West Chester Community Report Summer 2022

CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH FRIENDS

Start your weekend early with the First Financial Bank Takeover

Weekends start early in West Chester with The Takeover presented by First Financial Bank. Party with us all summer on Thursday nights, 6 -9 p.m. on The Square @ Union Centre.

The Takeover features live party music from fan-favorite local bands, along with some new music. Headlining this year on July 21st is Los-Angeles based Earth to Mars; The Bruno Mars Experience, a funk band guaranteed to get the crowd dancing.

Support local at The Takeover by grabbing dinners from local food trucks, including The Cone and Big Dogs Pizza.

Sales of alcoholic beverages benefit local non-profit organizations thanks to local hometown beer makers DogBerry Brewing and Grainworks Brewing Company (on a rotating schedule), as well as West Chester-based Ohio Eagle Distributing (every concert).

Outside alcohol cannot be brought into the park. Every beer purchase helps support this year’s non-profit liquor permit partners including VFW Post 7696, American Legion Post 681, Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty, Union Centre Boulevard Merchant Association (UCBMA), St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus #13608, C3 Caring Community Collaborative and West ChesterUnion Township Historical Society.

To learn more about the food and beer available each week, scan the QR code!

Here’s the line-up for 2022.

May 26 – Naked Karate Girls

June 2 – Classic Rock Experience

June 9 – Top This Band

June 16 – The Remains

June 23 – Dat Band

June 30 – 3 Piece Revival

July 7 – 90 Proof Twang

July 14 – Pandora Effect

See you there!

July 21 – Earth to Mars: The Bruno Mars Experience

July 28 – Cassette Junkies

August 4 – Michelle Robinson Band

August 11 – The Sly Band

August 18 – DV8

The Fourth at VOA

There is no better place in the region to celebrate the Fourth of July than the Voice of America in West Chester, Ohio. Established as the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting and Voice of America Park, the property is the stage for the community’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

The three-day Kemba Taps, Tastes and Tunes event features food, beer, and live music on the front lawn of the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. The Museum will also be open to guests throughout the event.

Taps, Tastes and Tune times are: Friday, July 1, 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, July 2, noon to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, July 3, noon to 10 p.m. with fireworks around 9 p.m. The Voice of America festival is hosted in cooperation with Coldiron Concessions, MetroParks of Butler County and benefits the VOA Museum.

The three-day event finale is the West Chester Township Fourth of July Fireworks at 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 3. Gather your family and end your Independence Day weekend with a bang!

2022 FOOD TRUCK RALLY

How to sample food from 40 food trucks in 10.5 hours? That’s the problem we all face on Friday, Aug. 12 as the Food Truck Rally rolls into The Square @ Union Centre.

The Union Centre Boulevard Merchant Association (UCBMA) annual event is a celebration of food, music and community. And it benefits local charities.

The 2022 Food Truck Rally is a free event with hours from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. so guests can plan stops throughout the day – lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, evening snack – and enjoy local bands playing all day long.

UCBMA is a local non-profit that started back when the Union Centre Boulevard interchange was new. The group hosted the Union Centre Boulevard Bash, Blast and Food & Music Festival for years.

The group is made up of enthusiastic local merchants whose mission is to promote the Union Centre Central Business District, but they have also become very active in supporting local non-profits making grants totaling more than $20,000.

Bands for the festival had not yet been announced at the time of Community Report printing.

If you want to volunteer or sponsor the Food Truck Rally, or just stay updated about the event, check out the UCBMA Food Truck Rally page on Facebook.

Until then, make plans to dine/shop at one of the fine food/ boutique trucks listed here: A&A Lemonade, Adena’s Beefstroll, AJ’s Cheesesteaks, Best Thing Smokin’, Big Dog’s Pizza, Binge Worthy, Cheese N Chong, Chicago Gyros & Dogs, Chicken Mac, Cupzilla, Dine-in Hawaiian, East Coast Eatz, Empanadas Aqui, Folks N Motion, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Funnel Vision, Hope & Grace Boutique, House Café & Catering, Jenn’s Hot Tamale, Just Jerks, Kabobske, La Orangette, Mahope Cambodian Cuisine, Mama Bear’s Mac, Marci’s

Southern Kitchen, Off the Hook, Patriot Grill, Pretzelfuls, Quad Que BBQ, Red Sesame, S.E.A. Cuisine, Smokin’ Double, streetpops, Sweet Maize Kettle Corn, Sweets and Meats, The Cheesecakery, The Cone, Top Nacho Truck, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck and Wicked Hickory.

