Hamilton Road between I-70 and Refugee Road is lined with abandoned buildings and old businesses that are no longer in use. Columbus city officials hope improving the roadway will jumpstart revitalization.
The City of Columbus, Ohio Department of Transportation and consulting firm MS Consultants, Inc., will propose improvements to Hamilton Road which will help reduce traffic congestion, upgrade pedestrian and bicycle facilities and improve safety.
“That would be awesome,” said Tori Fowler, a hairstylist at KiEssence Grande Beauty and Barber on Hamilton Road behind Popeyes Restaurant.
Fowler says she remembers when the Eastland area was popular and often packed.
“It's like the stores are gone ... Staples, Kohl's, everything seems like it's just disappearing,” she said.
But now, boarded up businesses outweigh those that are still open which make it hard for entrepreneurs to lure in new customers.
Fowler says roadway improvements would help.
“I'm looking forward to all of it. It all sounds good to me. I'm ready to see all the empty spaces filled with business,” said Fowler.
According to city and ODOT officials, “proposed improvements includes widening and resurfacing Hamilton Road plus adding curbs, sidewalks, a shared-use path, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, upgraded traffic signals and signage, street lighting, storm water improvements and trees. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2018 if funding becomes available.”
A public hearing is set for Jan. 18 at the city’s Fleet Management Facility, 4211 Groves Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43232 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.