Romanchuk Highlights Highway Interchange Concerns

COLUMBUS— State Senator Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) held a news conference today to address grave concerns by constituents about a proposed highway interchange in Medina County. Residents of Brunswick believe an interchange off Interstate 71 at Boston Road would be devastating because it would require the destruction of dozens of houses and the relocation of a jet fuel line, permanently damaging the quality of life in their city.

"I understand why they are upset -- this project was included in the massive transportation budget and residents didn't even know about it until after the bill became law," said Romanchuk. "If this interchange is built, it will set a dangerous precedent that the General Assembly can legislate highway projects. Today it is Brunswick, but your community could be next."

The senator noted Brunswick would also have to raise city taxes to meet its new financial responsibilities. The interchange would also cause property values to plummet and turn a significant part of the city into a rest stop.

Romanchuk said there are viable alternatives, including putting the interchange at Drake Road. That area is also residential but is less heavily lined with homes and businesses than Boston Road. Another option, said the senator, would be to build a slip ramp leading right to Foltz Industrial Parkway, the largest industrial park in Cuyahoga County.

Romanchuk's press conference drew a large turnout by his constituents. The senator thanked the dozens of Brunswick residents and city officials who attended and expressed their strong opposition to the construction of the interchange at Boston Road. 

The senator was joined at today's press conference by State Representative Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland), and Assistant Majority Whip Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth.) 

“Boston Road is not fit for an interchange like this. We would have to destroy homes, level a hilly road that is unfit to carry highway traffic, and for that to be in statute is not right," said Miller. "This interchange is bad for Brunswick and was forced upon the residents and that is why I am pushing for this legislation to repeal the interchange.”  
 
“This proposed interchange was the result of one community – Strongsville – trying to legislate a neighboring community – Brunswick – to fix a problem they created,” said Ray. “This interchange is bad for Brunswick and all of Medina County for financial and safety reasons, and is just bad policy overall.”