Projects and initiatives across the community continue to reshape the landscape of the past and set the stage for what is to come. New businesses, roads and infrastructure upgrades are all part of Westerville’s evolving identity, paving the road toward a prosperous and sustainable future. As 2015 draws to a close, it is worth taking a moment to look back and review some of the City’s most recent accomplishments and preview what lies ahead in 2016.
Worthington Road Connector
Earlier this year, construction wrapped up on the highly anticipated Worthington Road connector, which now joins Polaris Parkway with County Line Road. Featuring the City’s first roundabout, the road is designed to better facilitate the passage of traffic in the community’s northwest quadrant. It will ultimately tie into the future Gemini Parkway extension to the north, helping to alleviate traffic congestion along Polaris Parkway. New dining, retail and housing will soon follow for residents and businesses to enjoy.
Uptown
Uptown remains a bustling hub of commerce as new businesses continue to take their places among existing community favorites. In the past year, Uptown Deli and Brew and Koblé Grill opened their doors to eager Uptown appetites with delicious new takes on New York-style deli fare and Greek and Italian cuisine, respectively. 2016 promises new additions to the Uptown culinary lineup with 8 State Bistro, Northstar Café, Asterisk Supper Club, Whit’s Frozen Custard and Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn scheduled to launch in the coming months.
Just behind State Street, between College Avenue and Park Road, sits the new and improved City Hall parking lot. A brick alley running from Park Street to College Avenue improves safety, access and circulation with new parking spots to expand capacity for residents, visitors and businesses. Two additional parking projects are also slated for next year.
Mobile Service Requests
Last summer, the City launched “My Westerville,” a new and improved app for Android and Apple devices. Beyond improved compatibility on smartphones and tablets, the mobile app features an enhanced service request function. Users can launch the app to report an issue, make a request or alert City staff to a problem. The request is electronically dispatched to the appropriate department, and users can follow the progress to its resolution. Residents are encouraged to download the mobile app or visit www.westerville.org/servicerequest to complete service requests online.
Cleveland & Schrock Intersection
Next year, construction will commence on Cleveland Avenue between the Interstate 270 interchange and the entrance to Sharon Woods Metro Park and Mount Carmel St. Ann’s. Additional northbound and southbound lanes will be built along Cleveland Avenue, including an additional turn lane for southbound Cleveland Avenue to westbound Schrock Road. The completed project will improve both vehicular and pedestrian safety and travel capacity along one of the City’s most widely utilized roadways. Planned improvements along this corridor will join the vastly improved I-270 interchange south of Schrock Road, a multi-year effort coordinated by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
South State Street
Work is underway to extend the existing South State Street corridor improvements north from King Arthur Boulevard to Sugar Grove Square and along Schrock Road between Brooksedge Boulevard and Otterbein Avenue. New enhancements to the area will include the relocation of overhead utilities underground, additional lanes to reduce traffic congestion and upgraded street lights, sidewalks and landscaping to match improvements to the south. Utility relocations will continue over the next several months, with roadway construction planned to begin spring 2016. The project is slated to be substantially complete in December 2016.
Sunbury Road
Next fall, construction begins on upgrades along Sunbury Road from County Line Road to Maxtown Road. A new left turn lane, an additional northbound lane, intersection improvements and a new sidewalk and recreational path will be constructed to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety in the area. The Sunbury Road Improvement Project will cost an estimated $9.3 million, $7 million of which will be paid for using grant funds.
Water Plant Upgrade
The end of 2015 marks the completion of a four-year project to expand and upgrade the Westerville Water Treatment Plan. Improvements to the facility comply with new federal Environmental Protection Agency drinking water regulations, adding a second water filtration process to the existing treatment regimen. With the enhanced water filtration process in place, Water Division customers will continue to enjoy drinking water quality at one of the region’s lowest rates. For ongoing updates, visit www.westerville.org to subscribe to e-news alerts and download the new mobile app.
Our Plan for Food Trucks
Food trucks continue to be popular in central Ohio, and Westerville special events are popular destinations for trucks and their followers. Currently, the City of Westerville allows food trucks or food carts only as part of special events, such as 4th Friday, sponsored by the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau, and the Great Westerville Food Truck Fest, sponsored by the Westerville Area Resource Ministry. However, planning is underway to consider if, how, when and where food trucks will operate in Uptown, business districts and other sites in Westerville.
This year, the City implemented a voluntary food truck pilot program to help coordinate trucks and carts that have expressed interest in local operations. Whether or not a vendor chooses to participate in the pilot program, all food trucks and carts are required to be licensed and inspected by Franklin County Public Health, Columbus Public Health or Delaware County Public Health, depending on where the truck or cart operates.
The program is a one-season pilot, ending in December, that has focused on gauging interest, issues, potential challenges and opportunities. Mobile food vendors are asked to meet several standards, including permission to be on the property where they wish to operate. Vendors may not block the public right-of-way, such as a sidewalk, and must meet existing signage regulations. Other City departments, such as the Police and Fire Divisions, are involved to advise on public safety and emergency access matters where trucks and carts may be located.
