Solon Connect Project Gets Grant Funding Through County

SOLON, OH — Solon is one of five cities to receive a 2019 Community Planning Grant from the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, the county announced this week. Solon officials said they plan to use the funding for Solon Connect, a community-wide trail, sidewalk and bike bath.

“With this grant, Solon will be able to assess, improve and add to our already-existing walking, biking, hiking and general pedestrian transportation system to better the lives of our citizens,” said Solon Mayor Edward Kraus. “We really want the whole city to look and feel connected, welcoming, active and accessible to all, and this Solon Connect program is going to accomplish that goal.”

The county's grant funding will be used to prepare the Solon Connect plan, which will then allow officials to expand and improve pedestrian amenities throughout the city. Officials hope adding additional sidewalks throughout the municipality will improve pedestrian and public transportation access and usage.

The sidewalk expansion will provide employees of the city's manufacturing district safer access to RTA stops and will provide clearer routes for children to walk or bike to school.

In a press release, Solon officials said they will also use the grant money to identify and address trails, bikeways and sidewalks that need improvement.

The other cities that received a grant through the county are Brooklyn Heights, East Cleveland, Middleburg Heights and South Euclid. Nearly 60 communities were eligible to submit grant applications to the county in 2019 and 16 cities submitted projects for consideration.