West Union Street improvements open house planned

The planned improvements would provide an alternative roadway access to the West State Street Park, Ohio University Innovation Center and other parts of Athens’ west side.

One of the main changes proposed is to extend Herrold Avenue to West State Street. The city hopes to hear feedback on the proposed extension, as it has not been set in motion.

Herrold Avenue starts next to Larry’s Dawg House on West Union Street and curves toward the uptown area. However, if it were to be continued straight, it would connect with West State Street near the OU Driving range. Currently, that area is only accessible via West State Street, which connects to Shafer Street and Central Avenue.

Two options for extending Herrold Avenue will be displayed at the open house.

The planned changes to West Union Street include upgrading the city-owned water, sanitary and storm utilities between the Route 682 bridge and the Shafer Street intersection.

The open house to discuss these changes and gather community feedback will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 3-6 p.m. in room 103 of the Innovation Center, 340 W. State St. City representatives, as well as representatives of the design firm Strand Associates Inc., will be on hand to answer general questions and gather feedback.

Specific feedback the organizers are hoping to hear includes environmental and historical issues residents may be concerned about. There is no set schedule or programming planned for the open house.