(Photo by Amber Phipps) The bike path heading towards Greene and Ohio streets has faced many complaints in terms of functionality. Concerns about traffic were brought up during Tuesday’s Marietta City Council meeting.

The Levee Project in Marietta is scheduled to break ground at 2 p.m. today on Ohio Street, launching a multi-year effort to improve the city’s riverfront infrastructure.

The project is planned for completion in October 2026.

According to City Development Director Geoff Schenkel speaking Tuesday to the Marietta City Council, construction is expected to begin in July, starting with the installation of a retaining wall and underground power lines behind Spanglish and near the Levee House restaurants. Schenkel said the initial work is designed to reduce disruptions to riverfront activities during the early stages of construction.

The project has drawn both support and criticism from members of the community, particularly regarding the removal of trees along the waterfront.

At a March city council meeting, Councilman Harley Noland raised concerns about the removal of several trees before a final plan for the park was formally approved. Noland said the Tree Commission had evaluated which trees could be removed or preserved, but that its input was not followed.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Marietta Levee Park Project also seeks to move the fountain further away from the bike path so it’s no longer a barrier to those on the path.

“We were asked to consider which trees could be removed… the tree commission then went down the next day… certain trees were said they could go, another tree should be saved,” said Noland. “It was totally disregarded.”

Tree Commission Chairperson Grady Smith also commented on the matter, stating that while some trees lacked long-term value due to their placement under power lines, the commission had sought earlier involvement in planning to help preserve appropriate trees.

“For years, we have requested of the mayor to be involved in planning of projects like this early on, so we can work around the trees,” Smith said.

Smith expressed concern about the planning process and the role of outside engineering firms, and reiterated the commission’s ongoing interest in contributing to future development discussions.

In response, Schenkel said that seven trees will be removed as part of the current design, but 16 new trees are planned for planting once construction concludes. The new plantings will emphasize canopy trees, and at least one large sycamore tree will remain in place.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Concerns were also raised about the crosswalk and traffic heading towards Front Street. The levee seeks to make functional adjustments.

Additional concerns were drawn from business owners on Front Street.

Schenkel also noted that all project design documents are public records and available for review by residents.

The Marietta Levee Park Project has been in discussion since 1986. A detailed concept provided by Schenkel included the reconstruction of Ohio Street, removal of the power lines and installing them underground to improve river views, and fixing the retaining wall to provide better access to the bike path.

“Particularly on Greene (Street) it’s a mess…about a third of the powerlines on these streets are dead and not even functional,” said Marietta businessman John Lehman. “Nobody has even gotten around to disappearing them and if we don’t do it then who’s going to do it.”

A few attendees argued that the park project isn’t functional and would take away from its current charm. Another point brought up throughout the meeting on Tuesday night was the intersection between Ohio and Front streets.

Mayor Josh Schlicher stated that they’ve been working closely with the selected engineers on the design process.

“They’ve been great to work with and have asked a lot of our opinions on the design process,” said Schlicher. “There’s no set of instruction drawings right now that we’re going to start building from, it’s still in design.”

Schlicher stated that he hears the community and their concerns and will take everything into consideration before construction.