Right now, many of our peer communities are sharing information and experiences. Westerville is comparing and reviewing that information to ensure we design a successful program. By the time the voluntary pilot concludes early next year, staff plans to review results and make recommendations. As always, public input is very important. We invite residents to provide feedback or express an opinion by emailing CodeEnforcement@westerville.org.
Imagine Westerville Update
Imagine Westerville, the City’s comprehensive planning process, has been active in the community for well over a year. The outcome of this initiative will be the publication of an updated community plan, a strategic guide that sets forth a long-range vision for housing, environmental, economic and transportation developments in Westerville.
Planning and participation for this project have been widely promoted for residents to help craft policies and asses the various components of the plan. In August, a draft version of the plan was available online and in person for comment and review. Additionally, a Citizen Advisory Team, consisting of nearly two dozen Westerville volunteers, has assisted in the development of the plan and helped solicit public input at community meetings and local events.
The draft community plan is under review by the Westerville Planning Commission for the remainder of 2015. City Council will consider its adoption in early 2016. You can track its progress or download an electronic version of the plan at www.imaginewesterville.org.
For continuing updates, subscribe to the City’s e-newsletter. Each Wednesday, a digital update is sent directly to the subscriber’s email inbox. Click “Sign Up” on the lower right hand side of the page at www.westerville.org.
Staff Profile
Talking Public Safety with Police
The City of Westerville Division of Police proudly promotes community engagement and transparency among its core values. Recently, Chief Joe Morbitzer and Assistant Chief Paul Scowden participated in live Question & Answer sessions on Facebook. Following are excerpts from these conversations. To participate next time, watch the City’s social media accounts for announcements on the next Q&A with Westerville Division of Police leadership, officers and staff.
I have seen a lot of bad press about police and police training. How often does your staff train?
We are extremely fortunate to be able to provide training to our staff on a daily basis on a platform called Lexipol. Additionally, our officers receive 40 hours of in-service training per year, which will actually exceed the recommendations of the Attorney General’s requirements. Our officers also receive external training for advanced courses in law enforcement, leadership and human relations.
What are the laws about strangers taking pictures of children?
There are public property and private property issues. If on private property, such as a school ground, school officials can ask the individual to leave. However, on public property, they are free to take photos. With that being said, if you believe it is suspicious in nature, contact your local police. We encourage people not to confront individuals, but to seek assistance from local law enforcement agencies.
Texting and driving is out of control in Westerville. I can’t drive a mile without seeing it. What can we do about that on a local level?
We totally agree. We have worked extremely hard to get the word out about distracted driving. We were the first agency to work with 10TV’s Dom Tiberi and Maria’s Message providing a community forum about this message. Currently, texting is a primary offense. Unfortunately, officers have to witness a driver texting in order to issue citations under state law. However, if you witness unsafe driving, please contact the local police jurisdiction. In Westerville, you can contact 614-882-7444.
In the current climate (with law enforcement), how is your department’s relationship with the community?
We have outstanding community outreach programs with our citizens. We have an adult volunteer program of 152 citizen volunteers. This group has been recognized as the best police volunteer group in the U.S. on two occasions. We also have 42 youths in our Explorer’s Post. We host a Citizens Police Academy twice a year, offering 12-week sessions one day per week. We regularly hold community forums seeking public input on how to improve our relationships with the community. We actually have citizens who sit in on our officer candidate selection review process and our promotional processes. Every 30 days, we send out random citizen surveys asking for input on our performance to citizens with whom we have had contact.
Leaves and Snow
The annual checklist
Every year, we talk leaves and snow in the November/December issue, as they are the most prominent City service you may see during these months. This year, we wanted to focus on how you can help keep your street and sidewalks in good shape during the harsh winter months. One important maintenance issue that may get overlooked: your street gutter.
Street gutters are stormwater inlets that are the grated drains alongside the curb. They help prevent roadway flooding by moving the water to the nearest stream. Their purpose can be impeded when they are blocked with debris, leaves, litter or other material. When this happens, water can back up in the street. Ultimately, water quality can be affected, since it drains to the community water source.
The Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District published these tips for helping keep street gutters clear:
- If there is a stormwater grate in front of your house, rake yard clippings, leaves and litter off and away from the grate so that water can drain easily.
- Please, never attempt to lift the grate cover to clean inside the catch basin.
- If the catch basin is clogged and not draining, please contact the Public Service Department at 614-901-6740.
- Safety first. Watch for distracted drivers if you’re standing near the street, and wear gloves. Broken glass or other material could be mixed in with debris.
In the spring/summer:
- If you have a side-discharge mower, adjust your course so the discharge is pointed to the lawn and not the street.
- After mowing, sweep grass clippings from the street.
In fall:
- When leaves fall, extend your raking or leaf-blowing to include the gutter.
Leaf Collection
The City’s annual leaf collection program started in October and continues through late December. New this year, five pick-up dates are scheduled for each zone. The remaining pick-up dates for the months of November and December are listed online at www.westerville.org/leafcollection. The website also features a video on the proper placement of leaves for collection.
