D36 No. 43: Brandywine Site Revitalization: Balancing Safety, Nature, and Community
James O'Flanagan, MS, FRSA
Engineer, Educator, & Conservationist Dedicated To Inspiring Future Innovators | MS | FRSA | Top 100 Innovators 2024 | Marquis Who’s Who | ??♂???♀???????????♂???
?? A Sustainable Vision for Brandywine and Beyond
By: James O'Flanagan, MS, FRSA
Author's Note:
In early 2024, the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park began considering ideas for redeveloping the Brandywine Golf Course in Peninsula, OH, as part of its integration into the National Park. Local firms—Biohabitats, Studio Zwede, and Chagrin Valley Engineering—were brought on to conduct a study, and the Conservancy invited public feedback by January 7, 2024.
Through OAPSIE?Inc., I shared Option 7, a proposal centered on environmental preservation and cost-efficiency. By avoiding road construction through sensitive wetlands and significantly lowering project costs, I believe Option 7 offers a thoughtful and sustainable approach. Although I didn’t receive a formal response to the submission, I’m hopeful that Option 7’s unique benefits will resonate.
This article outlines those key benefits, and I kindly request an opportunity to discuss this proposal in detail at the next Conservancy Board meeting.
Thank you for considering this vision for Brandywine’s future.
Article Summary:
Article Playlist:
Executive Summary
This article presents Option 7, a redevelopment plan for the Brandywine Golf Course site that prioritizes sustainability, cost savings, and environmental preservation. The Brandywine site is an essential part of the local landscape, cherished for its natural beauty and ecological significance. Option 7 focuses on preserving the Ritchie/Haskell Run wetland by avoiding disruptive road construction and leveraging existing infrastructure to maintain the area’s integrity.
Key Features of Option 7:
This proposal is grounded in practical, real-world engineering expertise and strikes a balance between the long-term environmental needs of the area, the community’s safety, and financial responsibility.
Near the old Brandywine Golf Course Site. Music by: Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Have You Ever Seen The Rain." 1971.
Video Reference: https://vimeo.com/954344764?share=copy
??Call to Action
Option 7 offers a thoughtful solution that balances cost savings, environmental preservation, and community well-being. I kindly encourage the Conservancy Board to consider this proposal and take the next steps toward a sustainable future for The Brandywine Golf Course Site. I would welcome the opportunity to present Option 7 at the next board meeting to further explore its benefits and answer any questions. Together, we can ensure that The Brandywine Golf Course Site remains a cherished and protected part of our community for generations to come.
Introduction
The central question is: can we protect the Ritchie/Haskell Run wetland at the old Brandywine Golf Course while redeveloping the site? The current proposal runs a road through this sensitive wetland, posing significant environmental risks.
Can we protect the wetland that sits on the old Brandywine Golf Course Site? (The wetland in question is the Ritchie/Haskell Run wetland that the current proposal runs a road thru.)
Roads, particularly in wetlands, act as sources of pollution. From my time in the tire industry, I’ve seen how tire debris and other materials wash directly into local water systems. In this case, it would mean harmful runoff into Haskell Run and eventually the Cuyahoga River, threatening the progress we’ve made in preserving these waterways.
At the same time, we can’t ignore the need for public safety. Emergency services from the Peninsula Police Department and Valley Fire District depend on fast access to areas like Truxell Road and Virginia-Kendall Road. A delay in response times could cost lives, and that’s something we can’t afford.
They local attractions affected are:
The current plan, developed by Studio Zwede and Chagrin Valley Engineering, includes building a new road through the wetland to preserve response times. While I understand their reasoning, it comes at a significant environmental cost, and I believe there’s a better option.
Option 7 offers a solution that balances both priorities: protecting the wetland while ensuring emergency services are maintained—at a lower cost, with greater safety, and a stronger focus on environmental preservation.
In this article, we’ll examine the challenges, review the available options, and show why Option 7 is the best way forward for The Brandywine Golf Course Site.
The Everett Covered Bridge near Peninsula, OH. The Covered Bridge spans Furnace Run, which is a stream just adjacent to Sylvan Run, which runs thru The Brandywine Golf Course Site.
Music by: The Commodores, "Easy." 1977. Video Reference: https://vimeo.com/954838018?share=copy
Some questions we are all considering:
Background
The Brandywine Golf Course site, once a local attraction, now faces redevelopment challenges. The aging road infrastructure around it is no longer financially viable, safe, or environmentally sustainable. Roads, especially in sensitive ecosystems like the Ritchie/Haskell Run wetland, pose a constant threat by leaching pollutants into water sources.
The Studio Zwede Consortium proposes building a new road, spanning 4000 to 6000 feet, at an estimated cost of $7 million. However, constructing this road through a wetland would bring lasting environmental harm and introduce toxic waste into a fragile ecosystem—an outcome that contradicts long-standing conservation efforts.
Financially, the road also represents a significant burden on taxpayers. While access and public safety are important, building more roads is not the only solution. Option 7 offers a better way—preserving wetlands and reducing costs, all while ensuring public safety remains uncompromised.
