Brunswick identifies areas of priority for next two years

BRUNSWICK — The city aims to focus on smart growth, fiscal responsibility, quality of life and a connected community over the course of the next two years. The areas of focus were discussed at Brunswick City Council's visioning session on Monday. Vice Mayor Nick Hanek said smart growth for Brunswick involves having the appropriate staffing and infrastructure to handle what comes into the city. He also asked the city to think of ways Brunswick can enhance Pearl Road as the gateway in and out of the city. "We're not the first suburb in Cleveland to start developing and growing up as a city," he said. "There's a lot of things you can learn, know about and think carefully about. I hope we avoid mistakes other places have made and try to improve on and work through that." Brunswick aims to be fiscally responsible by seeking and optimizing grant funds rather than raising taxes, Hanek said. The city can also look at opportunities for a joint economic development district, which is an agreement that promotes economic growth between a township and a municipality. "We need to explore where a (joint economic development district) makes sense, and where a (JEDD) does not make sense," he said. "With the way the taxes are in Ohio, it's probably very advantageous for some neighboring communities, and some maybe not." City Manager Carl DeForest said a focus on the city's parks master plan and trail connectivity will help increase the quality of life in the city. Brunswick is interested in continuing to bring the Plum Creek Greenway Trail further north. The Medina County Park District is also looking into a trail that connects the cities of Brunswick, Medina and Wadsworth. "We're going to try to use as many different avenues and opportunities to optimize the green space and get people outdoors and enjoy the city of Brunswick," he said. Brunswick also wants to continue connecting with the greater Medina County community. DeForest said the city has relationships with organizations like Brunswick Schools, the Medina County Park District, Cuyahoga Community College and the Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority as well as state and federal representatives. "People outside of Medina County, when they come here, they see the model of fostering relationships and positive feedback," he said. "They're a little shocked by it because it doesn't happen throughout the 88 counties in the state of Ohio." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.