“Issue 54” - continued

South State Street and Huber Village Boulevard intersection. The construction going on now, which will ultimately tie into the ODOT project immediately to the south, will have a dramatic impact on the accessibility and aesthetics of the primary gateway into the community**. Involved in this project are underground utility placement, signal upgrades and roadway improvements, including additional left turn lanes. Overall entryway improvements will be in upgrades to the area’s utility operation, safety and appearance. Of the S. State St. project’s approximate $7 million total cost, nearly $2 million represents a loan/grant combination, also from the Ohio Public Works Commission.

Although the major component of Issue 54 was fixing aging infrastructure, other improvements have appeared all around the City. Benches, trees and sidewalk improvements were made where needed in the Uptown district. Other bikeway path system improvements and extensions have been made, tying into construction projects when possible.

With Westerville’s income tax rate at 2 percent among the predominant rates in central Ohio now for more than two years – including communities like Dublin, New Albany, Upper Arlington, Bexley, Grove City, Whitehall and Hilliard – the City continues to act on improvements and needs outlined three years ago. For more information on capital improvement planning, please visit www.westerville.org >> City Departments >> Finance >> 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Plans (right side).

*Capital assets, like roads, are classified and managed by the City with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules. The City’s policy for roadway infrastructure requires 85 percent of our arterial pavements (such as Cleveland, County Line Road and Polaris) to be maintained with a condition rating of “good” or better condition. Other interior roads must be maintained so that at least 60 percent are rated as “good” or better condition.

**ODOT construction includes the reconstruction of the ramps at State Route 3 and I-270.