Snow Reminders
There are three key reminders to keep in mind when the first major snow of the season happens. If you’d like to see Westerville road warriors in action, don’t miss the featured video on the City’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/tellwesterville.
Snow Removal Priorities: Emergency travel for fire, emergency medical and police personnel is the first snow removal priority. Arterial and secondary streets are cleared first. Streets around schools and to facilitate traffic moving is second. The third priority is to clear subdivisions.
Snow Emergency: If more than three inches fall, a snow emergency automatically goes into effect. Cars parked on streets must be moved or they will be towed. Updates to snow emergency declarations will be posted to the City website and social media. A snow emergency may occur in the middle of the night, and updates may be delayed. In that case, please be mindful of the weather forecast for our region and park your car off the street if more than three inches is expected overnight.
Snow Shoveling: Residents and businesses are responsible for clearing the sidewalks around their property. Please shovel snow away from the street so that it is less likely to get pushed back onto the driveway or sidewalk by a passing snowplow.
Holiday Tree Disposal Information
Holiday trees can be disposed of as part of the normal yard waste collection (Monday). In order for holiday trees to be collected, they must be placed at the curb with all decorations, lights, etc. removed from the tree. Do not place the tree in a bag. For more information, call 614-901-6740.
McCorkle Family Rest Node
Last September, the City of Westerville Parks & Recreation Department dedicated the McCorkle Rest Node on the Westerville B&W recreational path system along the Ohio to Erie Trail. Mae McCorkle – along with her son, Bill, daughter, Nancy and granddaughter Amy – were in attendance and recognized for their generous donation of the beautiful new rest stop, featuring a classic brick surface with benches and a bike rack.
Mae, along with her late husband, Bill, has a long history of generosity in the community. The McCorkles were instrumental in donating the land that is now a large section of Hoff Woods Park. They also donated land to extend the Ohio to Erie Trail from County Line Road to Maxtown Road. Mae has been a strong supporter of Honor Flight, Charity Newsies, WARM and Otterbein University, as well as the public safety departments in Westerville and Genoa Township.
The plaque on McCorkle Rest Node bench reflects the goodwill Mae and her family continue to spread. It reads: “Mae McCorkle gave this mile path and rest area. Well wishes from the McCorkle family on your journey and please enjoy the benefits of rest.”
Thank you to the McCorkle family for their longtime support of the community parks system. We hope residents and visitors alike will enjoy the new rest area, the bridge over County Line Road and the many miles of bike and walkways in Westerville.
From left to right: Council Chairman Craig Treneff, Councilmember John Bokros, Amy McCorkle, Nancy McCorkle, Mae McCorkle and Bill McCorkle, Jr.
Mark Your Calendar
Community Recreation Guide and Calendar
Week of Nov. 23
The winter edition of the Westerville Community Recreation Guide will begin arriving in area homes’ mailboxes the week of Nov. 23. Look inside for the City of Westerville 2015 calendar, special holiday events and details on important registration dates. Check the website for registration times and dates in December.
Highlands Park Aquatic Center: Buy Now, Save More
November-December
It’s not too early to think about next summer. Plan ahead and save 10 percent to get in on the fun for the 2016 Highlands Park Aquatic Center summer season. From now until Dec. 31, season passes for 2016 are available at the discounted rate. Ultimate Passholders at the Westerville Community Center receive an additional 10 percent discount. Passes may be purchased at the Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. Questions? Call 614-901-6500.
City Of Westerville Office and Facility Holiday Hours
All City Offices:
Thursday, Nov. 26: Closed
Friday, Nov. 27: Closed
Friday, Dec. 25: Closed
Westerville Community Center
Wednesday, Nov. 25: 5:45 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 26: Closed
Friday, Nov. 27: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dec. 24-31: 5:45 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 25: Closed
Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
Westerville Municipal Building Courtyard
The annual tree lighting ceremony features caroling, sweet treats and one of Santa’s first appearances in Westerville. Bring the entire family for a fun way to welcome in the holiday season.
Westerville Parks & Recreation Special Events
(Please keep with Mark your Calendar but highlight)
Check out the full listing of events and holiday happenings online at www.westerville.org/parks. Note that most activities require registration and some events have associated fees.
Veteran’s Day Celebration
Wednesday, Nov. 11
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Westerville Community Center
Pancake breakfast ($4 for attendees except veterans) in honor of our military veterans.
Swim with Santa
Sunday, Nov. 29
6-7:15 p.m.
Westerville Community Center
Pool time with Santa, photo included. Registration required. See website for pricing.
Snowflake Castle
Saturday, Dec. 5; Monday, Dec. 7-Saturday, Dec. 12
Everal Barn and Homestead
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and help make a toy in the workshop. Registration required for all participants. Visit the website for times.
Noon-lite Madness
Thursday, Dec. 31
Noon
Westerville Community Center
It’s a preschooler’s New Year’s Eve celebration with crafts and entertainment. $3 per child at the door.
By the Numbers
57,805
Approximate number of energy-efficient LED bulbs used to decorate City Hall and Everal Barn during the holiday season.
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