More research for bike lanes

Earlier this month, a representative of CT Consultants, the city’s engineering firm, advised City Council that creating two bike lanes on a stretch of Broad Street could cost upwards of $100,000 to complete. Required signage, striping and street-prepping work are factors, council was told.

Last week, city officials said they were confident the price tag wouldn’t be nearly so high if the local project goes forward.

“I feel it’s something worthwhile, and I’m sure we can get it done at a lot less cost,” said Councilman-at-large Jon Arcaro, who is spearheading the project.

City Manager James Hockaday agreed.

“We’re at the preliminary discussion phase,” he said. “That was a possible cost, not a probable cost.”

At council’s request, CT will now research the feasibility of creating lanes on Mill Street instead of Broad Street. Mill is quieter with less traffic and fewer on-street parking issues.

Bike lanes would do away with on-street parking on Broad Street, council was told.

FINAL SALUTE

Conneaut lost two more notable World War II veterans over the span of two days earlier this month.

On July 17, John Zappitello died at the age of 95. He fought in Europe during the war, participating in a handful of landings in North Africa, Sicily, Anzio and France, to name a few.

He was discharged with a captain’s rank in 1946, according to his obituary.

One day later saw the death of Armand Carlucci, 91, who served with the Navy aboard a destroyer escort that saw action in the South Pacific.

Carlucci was also a former city councilman and zoning inspector.

In March, another well-known WW II veteran, Charles “Chuck” Marcy, died at age 95.

CONGRATULATIONS

Peggy Tuttle, owner of the iconic White Turkey Drive-In on the city’s east side, was honored as City Council’s Senior of the Month at last week’s meeting.

According to a resolution crafted in Tuttle’s honor, she was raised on a farm, where she became accustomed to hard work. Tuttle said she appreciated the honor.

“My family and friends have helped support me and have encouraged me,” she said.

FACES IN THE CROWD

Two Conneaut public officials were spotted at last week’s prayer event for police held in downtown Jefferson.

Detective Sgt. Michael Colby, the city’s interim police chief, and Conneaut Municipal Court Judge Carl DiFranco were among the dozens of attendees.

Mark Todd writes about the Conneaut area for the Star Beacon