IN-DEPTH COVERAGE
This newspaper provides in-depth coverage of Huber Heights government and development efforts within the city.
A comprehensive study of Brandt Pike redevelopment is underway.
The stretch of Brandt Pike from Kitridge Road to Longford Road is the focus of the review. The private planners selected to execute the study said this is a prime time to look at ways of improving the corridor.
“I think in your situation it’s an excellent time to pull back and take a distant perspective on what is possible in this area,” said Kim Littleton of Burton Planning Services on Monday.
To determine the current conditions of the corridor, the Littleton and his associates will gather studies and data, prepare maps, evaluate existing plans and reports and analyze sites, regulations, transportation and the area economy.
The last analysis — a look at the area’s economic and market situation — will be the most in-depth and will require in-person interviews of stakeholders along Brandt Pike.
“There may be things that you can target, there may be things that you haven’t seen before that are possible here,” Littleton said. “We don’t want to miss any of it.”
There will be opportunities for the public to add input to the process, Assistant City Manager Scott Falkowski said. Community participation will be through online outreach, website surveys and other meetings.
“The big thing is the say of the community because, in the end, they’re the ones that are going to shop at these stores or utilize these businesses,” he said.
In February, this newspaper reported the city set aside $75,000 for the study, $50,000 of which was through a grant received last year by the Montgomery County Land Bank.
On Monday, Littleton asked city council members and administrators to imagine the corridor 5 to 10 years from now. Most in attendance agreed the area would be prime for entertainment, food and shopping.
There was also a desire for more intentional zoning and aesthetics and fewer parking lots.
“I know as you drive the corridor there is lots of asphalt,” said Councilman Mark Campbell.
The community’s new library might also be in the area. Construction of a new $10 million library is expected to begin in 2017, and Dayton Metro Library officials have indicated the corridor is a likely location.
The study will take about nine months to complete and will be presented to council once complete.
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