College Avenue Sidewalk Update

COLLEGE AVENUE SIDEWALK PROVIDES SAFER FACILITIES FOR PEDESTRIANS

The City’s focus on increasing mobility options continued in 2020 with the reconstruction and extension of a five-foot sidewalk connecting College Avenue and Otterbein Avenue.

“Before the sidewalk was completed, it wasn’t uncommon to see older adults and parents with strollers walking on the road or through front yards,” said City Engineer Scott Tourville. “This project improves the safety of walking back and forth along this residential area.”

The project began late in the fall with the reconstruction of the asphalt walk on the north side of College Avenue to the west of Juniper Avenue. Construction of a new portion of the southside sidewalk, from Juniper Avenue to Gladale Drive, began later in the summer.

Crews also installed a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Juniper Avenue to connect pedestrians between the two portions of the sidewalk.

To read about this and other improvement projects in the City, visit the GoWesterville interactive map at

www.westerville.org/construction.

WeCAN EXPANDS TO COVER

Ongoing Pandemic Costs for Small Businesses

The City is expanding Westerville COVID Assistance Now (WeCAN) to help a wider variety of small businesses. The expansion comes thanks to CARES Act funding, combined with leftover funding from the program’s first run in the spring and summer.

WeCAN is managed by the City in partnership with the Westerville Industry and Commerce Corporation (WICC). The program is designed to assist small businesses (fewer than 40 full-time employees) by providing recovery assistance to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally offering a 50% matching grant of up to $2,500, the program now offers applicants up to $3,500. Those originally awarded may apply to cover the difference.

“With the first push, we were providing assistance to help Westerville’s small business community cover the costs of reopening under new public health protocols. We’re shifting gears to focus on helping these businesses remain open,” said Economic Development Coordinator Rob Rishel. Rishel is responsible for coordinating the program with WICC.

The expansion included changes to accommodate non-profit organizations. Rishel says the program’s first wave provided $247,500 in assistance to more than 100 local businesses.

Applications for funding are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11. Businesses can learn more and apply at

www.westerville.org/wecan.