As Mr. Cash says, sometimes you can't go near the water. And that was true in the 70's when he wrote the song!
Music by: Johnny Cash, "Don't Go Near The Water." 1974. Video Reference: https://vimeo.com/954818126?share=copy
In the following sections, we’ll explore how Option 7 balances environmental protection, fiscal responsibility, and community safety.
Option 7: Experience & Commitment to Conservation
Over the years, I’ve worked in industries like Naval Nuclear, Marine Propulsion, Oil & Gas, and Biotech, honing my ability to deliver solutions that prioritize both environmental preservation and cost efficiency. Whether managing large-scale projects or balancing regulatory, safety, and environmental demands, staying on budget has been a consistent part of my work.
In January 2024, I submitted Option 7 for the redevelopment of the Brandywine Golf Course. While I didn’t receive a formal response, I believe this proposal offers the best balance between ecological preservation and financial responsibility. At an estimated cost of $4.55 million, Option 7 comes in nearly 50% less than the competing Option 6, which ranges from $7.49 to $8.56 million. By avoiding unnecessary road construction through sensitive wetlands, this plan protects vital ecosystems while cutting costs significantly.
Chillin' With Some Deer At The Park. This shows the Cuyahoga River near Waterworks Park, which is one of my favorite spots to go on this Earth.
Music by: Supertramp, "The Logical Song." 1979. Reference: https://vimeo.com/954818757?share=copy
As a teacher at Bedford High School, I guide future engineers toward hands-on, sustainable practices, reinforcing the importance of responsible development. This role aligns with my broader commitment to environmental stewardship and the Kindness Rules, which I developed to ensure that engineering solutions not only solve technical problems but also positively impact society and the environment.
Option 7 embodies these principles—it offers a practical, cost-effective solution that respects both the community’s needs and the environment’s future.
Comprehensive Review of Option 6
The Studio Zwede Consortium, in collaboration with Chagrin Valley Engineering and Biohabitats, has proposed a redevelopment plan for the Brandywine Golf Course, estimated at $7.49 to $8.56 million. While it addresses infrastructure needs, the plan raises significant financial and environmental issues.
A key concern is the proposed road through the Ritchie/Haskell Run wetland, a sensitive ecosystem that acts as a natural water filter and wildlife habitat. Building roads here would introduce pollutants into the wetlands and the Cuyahoga River, reversing years of environmental conservation.
Additionally, Option 6 includes costly roundabouts at intersections like Akron-Peninsula Road and Truxell Road, each adding nearly $10 million. While intended to improve traffic flow, their necessity at such a high price is questionable.
The plan assumes new roads are essential to maintain emergency response times, overlooking alternatives that could protect wetlands while ensuring public safety. By prioritizing road construction, Option 6 unnecessarily sacrifices the environment and places a heavy financial burden on the community.
With upfront costs and long-term remediation efforts, Option 6 risks straining public resources. In contrast, Option 7 offers a more balanced approach, avoiding wetland disruption while maintaining safety through infrastructure adjustments. At $4.55 million, it’s nearly 50% cheaper, providing both financial relief and environmental protection.
Ultimately, Option 6 may solve infrastructure challenges, but its environmental damage and high cost make it a less viable choice. Option 7 provides a smarter, more responsible path, meeting community needs while preserving natural resources.
Comparison of Option 6 vs. Option 7
The Conservancy opened the public comment period in early 2024 to gather feedback on redevelopment plans for the Brandywine Golf Course. Among the submitted options, I proposed Option 7, which emphasizes cost savings and environmental preservation. Although I did not receive formal feedback, I firmly believe this proposal has merit and provides a better balance between community needs and ecological stewardship.
As shown in the table, Option 7 closely aligns with the environmental goals laid out in Biohabitats' plan (Option 6) while offering significant cost savings and requiring less infrastructure. These advantages make Option 7 the more practical and environmentally responsible choice.
By avoiding unnecessary infrastructure development and leveraging existing resources, Option 7 represents a more cost-effective and ecologically sound approach. Its commitment to preserving the wetland while still meeting community safety needs makes it a balanced solution.
Detailed Cost Analysis
After revising the cost estimates for both proposals to account for inflation and key factors like man-hours, equipment, and material costs, the new figures for Option 6 (Biohabitats) range from $7.49 million to $8.56 million. In contrast, Option 7 has an updated cost estimate of $4.55 million.
The breakdown of Option 7 reflects:
This updated comparison emphasizes that Option 7 achieves its goals at roughly 43-50% of the total cost of Option 6, providing a significant financial advantage while still prioritizing environmental conservation.
Environmental Remediation & Sustainability Focus
Option 7 takes the core principles from the Biohabitats study and amplifies them, focusing on long-term sustainability and minimizing ecological disruption. Wetlands like the Ritchie/Haskell Run are fragile ecosystems, and the study made it clear—preserving these areas is essential by keeping infrastructure development at a minimum.
