CURB APPEAL

2021 Projects Add Beauty To Function

West Chester has several projects under way and ahead that focus on aesthetics and making the community even more welcoming.

While the functional aspects of the DDI were completed in 2020, West Chester begins work this spring on landscape features at the transformed interchange. These features will complement the unique highway bridge fencing and include smaller clock tower replicas and welcome signage.

The Union Centre area has always benefitted from added attention on aesthetics due to dedicated financial resources. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and a landscape district collect revenue from businesses in the area which are available for streetscape features and large projects.

These financial resources are not available for other parts of the Township.The Board of Trustees, however, increased emphasis on the aesthetics of all areas of the community and have committed resources to projects intended to give the community greater “curb appeal.”

“The aesthetics of the community are critical to retaining West Chester’s standing as an outstanding place to live and do business,” said Township Administrator Larry D. Burks. “We want our residents to feel great pride for their community and we want businesses to know their investment in the community is valued.”

The Cincinnati-Dayton Road improvement project wrapped up in 2019, but still ahead is the addition of a small pocket park at the corner of Cincinnati-Dayton and Station roads. Under construction this spring with a cost estimate of $500,000, the park offers a water feature, some seating and landscape to create a respite for pedestrians.

A multi-year improvement project on Tylersville Road cleared the way for decorative lighting, retaining walls and fencing and the opportunity for decorative community banners. ODOT work on the Tylersville Road overpass also made it possible to introduce a decorative fence element highlighting the historic Voice of America Bethany Station (VOA Museum) and the recreational amenities of the Voice of America Park.

These are just a few of the larger projects planned for 2021. New signage at Township parks, improvements to the Keehner Park Amphitheater and shelters, new trail markings and more are also part of the 2021 schedule to enhance the community.