Another Dollar General coming to Norwalk?

NORWALK — Norwalk may soon see another Dollar General Store. Mitch Loughton, Norwalk zoning inspector, told Norwalk City Council Monday that Dollar General Corporation of Goodlettsville, Tenn., is considering placing a new store on the eastern part of Ohio 20, in a wooded area next to Sirna and Sons Produce. The new store would be established in addition to the existing one and will not replace it. Loughton said the corporation had simply wanted to add another, and the idea came from the company. "Their corporate reached out to me." Loughton later commented. "They must have wanted a second store here." Loughton said Dollar General began making inquiries about the location in December of 2021. He speculated that traffic, particularly during the summer months, is likely to spur profitability. "It'll be good on that side of town," he said. "It'll be great in the summer." The new store is not a done deal, however, according to Emma Hall, public relations coordinator for Dollar General Corporation, who commented by telephone Wednesday. "We are currently in our due diligence phase," she said, noting that a final decision is not expected until the fall of this year. Council also considered a measure to decrease the speed limit on Hester Street, near McGuan Park, and to investigate the possibility of placing speed bumps there. Council members held a second reading of an ordinance designed to lower the speed limit on Hester Street near the Park from 25 mph to 15. They also heard details on several possible speed deterrents from Norwalk Safety Services Director Mike White. "We have had several complaints," White said about safety in the area. He cited several studies equating the lowering of speed limits to the survival rates of pedestrians struck by vehicles. White detailed that increased police patrols are typically only effective during the times police are actually patrolling, whereas other measures, such as traffic cameras and speed bumps, along with signage and lowered speed limits may have a greater effect. "They're self-enforcing," he said about speed bumps. "I don't like traffic cameras, personally," said White. He explained that while cameras are relatively inexpensive, visibility issues, coupled with legal issues still currently being settled in courtrooms, give him pause. White said the option of lowering the speed limit, coupled with temporary speed bumps, seems the most cost-effective and viable. He noted that the speed bumps, made of composite material, could be purchased for about $100 for a one-lane speed bump and $200 to $300 for a two-lane speed bump. They could be installed by a crew of two or three, within a half-hour. White added that the temporary nature of the speed bumps would allow them to be removed in winter months, to avoid damage to snowplows. "There are grants available," White said about funding. At the request of council member Steve Schumm, council agreed to table action on hiring new park rangers, to consider issues regarding rates of pay affecting the quality of candidates. Council noted that Norwalk Parks and Recreation Director Joe Lindenberger has begun recruiting a neighborhood watch-style group to maintain a presence in McGuan Park. Council also changed language in a measure considering changes to the Norwalk Police Department's police officer job description, to eliminate the maximum age limit and allow for lateral transfers to and from other police departments. Additionally, members waived building, zoning, utility and other city fees for the Habitat for Humanity House being constructed at 23 Woodlawn Ave.