By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Jerry Freed (left) and Alex Smith live in East Walnut Hills but like to walk to the O'Bryonville area along Madison Road to shop. New sidewalks are being installed where they are walking. The Cincinnati Enquirer/TONY JONES

This historic Cincinnati business district between East Walnut Hills and Hyde Park is getting an $850,000 makeover.

The project includes new trees, brick sidewalks, parking meters, lighting, even a new fountain at Clark Point, a small park at Madison Road and Torrence Parkway. Drivers along Torrence Parkway will get a left turn lane onto Madison Road.

The work should wrap up by the end of June, said Ed Ratterman, Cincinnati's senior development officer.

Overall, business owners welcome the work, even though it meant removing several old trees along Madison Road and traffic backups that irritate customers, said Mary Ann Roncker, who co-owns The Running Spot, which sells shoes, clothing and other items for runners.

In neighboring Hyde Park last year, some residents and merchants were upset when the city officials said they had to take out several old trees along the square because they would not withstand construction during a similar project.

"We didn't get the resistance they had in Hyde Park," said Roncker, co-chairwoman of a streetscape committee made up of business owners.

Woody Pack, who has owned and operated Pack Pharmacy in O'Bryonville since 1949, says the streetscape project should have included additional parking.

Ratterman said a new sign is being installed to guide motorists to a public parking lot behind Franklin Savings on Madison Road.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.