25 YEARS OF MUSIC AT KEEHNER PARK

West Chester Symphony & others share landmark year at the amphitheater!

The West Chester Symphony and the Keehner Park Amphitheater share an anniversary this summer marking 25 years of bringing music to the community.

The summer-long Keehner Park Concert Series begins June 4 and continues through Labor Day.

This year’s lineup is filled with a variety of music including big band, classic rock and Irish folk music. The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will even perform Twelfth Night in the park on July 30th.

West Chester’s very own symphony orchestra was founded in 1997, the same year the Keehner Park Amphitheater opened. In 2022, the Symphony will perform June 25th with a free ice cream social at intermission; and on Labor Day.

Sue Schirmer, the long-time symphony conductor, said their first performance was at the Keehner Park Amphitheater and it has been a favorite venue ever since.

“The patriotic concert is one of our favorite with music by John Williams, the 1812 Overture and even guest accompaniment with the

bagpipes,” Ms. Schirmer said.

With about 50 volunteer members ranging in age from 20 to 80+, the West Chester Symphony is a labor of love for its members. They rely on donations to keep the music playing.

All performances at Keehner Park are free. Guests can pack a picnic, blanket, and chairs and enjoy Saturday nights at the Keehner Park Amphitheater, 7211 Barret Road from 7 -9 p.m.

Here’s the line-up for 2022.

June 4 – Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band

June 11- The HitchHikers Band

June 18 – The Gamut

June 25 – West Chester Symphony & Ice Cream Social

July 9 – Blue Stone Ivory

July 16 – Jump ‘n’ Jive Big Band

July 23 – Southern Gateway Choir

July 30 – Shakespeare in the Park: Twelfth Night

August 13 – Hauer Swing Band

August 20 – Missing Pieces Band

August 27 – Sound Body Jazz Orchestra

September 5 – (Labor Day) West Chester Symphony [Concert starts at 6:30 p.m.]

NEW OHIO FIREWORKS LAW

Bang! Pop-pop-pop! Crackle snap! Fizz! Ka-pow!

Firework celebrations are as American as apple pie, but party people ought to know that patriotic pyrotechnic shows are best enjoyed when setting the night sky aglow is left up to the pros.

Data compiled by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) illuminate the very real threat posed to life and property by backyard fireworks displays and related tomfoolery. Fireworks in the United States account for 18,500 fires on average each year and about 9,000 visits to the emergency room.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety reports that beginning July 1, 2022, Ohioans can discharge consumer grade fireworks within the State, either on their own property or on another person’s property (with permission), on days designated by the Ohio Legislature, with some exceptions.

Days for consumer grade fireworks in Ohio are:

•New Year’s Eve and Day

•Chinese New Year

•Cinco de Mayo

•Memorial Day weekend

•Juneteenth

•July 3, 4, and 5, and the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays preceding and following

•Labor Day weekend

•Diwali

Fireworks hobbyists are limited to consumer grade (1.4G) firework or a commercial grade (1.3G) firework and may only possess a total of 5 pounds of material at any one time.

Only fireworks purchased from licensed sales locations throughout Ohio may be discharged in the State. Retailers must offer safety glasses and safety pamphlets. And, the law prohibits use of fireworks by anyone under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, beer or controlled substance.

Safe Fireworks?

Regardless of the rules and regulations where you live, West Chester Fire & EMS professionals disapprove of home fireworks. Residents who ultimately choose to light fireworks are asked to review the West Chester Fire Department safety checklist before celebrating.

•Don’t use fireworks if under the influence or in possession of illicit drugs and alcohol. It’s against the law.

