White Co., Cleveland officials work toward Freedom Park compromises

CLEVELAND - There could be a compromise on the horizon on the issue of a one- way street next to the new Freedom Park in the city of Cleveland. <br /> <br /> The county, which is building the park, had proposed a one-way street for a section of Qulllian Street which runs alongside the park, but the city at a meeting last month said it wants to keep the street two-way. City officials cited the additional traffic a one-way street would cause on other residential streets as their reason for supporting the two-way traffic.<br /> <br /> At a meeting Monday night, Cleveland City Council members talked about the issue, and during the discussion Councilman Bradley Greene suggested they deal with the street traffic on a per-issue basis.<br /> <br /> "I think the possibility is there that we can always make that street a one-way during special events and possibly closing the street if necessary for special events...probably come to a compromise and be able to work together that way," said Greene.<br /> <br /> White County Commissioner Terry Goodger has spearheaded the park project and he attended the city council meeting.<br /> <br /> "I know we'll be able to work this out because they're [city council members] agreeable to work and I am, too," said Goodger.<br /> <br /> Goodger said he will be meeting with a couple of the city council members later this week in an effort to find a solution.<br /> <br /> While officials might find an agreement on the street issue, there is still the issue of money contributed by the city to the county for the park. The White County Commissioner last month voted to give back the $144,744 that was contributed, because of the way the city handled the street issue. That issue was addressed Monday night, and Cleveland Mayor Don Stanley said they don't want the money. <br /> <br /> Stanley told Goodger during the meeting, "I don't think we should take the money back, because that's what we paid for, and the check will stay wherever until I'm out of office as far as I'm concerned. And I'm not for giving the check back. I think you ought to keep the money for the work you've done on the park, because that's what we were paying you for."<br /> <br /> The council did not take any official action on the street or money issue Monday night, postponing resolutions until next Monday night at 7 p.m.. <br />