Revitalization of Business

By Rome Hughes

Open letter to Township regarding Beechmont Business Zone

The Beechmont business area has been beset with a diminishing retail presence over the past several years, as all of us in the township are aware. We must create a Beechmont Business Zone in order to revitalize the area. This zone would provide attractions/promotions for retail businesses and professional offices in order to strengthen Beechmont and Beechmont Mall commerce. Secondly, my revitalization formula would consist of the creation of traffic islands along Beechmont-specifically along Beechmont Mall frontage-to direct the flow of traffic. The design of these islands would create inflow and outflow patterns along Beechmont; thereby, alleviating the daily traffic jams, i.e. Beechmont and Five Mile intersection.

After the Beechmont Business Zone(BBZ)and traffic Islands are in place, I propose the BBZ be crowned with a Community Center. The BBZ community Center would help to further strengthen our townships sense of community. Additionally, the location of a township civic , cultural, and recreational center would provide the nexus for increased business and retail enterprise within the zone.

After the BBZ Community Center, I propose the creation of an elevated esplanade spanning the intersection of Beechmont and Five Mile Road. The "Anderson Esplanade" would be promoted as a township attraction, much like the Serpentine Wall along the Ohio River. The focal point of the esplanade could consist of some type of monument, i.e. a Peace Pole. But the choice of the monument would be decided by a township referendum from among several selections, which would be brought to the attention of the trustees by the people of the township. Again, the real benefit of such an attraction would be an increase in pedestrian traffic and retail business revenues.

Sincerely and Respectfully,
Dr. Rome Hughes
email: ROMELHUGHES@aol.com