Ashland Mayor Gives Update On Freedom Monument, New Housing Land, Road Work And New Businesses
ASHLAND — Ashland Mayor Matt Miller says the city is preparing for a historic Freedom Monument dedication while also moving forward on major growth, infrastructure and business development projects.
During this month’s “Update with Mayor Matt Miller,” sponsored by Bill Harris Dealerships, Miller said the city is still looking for veterans and active-duty service members to take part in the Freedom Monument dedication ceremony.
According to Miller, about 165 to 175 veterans have already signed up, but the goal is to have 250 veterans participate.
“I truly do hope you will be a part of it because there’s going to be lots of photos taken, lots of memories made, and quite honestly, history will be made,” Miller said.
The dedication ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Veterans taking part are asked to arrive around 1:15 p.m. Miller said chairs will be provided for participating veterans so they will not have to stand during the entire ceremony. Veterans in wheelchairs, or those who are unable to march across the field, will have special seating near the front of the monument.
Miller said veterans do not have to live in Ashland or Ashland County to participate. Anyone who has served, or is currently serving, is welcome to register.
Registration can be completed by calling or stopping by the mayor’s office, or by going to the city’s website. Veterans will need to provide their name, military branch, phone number and email address so the city can send parking and event details.
Miller also discussed a major land acquisition recently approved by Ashland City Council. The city is moving forward with the purchase of approximately 120 acres located between Mifflin Avenue and King Road, on the south side of U.S. 42.
Miller said the property has been discussed for about three years and is intended to help the city prepare for future residential growth, especially single-family homes.
According to Miller, housing studies have estimated Ashland may need around 350 single-family homes to meet demand. While apartments, condos and townhouses are already being built or planned, Miller said the city has not seen the same level of new single-family home construction.
By purchasing the land, Miller said the city will be able to control what is built, how quickly it is developed and how infrastructure keeps up with growth. He compared the move to the city’s previous decision to purchase land on the north side of town that later became Ashland’s industrial park.
Road and alley improvements are also underway. Miller said 34 alleys are being resurfaced this year, with some already completed. He said residents have sent messages thanking the city because some of the alleys had not received attention in decades.
Beginning in mid-July, Miller said residents will see more road construction throughout the city. Ashland expects to spend about $2.5 million on new pavement this year and touch at least 85 streets across the north, south, east and west sides of the city.
Miller also confirmed that Seven Brew Coffee is planned near the new Culver’s development. He said Culver’s is expected to open soon, and developers have also discussed a hotel for that area.
Miller added that the city has had conversations with “a very popular franchise” that is known for being closed on Sundays, though he said it remains to be seen whether that project moves forward.
Ashland County Pictures would like to give a huge thank you to Bill Harris Dealerships for sponsoring the monthly updates with Ashland Mayor Matt Miller. Their support helps ensure Ashland County Pictures, ACP News, can continue serving the Ashland area with breaking news and up-to-date information.
Bill Harris Chevrolet: https://www.facebook.com/billharrischevy
Bill Harris Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram: https://www.facebook.com/BillHarrisCDJR
Bill Harris Ford: https://www.facebook.com/BillHarrisFord
