Streetscape project

Bellbrook is looking to bring new life to its downtown with a streetscape project that the town’s city manager called overdue.

“Residents definitely want to see downtown advance and become more vibrant,” city manager Melissa Dodd said.

The city has requested proposals from urban design engineering firms to do the streetscape project. Dodd said proposals are due by 3 p.m. on March 19.

The city hopes to get proposals that will have designs that preserve the character and history of the city and provide “vibrant, welcoming public spaces that encourage community building and accommodate persons of all ages and demographics throughout the year,” according to the request for proposals.

After Dodd was hired as city manager in 2018, the city updated its comprehensive plan and adopted a new one in 2019. The plan serves as a guide to revitalization efforts. When the plan was being developed, community input was specifically focused on improving the downtown area.

Dodd said the city hopes to enhance walkability and connectivity from residential neighborhoods to the downtown area. Dodd hopes to improve sidewalks and crosswalks.

The streetscape would focus mostly on Franklin and Main streets.

The new streetscape should incorporate landscaping that includes trees and native vegetation as well as upgrading streetlights, benches and garbage and recycling cans. Dodd said she also hopes that the streetscape design will help integrate Bellbrock Park.

Dodd said the proposals should be structured so that they can be implemented in a three-year step. After a firm is selected for the project, Dodd said design should take six months.

STAFF REPORT