Wednesday, May 12, 1999
Panel to explain Ohio 4 plan
Open house also will seek public input
BY RANDY McNUTT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FAIRFIELD — If you're interested in Ohio 4's future, you can learn about it this month.
The Route 4 Advisory Committee will conduct an open house May 25 to explain a proposed plan to improve the road, also known as Dixie Highway.
Patrick Merten, of the city's planning department, said the event will give planners insight into the public's perceptions of the highway.
“This will be our fourth try at this,” he said of the department's efforts to gauge public opinion. “We're putting infor mation into the city newsletter, trying to get people interested. It's difficult.”
Planners will be available from 3 to 8 p.m. in city council chambers at the municipal building, 5350 Pleasant Ave.
Three districts
A proposed strategic plan would establish three distinct business districts and improve the Route 4 corridor's economic and visual environment. Planners also would start a beautification and streetscape plan.
“This is in recognition of its (Ohio 4's) importance as a business location and a transportation corridor,” Mr. Merten said.
Last year, the planning department decided to identify ways to maintain and improve the Route 4 corri dor's value to the city. Ideas focused on several linked elements: economic development, design, land use and transportation, Mr. Merten said.
Planners envision the road in three sections:
• Larger businesses, such as Pease Industries (in the 7100 block), would be on the southern end.
• Medium-sized business, including car dealers, would be in the middle.
• Smaller retail businesses would be on the northern part of the highway.
“We would encourage it to develop this way,” Mr. Merten said.
Traffic grows, slows
Traffic congestion has become an increasing problem on southern Ohio 4.
To get into the old fire station No. 2, firefighters sometimes must stop northbound traffic, Fire Chief Don Bennett said.
Problems arise when firefighters try to drive out of or back their big trucks into the narrow driveway, causing traffic to back up.
Sometimes impatient motorists try to drive around the firetrucks and emergency vehicles, he said.
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