WEST CHESTER TWP.- Residents and merchants will soon get the conclusions of a study trying to decide how to reinvigorate the business strip at the U.S. 42 corridor along Pisgah.

        Jose Castrejon, who is leading a $40,000 study into revitalization possibilities for the southeastern Butler County township, says plans for creating better vehicular access to the corridor and means for beautifying the once-vibrant area are just weeks away.

        Mr. Castrejon, a West Chester resident and director of planning for McGill, Smith and Pushon, a Sharonville-based architectural firm, has held a series of public meetings to gather input.

        “We want to maintain our historical heritage,” he said, adding that the business district is not looking to add large-scale developers to the mix. “We are not starting from scratch.”

        Pisgah reached its heyday in the 1970s, but took a backseat to major developments such as Union Centre when I-75 developed as a major route through West Chester. Vacant stores and traffic access problems have plagued the area in recent years.

        Dr. Eric J. Koren, a West Chester dentist who owns two buildings in the area, says he eagerly anticipates the study results. The most pressing issue, Dr. Koren says, is the need to “clean up” the area while adding businesses to fill vacant spots.

        “Slowly, we've seen everything move away from the Pisgah area,” he said. “It would be a shame to let the corridor go down the drain.”

        After the architectural firm submits its recommendations to the public, it will complete a proposal for the township trustees within weeks. It will be up to the trustees to decide whether to go ahead with the redevelopment plans.

        Catherine Stoker, a township trustee, says leaders have been encouraging business owners to elevate their properties to meet maintenance standards and they've been “greeted with significant success.”

        Ms. Stoker said she hopes to relieve some of the frustration of residents and vendors with the excitement of rehabilitating and enhancing the area.

        “Nothing happens overnight,” she said. “We are working very hard to help this area bloom.”

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