Prairie looks to improve West Broad corridor

(by Megan Edwards, Staff Writer - May 07, 2009)

With improvements to the west and southern sides of the township in the works over the next decade, Prairie Township trustees took the next step in improving the township's east side.
 
At a meeting May 6, the trustees authorized township Administrator Tracy Hatmaker to enter into an agreement with LJB Engineers to begin plans to improve the West Broad corridor. The cost of the agreement is $108,000, and will include preliminary drawings and site analysis for the project, which isn't scheduled to begin until fall 2013.
 
The project is in conjunction with two other jurisdictions - the city of Columbus and Franklin Township - and entails the improvement of West Broad Street stretching from Alton and Darby Creek Road to Wilson Road. The township's portion of the plan stretches from Hilliard Rome Road to I-270. Prairie Township also plans to produce an economic development plan in order to become a part of a joint economic development district (JEDD) between the city and the township.

Funding for the project may include the Ohio Department of Transportation as well as private and public entities and grant money.
Project improvements would include the addition of sidewalks, street trees and street furniture.

"This is going to be a major improvement for the eastern part of Prairie Township," said Trustee Stephen Kennedy.

The intent of the project, according to trustees, is to attract and maintain businesses and revenue to the area as well as provide safety through improvement in lighting and sidewalks for residents.

Other news
The trustees approved a new insurance plan with Medical Mutual of Ohio for township employees, effective June 1.

The annual premium for the plan will cost the township $488,825, an increase from last year's annual premium of 486,036. Last year, the township's insurance provider was Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
According to Frank Harmon of Ohio Insurance Services Agency Inc., several insurance agencies provided quotes to the township. One insurance agency, Significa, provided the lowest quote. However,  Trustee Nicole Schlosser said questioned the exclusions regarding learning disabilities and autism.

"The exclusions really do bother me," she added.

Harmon added Significa is still a fairly new company with a small track record. He noted the township's health insurance was through Medical Mutual of Ohio several years ago.
 

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