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Monroe to receive grant for streetscape

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By Denise Wilson, Staff Writer 9:37 PM Sunday, July 19, 2009

MONROE — The city of Monroe is expecting a $750,000 grant from the OKI Regional Council of Governments to help it build a gateway and streetscape at the interchange of Interstate 75 and Ohio 63.

City Council approved an emergency resolution Tuesday, July 14, authorizing City Manager William Brock to enter into an agreement with CDS Associates Inc., for the streetscape concept design of the Ohio 63 and I-75 Interchange Gateway Project in an amount not to exceed $137,900.

“We are proud to be a part of this effort to enhance the image of the city of Monroe and to assist the City in moving forward with implementing its vision for the city,” said Don Shvegzda, director of the government consultation group for CDS Associates.

The proposed gateway and streetscape plans include natural turf, ornamental grass in all areas, and surrounding mulched landscape beds with irrigation.

The project — estimated to cost more than $1.15 million — is designed to enhance the gateway into the community, a goal spelled out in the city’s 1997 Comprehensive Plan and 2006 Strategic Plan.

The grant would require the city to provide matching funds of $554,162, said Kevin Chesar, the city’s director of development.

The city does not expect to be awarded the OKI grant until August, city officials said. Project funding for the grant will not be available from OKI until 2012, they said.

The gateway will welcome motorists into the growing community where an outlet mall is being built off Ohio 63 just east of I-75 in Warren County.

Cincinnati Premium Outlets, a 400,000-square-foot mall that will feature upscale shopping at 100 outlet stores, is scheduled to open on Aug. 6.

A Home Depot regional distribution center, which will consume 657,000 square feet, also is scheduled to open later this summer in Warren County at the Corridor 75 Park off Ohio 63 and I-75.

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