09/15/2026
~ The City Parks Levy Will Be Issue #9 on the November Election Ballot
Issue #9. That is the five-year, 2.4 mil parks and recreation levy that will appear on the November 3rd General Election ballot. If approved, it would generate $1.3 million a year only for maintenance and improvements to our City’s parks: Tuscora Park, Waterworks Park, Southside Community Park, the Crider Avenue Walking Trail and the State Route 416 Boat Ramp. The cost to property owners: $7 dollars a month for every $100,000 of your appraised property value.
Right now, the Parks Department must compete with the other City departments that receive annual operating money from the City’s General Fund. Approval of Issue #9 would give the Parks Department its own operating revenue, so that our parks can continue to be well maintained and improved. And more General Fund revenue would become available to fund more street paving and needs in our safety forces.
Like many of you, I grew up in New Philadelphia and spent much of my childhood at Tuscora Park. I remember the music of the merry-go-round, rides on the Ferris wheel, buying candied apples and cotton candy from Candy Apple Jack’s stand, fireworks on the 4th, local rock bands playing at Wednesday evening dances, spending many summer days at the swimming pool and eating frozen Zero bars from the concession stand. That’s what our parks do: create special memories that last a lifetime for kids of all ages. Each park has its own purpose. But together, they help define New Philadelphia as a family-focused community that values tradition, outdoor recreation and spending time together.
It’s not often that the City asks voters to invest more of their hard-earned money to help meet needs and take care of our City. The last time for a property tax was in 2015 to help fund construction of the new fire station. And the last time for an income tax was in 2005 to help fund our safety forces. So when the ask is made, the need is real.
I’m calling on all groups and organizations that use our City parks to show your support of Issue #9. Your voices matter. I’d be happy to share information and make a presentation about Issue #9 at your next meeting. Just let me know. Share this Mayor’s Report on Facebook. And look for social media posts like this to help spread the word and encourage support. (Photo below)
~ South Broadway Corridor Traffic Study Is Progressing
Service Director McAbier and I recently met with design engineers from Burgess and Niple to review their preliminary findings in the traffic study they are conducting on the South Broadway corridor. One thing they determined is that there would be minimal traffic impact if residential housing was included in the redevelopment of the Joy/Howden property. They are focused on two solutions: in the short term, redesigning the traffic lanes from Front Avenue to Commercial Avenue to better manage vehicles during peak hours. The long-term solution would be a complete redesign of the area between the US 250 interchange and Commercial Avenue. The study is being paid for by a grant from the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA).
~ Addressing the Safety Concerns Raised about EV Bikes and Scooters
I urge City Council to adopt Ordinance 23-2026 because of the need to better regulate the use of EV bicycles and scooters in the City. Among the safety measures, the ordinance limits sidewalk riding and sets speed limits. The ordinance also contains a parental responsibility section that could hold parents or guardians responsible for violations of the new law by any minor under the age of 18 years. I thank Safety Director Milligan, Police Chief Pohovey and Law Director Fete for their collaboration in writing the ordinance.
~ The Quaker Foundation Serves Pancakes
The Quaker Foundation’s annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser is this Saturday, September 19th at Tuscora Park. With spatulas in hand, Foundation board members will be serving pancakes and sausage from 8am to 11am. The money raised by the event goes toward Quaker Foundation awards and scholarships.
~ “Meet Me Downtown” on Saturday September 26th
NPact and several downtown businesses are planning an afternoon grand reopening celebration on Saturday, September 26th on the new downtown quadrants. The event is called “Meet Me Downtown”. It will start at Noon and will feature an assortment of vendors, music, fall-themed storefront and scarecrow decorations and children’s activities. “Meet Me Downtown” will be the first event to follow the ribbon-cutting on September 23rd that celebrates the completion of the quadrant redesign project.
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