Laserfiche WebLink
This master plan will then be revised as needed in the future. Ms. Kassouf will be the first <br />speaker scheduled for the Commission's continuing education speaker series, which will be open <br />to the public. All three of these items, the annual report, the Historic Preservation Plan, and <br />annual continuing education, are requirements for Certified Local Government status. <br />NEW BUSINESS <br />Unitarian Universalist Church <br />Mr. Schumann recognized Marianna Carney of the Unitarian Universalist Church, 5050 Porter <br />Road. Ms. Carney explained that the church is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. A <br />celebration is planned and the church hopes to involve the entire community. The society was <br />established in 1834 and has operated continually as a church since that time. The sanctuary was <br />built in 1847 on Lorain Road at the Butternut Ridge/Porter intersection where the Marathon gas <br />station now stands. In 1963 the sanctuary was moved to 5050 Porter Road. The sanctuary and <br />the bell in the belfry, which came from Boston in 1851, are still intact. The bell is still rung <br />every Sunday. Church history has it that as part of the Underground Railroad, runaway slaves <br />were hidden in the bell tower. <br />As part of the celebration the church is seeking a historic marker from the Ohio Historical <br />Society and requests assistance from the Landmarks Commission and the Olmsted Historical <br />Society. The cost for the marker is approximately $2000. Grants are available through the State <br />of Ohio, which may defray as much as $750 if the church qualifies. The church is willing to <br />contribute to the cost but requests help from the community. Mr. Thomas mentioned that Wal- <br />Mart awarded a grant of $1000 for the Peake Marker in 2008. Target has same type of program. <br />Mr. Schumann explained that as a not for profit organization the Olmsted Historical Society <br />accepts and manages donations for Landmarks Commission projects. As a church, the Unitarian <br />Universalist should also be able to accept donations. The Landmarks Commission fully supports <br />the church's interest in obtaining a historical marker. Mr. Thomas may be of assistance in <br />reviewing the draft marker text. If in the right-of-way, the City must approve placement of the <br />marlcer. The church is included in the National Register of Historic Places. <br />Great Northern Multi 1VIoda1 Transportatiom Plan <br />Ms. Wenger shared the history of the project. In August of 2007 the City was awarded a <br />$70,000 NOACA grant for the plan, the purpose of which is to improve transportation, <br />infrastructure, and accessibility around the Great Northern-Country Club Boulevard area. One of <br />the study area boundaries is Butternut Ridge Road. Pedestrian and bicycle accessibility along <br />Butternut is now being discussed and it is therefore important for the Landmarks Commission to <br />be aware of and involved in the proj ect. A steering committee has been meeting for some time; <br />the next meeting is scheduled for January 21. Public meetings will be scheduled in the near <br />future. Ms. Wenger invited members of the Commission to participate. <br />Mr. Rerko is involved in the project both as a committee member and as a consultant. Mr. Rerko <br />said the steering committee is discussing ways to reduce and refocus traffic in that area from