Brunswick residents start petition opposing possible I-71 interchange on Boston Road

BRUNSWICK — A group of Brunswick residents came together in North Park to sign a petition that states their opposition to putting an additional Interstate 71 interchange on Boston Road on Thursday. Brunswick resident Shrea Kellums said it is the first time a petition has been made regarding the issue. The goal was to get as many signatures as possible. It is unknown how many signatures were gathered on Thursday, but Kellums said it was a great turnout. "This is overwhelming," she said. "I didn't expect all of this. We're going to do (the petition) again." Brunswick resident Michelle Bolger said there are numerous reasons why she opposes the interchange. For instance, she is concerned about increasing taxes, light pollution, road maintenance, a jet fuel pipeline, crime, the area turning into a commercial corridor and more. She believes adding an interchange is not the solution to Strongsville's traffic. "Strongsville created this mess," she said. "They should keep it there and not put it in our town." On March 31, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 23 into law. Section 5501.60 of the bill mandates the existence of an Interstate highway exchange every 4.5 miles under the following conditions: Both neighboring municipalities have a population of more than 35,000 according to the most recent census. The municipalities are in different counties. At least one of the counties has a population of more than a million according to the most recent census. Therefore, under the new law, it is mandated that an interchange be built on Boston Road, Drake Road or Grafton Road. The city of Strongsville has shown interest in a Boston Road interchange by hiring a company to perform a feasibility and traffic study for it in September. Brunswick, Brunswick Hills and Hinckley have passed resolutions stating their opposition to the interchange. "I feel like we're getting a lot of support from Brunswick," Kellums said. "None of (city) council in Brunswick want it. It's more Strongsville residents that want it, but I do feel Brunswick is really supporting us." The group will be out on Monday with the petition from 5:30-7 p.m. at North Park at 3595 Grafton Road in Brunswick. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.