•Don’t hold a lit firework or try to reignite a misfire. Never light fireworks indoors or near people, houses, and flammable material.

•Don’t discharge fireworks on days that fall outside the schedule of approved holidays designated by the Ohio Legislature.

•Do take every precaution to limit harm and risk. Wear safety glasses, read warning labels, keep children away, and have water nearby to fully extinguish spent fireworks before discarding.

•Do refer to the Ohio Fireworks Redbook provided by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal, for answers to fireworks questions and concerns.

•Do save contact information for West Chester Fire & EMS in your phone. Call 911 in an emergency or dial 513-777-1133 for nonemergencies.

For more information from the West Chester Fire Department, visit www.westchesteroh.org/fire.

West Chester Police Host Citizen Police Academy

The West Chester Township Citizen Police Academy has given hundreds of West Chester residents the opportunity to get a closer look at local law enforcement since its 2010 beginnings.

The next Citizen Police Academy begins Sept. 6 and continues for 10 consecutive Wednesdays until Nov. 8. Applications are now being accepted at www. westchesteroh.org/police.

Citizen Police Academy is designed to give civilians a closer look at the workings of the Police Department. Participants learn firsthand about police operations with the goal of fostering better harmony between police and the public.

“I learned that work of law enforcement is more difficult than I imagined and I walked away knowing the great respect West Chester officers have for the community and all they do to build community relationships,” said Jackie Patrick, president of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association.

Citizen Police Academy curriculum covers: Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations, Traffic Investigations and much more. Participants tour

the Township jail and forensics lab; experience a SWAT training exercise and shoot at the West Chester Township/ Butler County Sheriff’s Joint Firing Range.

“We’re so very fortunate in all the ways our community supports our agency,” said Police Chief Joel Herzog. “The Citizen Police Academy is another platform for us to connect with residents and demonstrate how we value that support and the trust they place in us.”

Applicants must be at least 21 years old. Non-resident applicants will be considered, but West Chester residents and those who work in West Chester have priority.

Graduates of past programs have included retirees, business leaders, members of the faith community, and elected officials.

Those who complete the program are encouraged to become part of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, supporting outreach programs like the Drug Take Back Day, Touch-a-Truck and other programs.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Safety Village takes shape this summer with support from many

Safety Village is sponsored by Lakota Local School, 3 Little Halos, Northern Cincinnati Foundation, West Chester Police Department and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

The program will cover topics like pedestrian and bike safety, fire safety, Stranger Danger, proper school bus behavior and more; all while campers traverse a mini village in pedal cars.

The West Chester Fire Department will step up during sessions to share important information about home fire safety.

The village for now will be housed in a gym at the Lakota West Freshman Building where Lakota art students and volunteers have transformed the space into a miniature village.

“We’re grateful for the space in the school,” Officer Gabbard said. “It’s our hope that the program will give children a really good start in their school experience and grow with community support.”

The old adage states “it takes a village to raise a child”. In the Lakota Schools community many partners stepped up to provide a summer-long safety program for incoming kindergarteners.

“It’s been amazing to have so many partners step up and make this first summer of safety village come to life,” said West Chester Police Officer Gary Gabbard, a school resource officer in Lakota.

Building a place where young children would be engaged in learning important safety rules has been a mission for the Butler family of 3 Little Halos. It was their determination and a kick start from Kevin Thomas, principal of Shawnee Early Childhood School, that set the wheels in motion.

The week-long programs will be offered starting the week of May 23 and continuing through August with time slots for 2022 filled. Twenty-five children will participate in two sessions (morning and afternoon) each week.

Reserve Park Shelters Online

New for 2022, West Chester Township park patrons can complete all shelter reservation transactions online. Park shelters are currently available to rent at Keehner Park and Beckett Park.

Links to the new, mobile friendly shelter reservation system are accessible from www.westchesteroh.org.

The new system streamlines the park shelter booking process offering users the ability to choose from all available shelter(s) and date(s) at a glance. Web reservations must be made four days, or more, before the desired rental date.

