Wednesday, May 31, 2000
Hamilton advised on roadway appeal
By Earnest Winston
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON — Consultants studying improvements along Ohio 4 recommend relocating overhead utilities underground, requiring billboards to be painted a color that blends into surroundings, and consolidating the clutter of traffic signs.
Beckwith Chapman Associates Inc. of Oxford recently presented its Ohio 4 corridor study to City Council members during a work session. The conclusions: no continuity among streetscape elements, too much visual clutter and a lack of roadway edges and green space. The consultants were paid $13,500 to complete the study.
“The next step would be to decide what, if any, ele ments would be funded by private or public entities,” said planning director Jim Boerke. “The Route 4 (Corridor Association) definitely would like to see many, if not all, of these recommendations put in place.”
The study is meant to be a tool to assist the Route 4 Corridor Association, property owners and city officials improve the appearance and viability of Route 4. The report also suggests ways to improve the corridor for pedestrians and motorists, as well as portraying the history of the Ohio 4 corridor in a series of murals.
Creating “gateways” or entry points into Hamilton at either end of Ohio 4 is another way to tie the streetscape visually. The gateways, which may include lighting, landscaping and possibly the city logo, would be islands.
“Some of the businesses have asked if there is a way they can participate in adopting an island. We're looking into that,” said Mel L. Less, president/CEO of the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
“I think everybody was enthusiastic with what the consulting group came back with, both on a long-term and short-term basis,” said Chuck Smith, owner of Hamilton-Fairfield Dodge Jeep off Ohio 4.
Consultants also suggested that city officials enforce existing codes that prohibit the display of merchandise in front of businesses; develop a policy requiring the remov al of abandoned, unused or duplicated signs; encourage or provide incentives for businesses that install and maintain landscaping on their property; and develop a program for “reclaiming” unused paved areas and returning them to green space.
“Ultimately, I think it's going to help the economic vitality of Hamilton. It won't happen overnight, but it didn't get this way overnight,” said Mr. Smith, who also is chairman of the Route 4 Corridor Association.
The next meeting of the Route 4 Corridor Association is 7 p.m. June 8 at Hamilton-Fairfield Dodge Jeep, 790 S. Erie Hwy.
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