Three northern Hamilton County communities may join with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to beautify the I-275/Hamilton Avenue interchange.

        Colerain and Springfield townships and Forest Park have worked together on landscaping plans that include the planting of 37 crab apple, red maple, Colorado spruce and sweetgum trees, said Forest Park City Manager Ray Hodges. Drawings for the irregularly shaped traffic islands also include a flower bed section and a sign welcoming visitors to the three communities.

        Colerain Township trustees have approved a resolution of participation in ODOT's Tree Legacy program. Both Forest Park City Council and the Springfield Township Board of Trustees are to discuss and vote on similar resolutions later this month.

        That program calls for ODOT to provide the trees, flowers, mulch and ground cover selected by participants. It is the responsibility of participating communities to plant the materials and maintain the site, said David Foglesong, Colerain Township administrator.

        The cost to each community is $1,842 for the first year plus an average of $1,500 each year thereafter, Mr. Foglesong said. ODOT owns the property.

        “I think it's great,” said Colerain Trustee Keith Corman. “The whole idea was to get all the entrances to our (township) to look neat. This is the same as what we're doing at Colerain and I-275.”

        Once all three government bodies have approved resolutions they will gather again to recruit volunteers for the plantings.

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