Downtown Ironton might soon have a way to keep trash out of its storefronts.

Wednesday, June 14, 2000

Downtown Ironton might soon have a way to keep trash out of its storefronts.

Ironton Business Association members voted at their regular monthly meeting Tuesday to pursue trash receptacles for the city’s downtown business district.

All members of the IBA agreed the "area has a trash problem that needs attention."

IBA member Mark Compston proposed that the group form a research committee to gather information on grants, costs and various options that might be available.

Several IBA members expressed concern about who would be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the trash receptacles.

Ironton Mayor Bob Cleary noted that the city would be willing to empty the receptacles. Cleary also recommended the IBA consider the purchase of receptacles that were anchored down with a can inside that was removable.

"I think that if the trash receptacles were anchored down, they won’t be as easy to destroy," Cleary said. "I also think that if they have a removable can inside, the sanitation department won’t have a problem emptying them."

In other business, Joe Unger presented a request for funding to aid in the Rails to Trails project. He reported that the rare and historic Detroit, Toledo, and Ironton Railroad land cannot be purchased until a testing of the land is performed.

"The EPA requires us to study the railroad bed for the possibilities of any chemical spills that may have occurred during the use of the railroad," Unger said. "This is known as a Phase 1 study, and it will cost us around $2,000. I come tonight with my hands out, as so many others do, to request for help in funding this test."

Unger said the old DT & I Railroad bed will be turned into a walking, hiking and biking trail that will be of significant value to the city and its surrounding. He added that studies indicate that Rails to Trails projects bring tourism dollars and a better quality of life to the area.

These trails lower crime rates, trash problems and increase adjacent property values, Unger said. He also stated that the committee has not decided where to begin the trail.

"We are looking to head the trail in Moulton’s Field, however, nothing is etched in stone yet," Unger stated "We have applied for several grants to help purchase the land. We have had some question about the 5 or 6 people who live on the trail in the Elizabeth Township area. We don’t have any plans to make any enemies. If we have to, we’ll just stop the trail at the township line. We’ll work something out."

IBA members plan to attend upcoming Rails to Trails meetings before reaching a decision to make a donation.

The next IBA meeting is scheduled for July 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Ironton City Center.