No more tractor trailers
First, the city moved to limit truck traffic through Vandalia’s business corridor. City officials have prohibited larger tractor-trailer trucks from turning left onto National Road from Dixie Drive.
The intersection there is too small for large trucks to navigate safely without entering other lanes, officials said. The city posted signs to warn truckers of the new road rules in the area.
Rewrite of codes
Second, the city rewrote the zoning codes after years without revisions. The language was outdated, confusing and changes in the law made the rewrite necessary, city leaders said then. The committee in charge of the rewrite was helped by a law firm that specializes in these types of projects.
The new code is more simplified, better explains the regulations and reflects the changes in law, according to Vandalia Communications Manager Rich Hopkins.
Make downtown colorful
Third, the city decided to spruce up the downtown area this year. They called the project Downtown Beautification. The crosswalks downtown were painted using stencils and adding a colorful touch.
Part of the project involved Dayton Power and Light utility boxes. The city and DP&L joined together to wrap the utility boxes in designs more appealing to the eye.
New path
Fourth, the Public Works Department completed a walking path from Morton Middle School to the Vandalia Rec Center, both of which are on Stonequarry Road. This project gave a safe path for students to walk to the rec center to after school programs, supporters said.
New lighting
Fifth, the city decided to save money on energy consumption and maintenance costs on lighting. The city worked with a contractor to replace every non-LED light in the municipal building and Fire Station No. 2.
The new lighting that has been installed will have an anticipated annual energy savings of about $5,000 through better energy efficiency.
Visit the city's website for your own review of 2018, or contact Hopkins at 937-898-6735 for more information about the projects here.
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