City Council members passed a resolution seeking a meeting with state officials on the proposed placement of the Ironton-Russell Bridge.

Friday, March 09, 2001

City Council members passed a resolution seeking a meeting with state officials on the proposed placement of the Ironton-Russell Bridge.

Council is requesting a public meeting with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Baker and Associates, who serve as consultants to the transportation department.

Councilman Jesse Roberts said, "there are a lot of questions that need to be answered…and a lot of anxiety in the city." He also said the meeting would allow "ODOT and Baker and Associates to hear our fears and concerns."

Roberts added that the meeting should not be a session where the two agencies would get "beat up." He said the meeting is needed so council and residents can voice opinions on the subject.

Council recommends the bridge be placed so downtown Ironton and downtown Russell, Ky., remain linked. Council feels that keeping the two cities connected is vital to the economy of both cities.

Business owner Bob Clyse said he agrees with council and asked Mayor Bob Cleary why he hasn’t publicly endorsed a bridge location.

Cleary explained that one of the bridge proposals affects land that he owns. He said he is remaining neutral on the bridge placement for ethical reasons.

Bob Clyse Oldsmobile, the business owner explained, will be one of the businesses affected if the bridge proposal that connects Ironton to U.S. Route 23 in Kentucky is passed. The bridge site will run through the property where his business is located.

Clyse told council that he would like to see the city government take an active stance on the bridge placement because, "the location of the bridge will change the total dynamics of the City of Ironton."