Norwood Lake Ditch Project
PROPOSED | Northfield Center Township is working with Summit County, the County Engineer, and local residents to address ongoing drainage and flooding issues near Norwood Lake, including Beech Drive and Cherry Lane.
In early 2024, a formal ditch petition was submitted to the Summit County Engineer’s Office, launching the process to improve stormwater infrastructure. The project includes reconstructing and installing over 1,100 feet of storm sewer and creating a drainage easement to allow for future maintenance. Sewer routing options are also being evaluated to avoid private property when possible.
A public hearing was held in July 2024, where the County reviewed the petition, identified affected properties, and approved the project based on feasibility and benefits. Since then, the project has moved into final design and engineering, with detailed construction plans underway.
Originally, the final design report was expected by August 1, 2025. However, the Summit County Engineer’s Office extended the deadline to October 1, 2026, to allow for additional evaluation, easement coordination, and design adjustments.
To view the details from this meeting click here.
Construction will be scheduled once design work is complete and funding is secured. Residents will be notified before any work begins. The County will prioritize using public right-of-way and keeping residents informed throughout the process.
This project is a joint effort to improve drainage, reduce flooding, and protect property values in the Norwood Lake area.
BEGINNING IN AUGUST | As part of the county-led Summit Connects initiative, construction work will begin in Northfield Center Township the week of August 3, 2025. This work is being performed by Peterson Excavating, under the management of the Development Finance Authority (DFA) and funded entirely by Summit County. This project is a 130-mile high-speed fiber network connecting all 31 communities in Summit County. The network will improve public safety communications and government services — but will not provide internet service to homes or businesses at this time.
Summit Connects Fiber Project
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Work begins near the western border of SR 82 (close to Sagamore Hills) and primarily follows Olde 8 Road past the municipal building, with construction continuing into Boston Heights.
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A Point of Presence (PoP) — a key hub where fiber connects into the larger network — will be installed on E Highland Road.
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Construction will primarily involve underground directional boring of 2" conduits, with some overhead (aerial) cable in certain areas.
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No township-owned utilities are expected to interfere, and ODOT’s SR 82 repaving was noted with no anticipated conflicts.
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The contractor will place yard signs one week before work begins and remove them after restoration is complete.
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Restoration is expected within 7–10 days after work in each area is completed, following ODOT specifications.
Dorwick Ditch Project
DESIGN PHASE | The Summit County Engineer's Office is undertaking the Dorwick Ditch Improvements project in Northfield Center Township to enhance drainage and water quality in the Brandywine Creek and Cuyahoga River Watershed. Currently in the design phase, the project includes constructing a retention basin and bankfull wetland north of Marwyck Drive, creating another bankfull wetland along the channel south of Marwyck Drive, and improving the channel from north of Marwyck to Highland Road.
These enhancements aim to provide proper drainage, detention, stream bank stabilization, and other water quality improvements. The estimated construction cost is $1,960,000, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Bayberry Drainage Improvement Project
ENGINEERING PHASE | The Bayberry Drive Drainage and Roadway Improvements project in Northfield Center Township aims to address stormwater runoff issues and enhance the roadway infrastructure along Bayberry Drive. The project involves constructing a new storm sewer system, including conduits, catch basins, and manholes, to effectively collect and route stormwater underground to appropriate outlets. Additionally, the project encompasses restoring the roadway surface, curbs, and gutters as necessary.
The total estimated cost for the project is $1,060,900. The township has applied for a grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) to cover 50% of the total project cost, with the township providing the required matching funds.
In April 2024, the Northfield Center Township Trustees authorized the Summit County Engineer's Office to bid on the Bayberry drainage project. Subsequently, in August 2024, the Trustees approved a resolution to apply for funding through the OPWC and the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) for the project's construction.
The Summit County Council also authorized the County Executive to enter into a cooperative agreement with Northfield Center Township concerning the Bayberry Drive Drainage and Roadway Improvements Project. This agreement outlines the responsibilities of both parties and emphasizes that no county funds will be utilized for the design, review, construction, testing, inspection, or construction administration of the project.
As of March 2025, the project is progressing through the necessary administrative and funding approval stages, with local authorities actively working to secure the required resources and partnerships to commence construction.