West Chester Township staff will continue to accept shelter reservations offline for the spring, summer and fall rental seasons. Shelter reservations are $30 at Keehner Park and $50 at Beckett Park. All reservations are considered full-day rentals, from dawn to dusk. There is no hourly option.

To learn more about West Chester park shelters, visit www.westchesteroh.org/parks.

Keeping Your Parks Looking Great

A full-time staff of public works professionals with the West Chester Community Services Department maintain the Township’s park facilities and all equipment necessary to keep these spaces beautiful. Parks employees make up about one-tenth of the Community Services team and receive support from seasonal laborers hired each summer to assist with mowing, landscaping and more.

Interested in a summer job in the great outdoors?

THE MARKET

Farm to table and MORE every Saturday; Support the smalls at The Market in West Chester

Summer signals the return of the weekly West Chester Market, sponsored by First Financial Bank.

Market opening day is Saturday, May 21. The Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 29. This year, The Market will be set up in the parking lot of the Midpointe Library West Chester on The Square, 9363 Centre Pointe Dr.

“We look forward to the library partnering even more with The Market this summer with collaborative activities and more,” said West Chester’s Outreach Coordinator Monica Dexter.

Every great grocery list can start with produce from local growers selling vegetables, fruits, herbs, and more! All produce sold at the market is grown locally and is available when in season. The season will start with plenty of greens and colder weather crops, but our farm vendors always offer a wide range of products.

Customers eagerly await mid-summer of course when sweet corn is in season and on sale from long-time vendor Steve Willis with Just Farmin’. Pippin’s Produce is at the market every week and offers fresh and hot roasted peppers in the summer. Seven Wonders Farms offers meat and eggs. Many farmers offer sweet local strawberries mid-summer, but be sure to shop early to get your hands on the good stuff!

Shopping the Market on Saturdays will be a positive habit you won’t want to quit! Many customers and vendors have been joining in since the first West Chester Market in 2005. Diane and Terry Boynton with Diane’s Heavenly Delights have been selling their delicious homemade baked goods here going on 18 years. Diane says their favorite part of the Market has been watching customers’ kids and families grow up.

“Terry and I always say we have two families, our two boys, and our West Chester Farmers Market Family!” Diane said. New vendors can be found at the Market throughout the season.

Shopping at the West Chester Farmers Market is a new experience every week with live music, local makers and bakers, activities, and more. Stop by every Saturday and support local!

Sports Courts with Expanded Pickleball Open to All

West Chester Township’s Keehner Park offers expanded sports courts this summer for open play by the community.

Recently updated courts at Keehner Park feature tennis, two basketball courts and four pickleball courts – two of the pickleball courts are temporary.

This summer, West Chester will expand pickleball offerings making a total of four permanent courts for enthusiasts and two temporary courts that will be painted on the existing tennis courts.

All of the current options remain open to the community including the tennis court, says Community Services Director Tim Franck. New lines on the tennis courts will make it playable whether you’re a pickleball athlete or a tennis star.

The sports courts at Keehner Park cannot be reserved or rented. They are open play spaces for the community and all park rules apply including no alcohol, no dogs off leash and no vandalism.

Park hours are dawn to dusk.

OPEN SPACES

Protecting land for flora, fauna, water quality and future generations

that will continue to grow as opportunities become available.

For West Chester, the Corridor begins at its western edge off Thunderbird Lane. An approximately 30-acre property once known as Morris Farm sits between the Mill Creek and the towpath of the former Miami-Erie Canal. The property is a wetland habitat for a wide range of bird species, turtles, plants and more. A nearly-endangered Tiger Salamander was identified on the property in 2003 and naturalists visiting the property continue to find new varieties of flora and fauna that are supported by this natural wetland environment.

A multi-purpose trail, accessible from Thunderbird Lane travels 1.5 miles to the east through West Chester along the canal towpath and passes features such as the foundation of an early ice house. MetroParks of Butler County has continued to work connecting the path heading west with planned connection to Gilmore Ponds.

West Chester Township’s success in economic development during the past two decades has not been a secret. Private land owners and developers have made the most of their property and the community’s assets of location and access to invest in the long-term sustainability of our local economy.

