Late Mayor Charles Smercina Memorialized For US 422 Extension

Soon drivers on US 422 will know the name of the man who helped the highway extend through Solon.

On Monday city council voted unanimously to name the portion of US 422 that goes through Solon "The Honorable Charles J. Smercina Memorial Highway."

Smercina, Solon's mayor from 1973-1975 and again from 1977-1987, was instrumental in extending the highway east of Solon to State Route 44.

Smercina passed away Nov. 12, 2011.

"He's one guy that if you ever saw him, he said, 'I love Solon,'" Mayor Susan Drucker said.

She said Smercina was instrumental in the extension and it's benefit to the city.

"We can look at this highway today as one of our greatest resources for economic development," Drucker said.

The Ohio Department of Transportation needs the legislation approval and they will make the sign.

While it may take a few months for everything to get in order, Drucker said the city will have a ceremony to honor the memory of the late mayor and his accomplishments.