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Major Community Projects
Recently, the City of Reading has taken on a number of major community projects. The following is a list of projects to improve the aesthetics, business development opportunities and infrastructure within Reading.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Using Hamilton County CDBG funds, Reading has instituted a program to demolish eyesore properties both on Reading Road and Benson Street to improve the aesthetics in the Reading Business District.
Reading Road Corridor District and Design Standards
In August 2002, Reading City Council adopted the Reading Road Corridor Overlay District and Design Standards. These design standards may relax or further restrict the underlying zoning district regulations for land use, lot area, coverage, density, floor area, setback, parking, height, fencing and landscaping. The design standards provide guidelines for renovation and new construction which will improve the physical appearance of Reading Road, preserve the historic integrity of Reading and protect property values.
Reading Road Streetscape Project
The $2.7 million Reading Road streetscape project is well under way. For a nice preview of what is to come, take a look at the east side of Reading between Voorhees and Benson streets. Tree-lined sidewalks, decorative lighting and concrete, benches and new trash receptacles create a fresh, clean look for the city's main thoroughfare. Work will continue up the east side of Reading to North Street through summer and fall, and then the west side of the road will begin its transformation. Reading Road and businesses along the corridor will remain open as the project progresses, and the city will work to keep inconveniences to a minimum. Check back here for updates on the Reading Road streetscape project or contact city offices at 733-3725.
Traffic Signalization
A $1.6 million state-of-the art traffic signalization system was installed in spring 2003 along Reading Road and other major thoroughfares in Reading resulting in more efficient traffic flow and improved aesthetics.
The City of Reading has an excellent track record in accessing and administering grant applications for community and economic development projects. The City retains a grant consultant to coordinate a variety of funding initiatives including numerous State Capital Improvement infrastructure grants, Community Development Block Grants (for streetscaping and acquisition/demolition of blighted properties along the Reading Road Corridor), NatureWork and Land and Water Conservation grants for hiking and biking trails along the Mill Creek, and a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation for a city-wide signalization project.
Thru the Valley
The Thru the Valley project involves the widening and reconstruction of I-75 from I-275 (on the north) to Paddock Road (on the south). The project originated from the North South Transportation Initiative (NSTI). The NSTI, which wrapped up in October, 2003, included a massive transportation study of the I-75 corridor, from the Ohio River to the City of Piqua in Miami County.
The result of the NSTI was a preferred program of improvement projects. Thru the Valley was determined to be one of the most crucial projects on the list. As a result, this project was slated as a top priority. Work began on this project in May 2004. In May 2004, $135 million was secured through federal, state and local monies to fund this project.
Project Goals:
• Improve traffic flow and congestion on I-75
• Improve safety on I-75
• Enhance the regional transportation network
• Develop solutions compatible with local communities
Questions or Comments?
Contact Jay Hamilton at 513.933.6584 or 800.831.2142 (ext.9336584) or Mike Ciotola at 614.818.4900 or 800.229.1774 (ext.357).
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News
Heat Facts (more)
Show N Tell Car Show - September 26, 2010 (more)
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Program (more)
Spring 2010 Newsletter (more)
City Income Tax Forms Available Online (more)
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