It’s the Newsletter for November 9, 2025!
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In this issue: Journey’s end, Food bank donations, the light at Albion and York, and the waste water consulting contract.
One journey ends as another begins
Thank you to everyone who voted in the November 2025 election! You turned out to support me and vote NO on Issue 25. What a journey it has been! I was fortunate to have a great team on the campaign, and received consistent support from family, friends, and the amazing residents of Ward 1. Between now and the new year, I’ll be receiving orientation, meeting with various department heads and the mayor, and getting acclimated to serving on council. I’ll provide updates and some peeks behind the scenes as appropriate, and look forward to sharing this journey as much as I can. In January of 2026, I’ll begin serving a 4-year term as the North Royalton City Council representative of Ward 1. And it is only possible because of YOU!
Please consider a donation to a local food pantry
As we move into the holiday season, please remember your neighbors that may be challenged with putting meals on tables. The North Royalton food pantry is managed by the Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church, and accepts donations online at https://onrealm.org/RoyRed/-/form/give/now – in the “Fond” option, please select Food Pantry to make a cash donation. These kinds of donations are best for food banks and community pantries, as these organizations know best the immediate needs of the community and have access to make bulk purchases. If you are interested in supporting other local food banks and pantries beyond North Royalton, now is a great time to consider making a donation to our neighbors in need.
Thank you!
References:
North Royalton Food Pantry: https://onrealm.org/RoyRed/-/form/give/now
Strongsville Food Bank: https://www.strongsvillefoodbank.org/
Middleburg Heights Food Pantry: https://mhfoodpantry.org/
Cleveland Food Bank: https://www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/
The traffic light at Albion and York roads
The traffic light at this intersection next to Fire Station #2 will be upgraded with a left-turn arrow and a new control unit sometime in the spring of 2026. Parts have been ordered and are in the process of being shipped and eventually installed. While this does not address all of the challenges of that intersection, it will help alleviate some of the long backups that occur on York Road northbound at times of increased traffic.
I was asked multiple times by residents of Ward 1 why that intersection isn’t being widened to allow for left-turn lanes. The next time you happen to pass through that intersection, take a brief glance upward for the answer: two major electrical powerlines cross that intersection. One runs north and south along York, and the other goes west along Albion Road. To move the poles that support those power lines is a major project, one that would require a great deal of planning, expertise and equipment. The cost of upgrading this one intersection easily exceeds the cost of other multiple street projects combined, and as one of my old bosses liked to say, “the juice ain’t worth the squeeze.” The new light and turn arrows will certainly provide a welcome relief, and are obtained at a much lower cost.
Waste water consulting engagement
In February of this year (2025), city council authorized an agreement with AECom to spend $519,598 on a consulting agreement to evaluate and propose capital improvements for North Royalton wastewater. The level of detail put into reviewing the various competitors for this agreement was impressive. The waste water team, led by Ed Haller, did a very thorough review of submissions by various consultants and contractors. Most of the contractors had done business with the city prior or are well known in industry.
Wastewater treatment is one of the larger expenditures made by the city of North Royalton on an annual basis. It’s also one of those services provided by the city that operates efficiently and mostly out of sight. The cities’ waste water infrastructure is in need of capital improvements to continue operating safely and up to current environmental standards. For example, the smaller wastewater facility on Sprague Road, known as the “B facility” is in need of certain upgrades, and several options are available. Before making any investment, it is prudent of the city to evaluate the overall wastewater treatment system and its capability.
The company hired to do the review will provide its report at some point in the future, and once that’s available, I’ll post additional information on the results and recommendations are, as they will affect everyone in North Royalton. It will also point the way to planning some significant expenditures that may be needed, as well as guidance on how North Royalton will continue to treat its waste water.
Waste water treatment is a complex and important service, and is highly regulated by local, state, and federal standards. North Royalton is fortunate to have a strong team in this important area of city services, one that operates with diligence and excellence.
References:
https://northroyalton.gov/departments/wastewater_department/index.php
See page 24 of https://northroyalton.gov/Government/Agendas%20&%20Minutes/City%20Council/2025/021825%20AGENDA%20PACKET.pdf
“A” Plant, south of Route 82 and Abbey Road
Source: Google Maps
“B” Plant, Sprague Road
Source: Google Maps