06/03/2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for Coffee and Conversation.
Our guest was Kim Lieber, the city’s first Planning and Development Director, who shared how planning, infrastructure and economic development work together to support North Ridgeville’s future.
Kim discussed the city’s Master Plan, which was adopted in 2024, and how it continues to guide long-term decision-making. From road improvements and stormwater planning to economic development, zoning updates and transportation safety, the goal is to take a proactive approach rather than waiting for challenges to become larger issues.
A few highlights from the conversation included:
• Infrastructure is the foundation for economic development and community investment
• The city is working to attract business by planning for available sites, infrastructure and future employment opportunities
• Safety-focused planning efforts include the Active Transportation Plan, Safe Routes to School, traffic safety studies and future engagement opportunities for the Race Road project
• The city is updating its zoning code, which dates back to 1950 when North Ridgeville was still a township
• The French Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant has capacity to support the city’s future needs. To protect this, we put a moratorium on Data Centers. Our plant discharges into the Black River which has just got over its final (BUI) beneficial use impairment.
Here are just a few questions and answers:
Q: How will children cross safely with a roundabout at Root and Bainbridge Roads?
A: The design has pedestrian facilities built in
Q: What is happening with Meijer?
A: We have a meeting with the property owner today
Q: What can we do about Mills Road traffic?
A: An agreement was signed long ago making west of Jaycox North Ridgeville’s responsibility and east of Jaycox Avon’s responsibility. We are currently discussing paving Mills. A roundabout at Mills and Lear will take more time. Regarding the lights, Avon or ODOT would have to remove them. They replaced the four-way stop when the Mills/83 roundabout was being built.
Q: Has there been a traffic impact study at Root and Lorain Roads where Circle K is being built?
A: Yes. It is a required part of the application. The city reviewed the study and came back with conditions for approval. We have a dedicated future right of way for intersection improvement. We also requested that the county keep us up to date about development.
Thank you for joining us and participating in the discussion.
Our next Coffee and Conversation will be Tuesday, July 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.
