Fairlawn Community Garden Moving Forward

Plans for Fairlawn's community garden took another step forward at Monday’s  city council meeting.

A proposal to make 96, 20' by 20' plots available to residents and non-residents was placed on second reading. It is expected to be approved by council members on April 18.

City residents get the first chance to reserve a plot after the legislation is approved. Prices are $20 for resident senior citizens, $25 for other residents, $30 for non-residents.

Fairlawn Recreation Director Laurie Beisecker said the plots, located at the city soccer field, will be plowed in May. Urban gardeners will get some help from the city's newest commercial resident, Earth Fare supermarket. The restaurant is set to open April 27.

“Earth Fare has a portable kitchen that they are willing to bring out to the garden to show people how to cook what they grow, Beisecker said, "and they’ve also said they will come in to run some programs for children.”

In other council news:

• A proposal to close a portion of Rothrock Road West of Sawgrass Drive has been extended for another 45 days, to expire  May 20. The legislation was proposed by Mayor William Roth to close the road to traffic from a proposed  . Wal-mart officials plan to close the Fairlawn Walmart and Sam's Clubs and move to a site in Copley Township. The new site would include a grocery store and gas station.

The plan awaits EPA approval. Developers have submitted a revised site plan to Copley Township officials, and have removed trees -- with EPA approval -- earlier this month. According to the EPA, the trees needed to be cleared before migrating bats to return to the trees to breed.

• The  Department will hold its Safety Town  program this year from 9a.m. to 11:30am and from 1:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. weekdays, Monday, June 13 through Friday, June 17 at the Fairlawn Kiwanis Community Center. 

Registration is necessary; the deadline is June 1.

Police Chief Kenneth Walsh said volunteers are needed to help police run safety town. Volunteers must be 13 to 17 years old. To be considered, contact Sgt. Gayle Ames by email or call 330-670-4300.