Sylvania's Northview and Southview weather-torn parking lots to get resurfaced this summer

2/24/2014

Northview and Southview High School parking lots, spotted with cracked concrete and potholes, are set to be resurfaced this summer.

Alan Bacho, director of facilities, and Superintendent Brad Rieger presented a resolution to place the resurfacing and improvement project, estimated at $1.9 million, out to bid. School Board members approved the resolution 5-0 at the meeting Monday night.

The district has been putting off the major improvement project, performing minimal repairs to broken or “splintered” concrete, officials said. Mr. Bacho explained that the “asphalt is failing” and could worsen considering the harsh winter conditions. The project entails rebuilding the base as well as repaving the lots, he said.

“When it [Southview’s parking lot] was put in, a special mix was used for a base, made of recycled product,” he said. That product, although widely used, held water, he said, adding that the parking lots were constructed in the 1970s and neither Southview nor Northview have had any major resurfacing since.

The project, expected to begin in the summer with a fall completion date, would resurface most of Southview’s parking lot. A segment of parking located in the front of the building and part of Cougar Lane, a road that winds from Sylvania Avenue through the parking lots to the back of the property, are newer construction and in good condition, he said. 

Northview had part of its lot near the Performing Arts Center recently rebuilt. Parking near the indoor pool, all the way around the building will be replaced. Also, an overflow student parking lot on the corner of Silica Drive and Monroe Street will be resurfaced.

Mr. Bach said if the newly surfaced lots are well maintained, including coating with crack sealant and striping, they could have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

The project is not expected to disrupt school summer events or classes, as the contract specifies undertaking improvements in sections, maintaining parking in other areas, he said.

Proceeds from the sale of Central Elementary will fund the project. The school sold the property for $2.25 million in January. Any residual funds would go toward buses and repairing roofs at Timberstone Junior High and Whiteford Elementary School, Mr. Rieger said.

Contact Natalie Trusso Cafarello at: 419-206-0356, or ntrusso@theblade.com, or on Twitter @natalietrusso.