Roads and I-77.