Bellbrook evaluating proposals for new downtown streetscape

Bellbrook City Council this month will consider proposals for a downtown streetscape project to make the area more walkable and encourage more businesses to come to town.

After putting out a request in March, the city received eight proposals ranging from $25,000 to $85,000.

Council will likely make a selection at the April 12 meeting, said Bellbrook City Manager Melissa Dodd.

“I’m really pleased with the proposals we got,” Dodd said.

There was no budget set for this project because city officials weren’t sure how much a streetscape would cost.

After a firm is selected for the project, Dodd said design should take six months.

The city is looking for a project that would create “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. Dodd said the city hopes to enhance walkability and connectivity from residential neighborhoods to the downtown area. Dodd hopes to improve sidewalks and crosswalks downtown, too.

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.

The proposals will be evaluated using a rubric that weighs the price of the proposal and how each proposal would enhance the downtown Bellbrook experience.

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