Fairborn Council approves grant application for Dayton–Yellow Springs Road work after residents raise property concerns

Council voted 4–2 on Oct. 7 to authorize filing an Ohio Public Works Commission application for Phase 3 of Dayton–Yellow Springs Road improvements, a roughly $930,678 construction project for which the City seeks a $400,000 grant.

City Engineer Jim Sawyer told council the phase covers about 0.42 miles from Southlawn Drive to Beaver Valley Road and would add an additional westbound lane and new curb and gutter. He said the estimated local match is $530,678 to be funded from Motor Vehicle Tax and Street Levy accounts. Sawyer said earlier engineering drawings showed use of the north-side green space and that the current application is for the grant only; a redesign and public engagement would follow if the city is awarded funds.

Resident Roger DeLong, who spoke during public comment, urged caution. He said he had not seen updated engineering plans and contended earlier designs would remove green space in front of homes and prohibit on-street parking, potentially reducing property values. Jim Sawyer acknowledged the earlier design but said the phase will be redesigned and that ownership of the green strip must be confirmed during design. City Manager Deborah McDonnell told council the area had previously been vetted and indicated it is city right-of-way.

Council members debated trade-offs between securing $400,000 in state funding and neighborhood impacts. Deputy Mayor Stuart Snow and Councilman Robert Wood voted against the resolution, both citing residents' concerns; Councilmembers Marilyn McCauley, Tim Steininger, Dan Kirkpatrick and Mayor Tom Nagel voted yes. Nagel said the city would continue outreach during later design stages.

If awarded, the grant would complete DYS corridor improvements from I-675 to Ironwood Drive begun in prior phases. Sawyer said the district-level grant process required evidence of the city’s intent to provide a local match by Oct. 18. He said formal design and any right-of-way acquisitions would return to council for separate approvals.

Council members said they expect more detailed plans, opportunities for public input and a staff presentation before any construction contract is issued.