Residents Raise Concerns Over Removal of LeFever Dam

Some folks around town aren’t so enthusiastic about the proposed Cuyahoga River dam deconstruction project that could get the green light by as early as next week.

During the Cuyahoga Falls City Council committee meeting on Monday night, a handful of residents from the River Estates development voiced their concerns over how their surrounding neighborhood and its recreation opportunities could be affected, particularly with the removal of the LeFever Dam near Samira’s Restaurant.

Shannon Carneal, the project manager of RiverReach Construction, said the removal of the dam would drain the man made pool that stretches to Water Works Park.

Pontoon boats would most likely be a thing of the past, and kayaks would be the preferred choice for recreation enthusiasts, said public service director, Valerie Wax Carr.

Cuyahoga Falls City Engineer Tony Demasi told the residents to expect a narrowing of the river alongside the development, and said the water's elevation could dip by a couple feet.

However, he said the changes shouldn’t be too dramatic and dispelled claims that the river could dry up.

“There will always be water in the river,” said Demasi. “I don’t recall it ever drying up."

Since river waters will recede, residents -- whose properties abut the riverbed -- asked whether or not their land would expand.

Law director Paul Janis said residents can refer to their deeds on whether or not their property lines will stay as is or push forward by several feet.

If all goes as planned, the dam ordinance should be passed by the Cuyahoga Falls City Council next Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Natatorium.