City pushes to expand road and build 29 more homes

SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) – Last week, Columbiana County Commissioners approved an annexation so the city could expand a road in Salem.

Hickory Lane sits on the very edge of the Salem City limits. Since the 80s, houses have been added to the street and the city wants to continue doing so.

Mayor Cyndi Dickey says the city has a tax abatement for anyone who builds a new home or fixes up their current one. She says the plan was always to extend the street.

“People want to live in Salem. They want our services. They want our water. They want this atmosphere,” said Dickey.

She says the road will first extend west and then south ending at either a dead end or a cul de sac just before Route 62.

The plan is to build 29 more homes with the same services current residents get.

“Provide services: water, sewer, police, fire, care of the roads, things like that ongoing,” said Dickey.

Some residents of Hickory Lane are okay with the expansion and others oppose it. Those who oppose cite reasons such as traffic, as the road is a one-way in, one-way out street.

In an email between residents and the mayor, one person said, “Hickory Lane foot traffic must use the street itself. Increased vehicle traffic will present increased safety issues.”

Dickey responded that while she supports the addition of homes, she understands the residents’ concerns and will explore what can be done to resolve those issues.

As for when construction would start, Dickey says she doesn’t have an exact date but the developer can start anytime.

“I don’t expect all 29 homes will be built right at the same time. I would expect a few to be built, then there will be a pause and there might be a few more down the road,” Dickey said.

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