By avoiding the construction of roads through sensitive wetlands, Oapsie Inc.'s Option 7 makes it a priority to maintain the long-term health of these natural spaces. It's the most environmentally conscious and responsible choice for the future of The Brandywine Golf Course Site.
Remediation efforts are already underway at the old golf course, which, as we know, is essentially a brownfield site. A huge thank you goes out to the Conservancy Board for tackling this. Without their leadership, dealing with a site like this would be a whole lot harder.
Now, Mother Nature is going to do what she does. The Cuyahoga River has been moving eastward for centuries, and Option 7 doesn’t pretend to stop that. Haskell Run’s water is going to go somewhere—that’s been happening since the last Ice Age. But what Option 7 does is offer a way to manage that reality as responsibly and effectively as possible, for the long haul.
From time to time I cut together videos highlighting the #environmental headlines of the week. This one was from March 2024.
Music by: Midnight Oil, "Beds are Burning." 1987. Video Reference: https://vimeo.com/954817452?share=copy
Conclusion: A Credible and Responsible Solution
Option 7 represents a carefully considered, financially responsible, and environmentally sound proposal for The Brandywine Golf Course Site. As an engineer with decades of experience in project management, infrastructure, and environmental conservation, I have designed this plan to offer the community the best solution—one that protects the wetlands, keeps costs down, and maintains public safety.
This proposal is grounded in my commitment to sustainability and my belief that engineering projects should balance the needs of the present with those of the future. Option 7 stands out as the best option for The Brandywine Golf Course Site, and I am confident that it offers the most practical, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solution.
??CALL TO ACTION:
I encourage the Conservancy Board and the community to give serious consideration to Option 7, as it offers the most practical, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solution for the future of The Brandywine Golf Course Site.
Errata
This section captures updates, additional facts, and personal notes that complement the main content of the article.
These personal experiences reflect our commitment to doing things responsibly, ethically, and kindly—the values Oapsie Inc. embodies. As always, The Kindness Rules are our guiding principles.
A History of Oapsie Inc.
Oapsie Inc. is a full-service engineering firm that offers contract engineering, technology development, and construction services across a broad range of industries. Our expertise spans sectors such as Naval Nuclear, Marine Propulsion, Military, Automotive, Tires, Oil & Gas, Biotech, Medical Devices, and Consumer Products. Each project we take on is rooted in a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and delivering practical, cost-effective solutions while protecting the environment.
With a focus on projects both large and small, Oapsie Inc. has collaborated with international partners, governments, and local communities. From global initiatives to local projects like The Brandywine Golf Course Site Development, we strive to integrate responsible engineering practices in every aspect of our work. We are proud to have built a reputation for delivering results that are both technically sound and socially responsible.
Oapsie’s Roots in Peninsula, OH
Peninsula, OH, holds a special place in both my personal and professional life. Growing up here instilled in me a deep respect for nature and community, values that are central to Oapsie Inc.’s mission. The Everett Covered Bridge, a beloved landmark near Peninsula, has been a place of reflection and inspiration for me throughout the years. Many of the core values behind Oapsie’s projects were conceived while spending time in this peaceful setting.
The Everett Covered Bridge has been one of my favorite places to visit since I was young. It is located near Peninsula, OH, which is near where I grew up. I have spent many "office work days" in or near the Covered Bridge recently. OAPSIE?Inc. has ben managed from here!
Music by: The Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Under The Bridge." 1991. Video Reference: https://vimeo.com/954783957?share=copy
Music by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Under The Bridge" (1991), often serves as a personal soundtrack during my visits. The connection to this area runs deep, and it serves as a constant reminder of the impact we strive to have, both locally and globally. Projects like Peninsula Park are not just work—they are about giving back to the place that shaped us.
Family and Community Commitment
My wife Becca and I are both lifelong residents of this community, and we are deeply committed to its future. The values of family, sustainability, and community that we learned here have always been the guiding principles behind OAPSIE?Inc. We believe in doing business responsibly, treating the environment with care, and leaving a lasting, positive impact for future generations.
Together, we are dedicated to ensuring that our work not only benefits the present but preserves the community for those who come after us. OAPSIE?Inc. is a reflection of these values, and through our projects, we aim to protect the beauty, history, and sustainability of Peninsula, OH, and beyond.
Thought Experiment V
Imagine a scenario where a new park authority is created to manage The Brandywine Golf Course Site. This authority would have several key responsibilities:
Have a great day everyone, and Easy Does It!
#SustainableDevelopment #EnvironmentalPreservation #BrandywineRevitalization #ProtectOurWetlands #CommunitySafety #EcoFriendlySolutions #ConservationMatters #FutureGenerations #SustainableInfrastructure #GreenEngineering #EcoConscious #CostEfficient #ResponsibleDevelopment #ProtectOurParks #NatureAndCommunity #PreserveBrandywine
?? Sustainability?? Wetlands??? Nature?? Community?? Preservation??♂? Engineering?? Conservation?? Innovation
??
______________________________________________________________________
??The Galaxy of Edi??