Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel Provides Updates on Business Growth, Parks and Major Infrastructure Projects

Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel provided updates on several city projects, business developments and infrastructure improvements during an appearance on WCSM’s Spectrum.

Hazel said the city has transferred its former Public Works building on Portland Street to Celina City Schools following a three-year process. The property will be used as the district’s bus garage. Celina’s Public Works Department has moved into a larger facility near the city’s electric department.

A new salt-storage building has also been completed. Hazel said the structure can hold approximately three times as much salt as the former storage site, helping the city prepare for winter road conditions.

Business development is continuing around Celina. Two Dads is expected to become an anchor tenant inside the former Bob Evans building. Hazel said the restaurant is expected to operate as a drive-through location, while the building could accommodate up to two additional businesses.

Initial grading and driveway work have also begun at the future Wawa site. Recent rainfall delayed some of the dirt work, but Hazel expects construction activity to resume soon.

At Westview Park, the Bryson Trust is funding a new playground near the site of the former tennis courts. The playground is expected to include accessibility features and could arrive in late October or early November.

Two shelter houses are also being completed in the Bryson Park District with support from a grant through the Jerry Andrews Fund. City crews constructed the shelters, which will provide shade and picnic space for families using the park.

Hazel also outlined plans for a major Sugar Street project expected to cost roughly $6.5 million. Work planned for 2027 includes replacing the aging main waterline between the water treatment plant and water tower and reconstructing Sugar Street from the plant to Logan Street. The portion north of Logan Street is expected to follow in 2028.

The mayor said the city and Mercer County have also worked together to replace an aging waterline along Celina Road. The project followed repeated breaks along the old line, including 17 breaks during one weekend. Paving is underway, while testing and service-line work continue on portions of the project.

During the interview, Hazel also remembered former Celina Law Director and Mercer County Clerk of Courts Kevin McKirnan, who died September 5 at age 74. Hazel described McKirnan as a brilliant attorney and a longtime source of legal knowledge for the city.

Hazel also reflected on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the sacrifices made by first responders and the passengers aboard Flight 93.

The complete interview with Mayor Jeff Hazel is available through the Spectrum page at wcsmradio.com.