Uninsured crash near Seltzer Park Gateway spurs Shelby guardrail project
By David Jacobs
Plans are underway to replace a guardrail damaged in a winter crash involving an uninsured driver, Shelby’s municipal government confirms.
In May, Shelby park commissioners expressed surprise that their board was responsible for the projected $8,200 in work needed. It looked to Shelby City Hall for assistance and documentation that the area in question -- off Parkwood Drive near the entrance to Seltzer Park -- is the park system's responsibility.
At Monday night's meeting of Shelby's Board of Park Commissioners, word surfaced about the possibility of the Shelby city government sharing in the cost. But details remained unclear.
Contacted on Tuesday, city of Shelby project coordinator Joe Gies provided details.
"Since it is used as a city roadway and is on city property, the administration worked with the park board so that the costs would be split 50-50, even though it is under total control of the park board," Gies said.
The section of Parkwood Drive where the bridge is located is out of the city right-of-way, Gies noted in the email.
"Meaning it is located on city-owned property” that is “under the control of the park board," Gies added. "The road was diverted off the right-of-way sometime in the 1920s when the Seltzer Park gates were built."
The crash occurred Jan. 18.
Gies confirmed on Tuesday that the guardrail section cannot be repaired.
"We will also replace a section out of the area damaged by the [vehicle] because of its condition," he said.
No definite date has been set for the work near the pickleball courts at Seltzer Park.
"Our service department will be working with the contractor to have the guardrail as soon as possible," Gies said.
Shelby park board president Dave Downs told park commissioners on May 12 about the lack of insurance issue.
"The motorist did not have any insurance," Gies said in Tuesday’s update. "We will complete the replacement and forward the bill to the law director after that."
During discussions at Monday's park board meeting, the topic of the city potentially taking over responsibility for the street was mentioned, through City Council (legislation).
Gies addressed this question on Tuesday.
"Since the bridge is located outside of the right-of-way, it would not be eligible for federal funding through grants from the Ohio Department of Transportation," he noted. "The administration is exploring the cost and options to dedicate the section of the road and bridge. This would then make it eligible for federal dollars. This would take action of City Council."
The area in question is part of Shelby’s history.
On Oct. 21, 2024, Shelby City Council designated the Seltzer Park Gateway — off Mansfield Avenue and Parkwood Drive — a Local Landmark per Ordinance 1488.07. The gateway dates back to 1930.
