COLERAIN TOWNSHIP — Public and private funds are expected to revitalize the Northgate commercial district.

        “It's a new Northgate,” assistant township administrator Frank Birkenhauer said of developments along Colerain Avenue, one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the county.

        “We're getting newer, more modern restaurants, stores and shopping that are much more up to date,” Mr. Birkenhauer said, citing a list of planned commercial projects that include the trendy eatery Panera Bread in the former Denny's location, and a newcomer, Moose Malone's, a dining establishment that will fill vacant space where Shells Seafood operated.

        Additionally, Northgate Mall officials have reported an estimated $4.5 million in planned improvements there that will change the mall decor, improve public facilities, remodel the food court and add tenants.

        Couple this with $2.77 million in state road improvements under way — the most visible of which is a pedestrian overpass that connects the mall with strip centers to the east — and commercial appeal is greatly increased, said Diana Lynn Rielage, township trustee.

        Businesses on both sides can benefit because people aren't having to move their cars from one side to other, she said. The addition of sidewalks also is making the area more shopper-friendly.

        Area residents say they are looking forward to the new establishments, but are more excited to hear about the roadway improvements, such as additional turn lanes and street widening.

        “I think it's going to get better; it has to, because it can't get any worse,” said Dawn Breedon, 33, who lives a mile from the mall and notes that traffic often backs up for blocks in any direction.

        Kristie Wolterman, 29, is a longtime Northgate Mall shopper, but said she often takes side streets to avoid Colerain Avenue because of congestion.

        “The traffic is so bad that I don't even like to get on Colerain,” she said.

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