What has received less attention is West Chester’s 20-year commitment to protecting valuable open space and floodplain for future generations.

“Properties acquired by West Chester Township through the Clean Ohio program don’t have soccer fields and playgrounds, but they are increasingly valuable in the protection and sustainability of our natural environment and offer passive recreational opportunities for the community,” said Township Administrator Larry Burks.

West Chester’s work on property identified two decades ago as the Upper Mill Creek Conservation Corridor continues to evolve and has ultimately led to a string of protected areas through the community

The latest project in the Conservation Corridor has been undertaken by the Nature Conservancy of Ohio on property owned by West Chester just off Rialto Road, known as the Rialto Marsh. The stream/wetland mitigation project will ultimately result in an environmentally sound passive area for guests to enjoy bird watching, walking and meditation, all while protecting the habitat and the stream. Accounting for about 20 acres in the busy commercial area of West Chester Township, this property will be preserved in perpetuity for conservation purposes.

Work at the Rialto Marsh is expected to be ongoing this spring/ summer.

Learn more about West Chester Township’s efforts to protect and conserve natural spaces at www.westchesteroh.org.

Making Strides in Walkability

West Chester’s National Citizen Survey results revealed our community’s interest in quality infrastructure including multi-purpose trails. So, the 2021-2022 Strategic Plan encouraged leaders to identify where the Township could have greatest impact in creating connections.

Opportunities were identified in areas where private/public partnerships could create extensions of existing paths fueling discussions with developers and other partners that could ultimately lead to greater connectivity.

Making West Chester more walkable in a balanced and financially responsible way has been the emphasis as projects are identified.

Trustees recently approved contracts to extend an existing path on Smith Road from Beckett Road to just west of State Route 747. The project will be under way this summer and will be partially funded with an OKI grant and the balance funded with Tax Increment Financing Funds.

West Chester Township will also use TIF to fund a creekside path that will connect Union Centre Boulevard to West Chester Road. This is part of a larger commercial development.

The Board of Trustees will also partner on a grant application made by MetroParks

of Butler County to develop a trail along the north side of Tylersville Road connecting the Butler Warren intersection to the VOA Retail Centre. Piece by piece, West Chester continues to make strides in improving walkability.

SOAK UP SOME SUMMER!

Expand your horizons and plan time enjoying the parks in West Chester

West Chester maintains more than 400 acres of recreational space for the enjoyment of those who want to be active and those who want to simply relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Keehner Park, Beckett Park, The Square @ Union Centre and the Upper Mill Creek Conservation Corridor are all part of West Chester Township’s park system. Voice of America Park is a MetroParks of Butler County property, available right here in our community. When making summer plans, think of these activities to be enjoyed close to home.

Nature Programs

Kids are sure to learn something new at Nature Basket, for ages 3-5, and WOLF (World of Land, Forest and Friends) Program, for ages 5-12. These programs include activities that focus on nature and our environment. Children’s nature programs offered by West Chester Township are free to attend. Families are asked to please RSVP as space is limited. Visit www.westchesteroh.org.

Trail Time

Make your own adventure exploring Keehner Park and its forested park space. Traverse the creekside, wooded trails with the Keehner Park trails map as your guide. Trails are now marked blue for mountain biking, red for hiking, and green for the inner loop thanks to a 2021 Eagle Scout Project. This stretch along the east fork of the Mill Creek is also ideal for families who like to go creeking and fossil hunting. Ordovician fossils dating back more than 400 million years are there to find, but please don’t take.

Historic Hotspots

History buffs will want to add at least three West Chester park destinations to their sight-seeing checklist of local landmarks. First, try to spot ruins of the 1820s Miami Erie Canal and James Cullen ice house along Upper Mill Creek Conservation Corridor with access from Firebird Lane. Next, go see the restored 1880s

Muhlhauser Barn and Moerlein

Gazebo at Beckett Park for a window into the summer lives of some of Cincinnati’s most famous pre-Prohibition era beer barons and the Queen City’s rich brewing history. Finally, step inside the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. to hear how world history was shaped from right here in your own backyard. Also, watch for the new West Chester History Center to open soon and connect with the West Chester - Union Township Historical Society on Facebook.

