By Don Jovich
Record-Courier staff writer
MANTUA -- With the goal of preserving the historic character of the downtown community, many villagers are doing their part to make it happen.
A recent town meeting, sponsored by the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Committee, drew interested residents who offered their suggestions.
"Our goal was to collect ideas from residents and business owners about how they would like the downtown area to look," said committee president Edie Benner.
The question, "What would you do to make Mantua look better?" was the main topic.
Community revitalization consultants E G & G, Inc. invited each attendee to share their ideas about how the village should look.
Suggestions included improved parking, an updated commercial district and more exposure to the hike and bike trails and the Cuyahoga River.
"We're hoping to preserve the rural character of downtown Mantua," E G& G President John Grossmann said.
The committee has been working with E G & G, Inc. on a plan to fix some problems in Mantua, including parking and an improved streetscape.
"Mantua has a lot of strengths to build on," Grossmann said. "Revitalizing downtown will add value to the community."
Committee vice president Michelle Barnauskas said, "It's interesting to see where we were years ago, versus where we are now and where we want to go."
Benner said preserving the past, protecting the present and preparing for the future are all important aspects of their revitalization project.
"We want to preserve the past and stimulate economic development downtown," she said. "It's our town, our community, and we're trying to move forward."