Sunday Funday

Meet and network with like-minded hobbyists on select weekends. Acoustic Jam is an informal gathering of local musicians who bring and play their own instruments, rain or shine, at the Keehner Park Amphitheater the first Sunday afternoon of the month from May through October. On the second Sunday of the month, the Pigs Aloft Kite Association fly their extraordinary kites on the front lawn of the VOA Museum, weather permitting. Connect with the West Chester Open Acoustic Jam and/or the Pigs Aloft groups on Facebook.

Boundless Playground

One of the area’s best playgrounds for children of all abilities is right here in West Chester. The Boundless Playground at Beckett Park, 8560 Beckett Road, is designed to maximize play for everyone. Amenities include creative play panels, music elements, a swing set, climbers, and slides plus a high backed swing, ramped wheelchair access to the highest platforms, and accessible pathways made from special rubberized surface. In total, Beckett Park offers 150 acres for the whole family with fishing ponds, paved and natural walking paths, picnic areas and a natural playground built into the terrain.

Paw-ty Time

Take me out to the dog park! Your pup will have a ball at Wiggly Field Dog Park in West Chester, one of the many incredible features of VOA Park. The dog park offers two fenced yards for dogs of all sizes, plus bench seating and shade structures for pet parents. MetroParks of Butler County made $40,000 in improvements to Wiggly Field in 2019 thanks to the Christine Humphreys Impact Grant from the Northern Cincinnati Foundation.

Speaking of doggos, puppers and woofers, we want to meet you! The dog park is not the only place where furry, four-legged friends can have some fun in the sun in West Chester. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcomed at Township parks. You can also bring your good boy or good girl with you to dog-friendly park events including the West Chester Market on Saturday mornings, the Takeover presented by First Financial Bank on Thursday evenings, and the Keehner Park Concert Series on Saturday nights.

HIDDEN WEST CHESTER

Check out the trails at Beckett Park

Some of the best places to visit are hidden in plain sight. Plan a walk this summer on the natural trail that follows along the lake on the west side of Beckett Park. A less-explored path, the Beckett Trail offers something new to see in every season. The path isn’t paved, so plan to wear appropriate footwear. Bring along your camera and focus on the details along the way.

ORANGE BARRELS SIGNAL PROGRESS

Storm pipe projects and paving top summer “to-do” list for road crews

In addition to the ARPA funding, the Township has also applied TIF funds to infrastructure work when applicable. In 2022, TIF will pay for approximately $600,000 of the $2.0 million allocated for paving. Tax Increment Financing allows local communities to benefit directly from increased property values related solely to commercial investment in specific areas.

The Township’s ability to stretch its road dollars is also due to an expanded partnership with the Butler County Engineer’s Office (BCEO). While county roads within TIF districts are improved using TIF, the BCEO funds paving of some Township-maintained roads and contributes equipment, personnel and other resources to improve Township infrastructure. The partnership with the BCEO has saved West Chester taxpayers about $4.3 million over the past 10 years.

‘Tis the season for orange barrels and road work. While this can mean great frustration for motorists, it also signals progress in maintaining the critical infrastructure of the Township.

Every year, West Chester identifies projects and sets budget for the annual Infrastructure Improvement Program. This program includes a variety of features, products and partners working together to mitigate costs to taxpayers while ensuring demands are met.

The 2022 Infrastructure Improvement Program budget is $6.7 million. This is more than double the 2021 commitment and includes roads, curbs and storm pipe improvements throughout the Township and combines resources from the Township Roads Funds, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

In 2022 West Chester will address about 17,000 lineal feet of curb, about 7 miles of roadway and 250 sections of storm pipe.

Increasing costs and the demands of repair and replacement of similarly aged infrastructure continues to require ingenuity on the part of West Chester Community Services and Township leadership. Being agile in how we plan and budget for the annual infrastructure program is key.

“With many of West Chester’s neighborhoods and infrastructure installed within a relatively short period of time in the early to mid1990s, replacement is all coming due within a short period of time and stretching the community’s resources is our job as good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Community Services Director Tim Franck.

Storm pipe replacement in the public right-of-way has been of specific concern. The Community Services Department has deployed several pipe lining methods in recent years helping to reduce the costs of digging up roads and replacing the pipes beneath.

These newer methods paired with the allocation of funding from ARPA to storm pipe repair replacement in the coming years will help the Township stretch resources and make real headway in meeting the demands of maturing infrastructure. As part of the federal funding program West Chester is slated to receive $6.6 million to be spent in the next 3-4 years.

“We’re using this funding in a way that benefits all taxpayers –applying it to a financial responsibility that the Township will have to face, and relieving the future liability to our taxpayers,” said Mr. Franck.

To follow specific road projects throughout the summer months, check out West Chester’s project map on DIG (Data Informed Government).

Please slow down when in a construction zones or area where crews are working. Road crews don’t speed through your office, so don’t speed through their work space.

Meet Road Supt. Jim Rigsby

Jim Rigsby is a veteran of West Chester’s Roads Division with 27 years of service to the community. Jim’s entire career with West Chester has been invested in caring for the community’s infrastructure. Jim works as part of the Community Services Department leading a team of professionals who are assigned road work, storm pipe repairs, culvert work and much more.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEST CHESTER

On June 2, 1823, a 35-square-mile section near the southwest corner of Ohio was established as Union Township. The County Commissioners met and petitioned for the division of Liberty Township in order to create the new township. In the year 2000, residents voted to claim the name West Chester Township.

From humble beginnings rooted in agriculture, neighborhoods like Gano, Pisgah, Maude, Mechanicsburg, and Port Union established along transportation roots with churches and schools building sense of community. Families, shopkeepers and entrepreneurs built a community that continues to thrive today.

Starting in June 2023, West Chester will celebrate its bicentennial year! The entire community is encouraged to be a part of planning our year-long party. If you have ideas or want to be part of a volunteer team dedicated to this celebration, please reach out to mdexter@westchesteroh.org

president Mary Jo Bicknell. “Families have been sharing bits of our history with us for years and now there is a permanent place to share our story.”

The West Chester School (often referred to as the Station Road Schoolhouse) was constructed on the foundation of a one-room schoolhouse that was destroyed by fire in 1900. The original one-room schoolhouse was built in the 1870s.

The two-room West Chester School, which will now be the West Chester History Center, was constructed in 1900 and served as a school until 1916 when the larger school building in Olde West Chester was constructed.

Former Schoolhouse Transforms to History Center

The two-room West Chester School on Station Road has a long storied past and soon it will be open as a center to celebrate and share our community history.

The West Chester – Union Township Historical Society has been busily working to ready displays and resources that visitors will experience when they visit the West Chester History Center, 6670 Station Road, later this year.

“Our displays are curated from the collections of our community’s earliest families,” said historical society

The West Chester School building on Station Road was then sold as a private home and was occupied by several different families until West Chester Township purchased the building in 1999. West Chester preserved the property, working with the historical society and others to make some restorations; and in 2019 sold the property to the West Chester – Union Township Historical Society for $1.00 for the purpose of creating a local museum.

“So many residents think of West Chester the way it is now, but a lot of things came before,” Bicknell said. “Our community history is often overlooked, but I think many people would find it quite interesting.”

With the opening of the History Center coinciding with Ohio Open Doors weekend (September 2022) and West Chester Township bicentennial year (2023), volunteers of the historical society hope the community becomes more engaged in learning about our local history.

Learn more about how to get involved in the West Chester – Union Township Historical Society, by connecting with them on Facebook.

Township Trustees 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road West Chester, Ohio 45069-3840

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Township Contacts

General 513-777-5900

Community Development 513-777-4214

Community Services 513-777-6145

Fire Department & EMS (Non-Emergency) 513-777-1133

FISCAL OFFICER

TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR

Police Department (Non-Emergency) 513-777-2231

Mark Welch Chair

Ann Becker Vice-Chair

Bruce Jones

Larry D. Burks

Lee Wong Trustee