Mayors Message
Spring is a little bit chilly and rainy this year, but signs of spring are everywhere.
Pretty soon, all the parks will be open and in full use. We are getting started on some new walking paths at Westwood, and that will be a great addition to our town. Unfortunately, we have had some delays on getting the playground finished at Westwood, and are experiencing some vandalism during the delay. Rock throwing is damaging equipment. A knife was used to cut into matting at a basketball standard. A fence was damaged in an attempt to enter a locked area. Of course, this isn't the majority of our residents, but these things are happening. If you see such activities, please notify the police department.
The Westchester Subdivision Street Project is moving along well. The new curbs and sidewalks that are installed look really great. The rest is a work in progress, but that is just part of the process. So far, we are on schedule.
The paving this year near Frey and Smith gave us better access to replace a couple of 100-year old water valves. New sidewalks in that area are also looking much better, and weather permitting, the project will wrap up before too much longer.
Before you know it, school will be out for the year. Be on the lookout for kids, pets and bikes as you drive in our Village. Be aware of young drivers, and be patient as they learn. Some of our streets are tight, and we all need to be extra cautious, especially as warmer weather brings more folks out and about.
Free Background Checks for Crossing Guards
To help ensure the safety of children going to and from Norwood Elementary, Mayor Ray Martin has taken a two-pronged approach. First, he signed up to be a crossing guard one day a week. After going in to get his background check done, he realized that the $55 cost for the background check could be a barrier for some residents. So, his second step was to create a crossing guard fund that will cover the entire cost of background checks for five more crossing guards.
Guards are asked to cover one morning and afternoon shift per week, for about 15 minutes each time, although more shift commitments are always welcome. If interested, call Mayor Martin at (614) 560-5754 and make a real difference in our community.
2023 Village Upgrades
Warmer weather means time to get some outside work done. For the Village this year that includes the Westchester Subdivision Street Project, the repaving of Smith, Lincoln, Gregg and Grant and other smaller projects. Two new main water valves were installed at Smith and Frey, and new storm drains were installed in the area, along with new curbs and sidewalks in addition to the repaving.
Westchester is due to start phase two, the second side of the streets on May 8. This will result in all new curbs, sidewalks, driveway approaches and new street paving for all of Annette, Larri and Celine Courts.
Unfortunately, the cool weather has led to a delay in being able to install the rubber surface at the new playground at Westwood Park. Installation has to wait until the overnight temperatures warm up. We are also still waiting on delivery of the mast arms and poles for the new crossing traffic signal at Taylor Blair and US 40., which will give us a safer, regulated crossing.
Regular maintenance work is able to continue, even with the cooler temperatures. The pool was resurfaced, and will be ready for opening day on May 29th. Fire hydrant flushing will be an ongoing process for the next few weeks, plus mowing and upkeep is always being done.
Friday Night Uptown Schedule
Summer 2023 will have four Friday Night Uptown events. Each FNU will have free live music, free activities, and several for-purchase food truck options.
· May 19th 7-10pm, Kids Night
· June 16th, 6-10 pm, Car Show
· July 21st
· August 11th
Our first FNU in May will have the band Rockhouse, as well as Elvis Impersonator Lonnie Jay Freeman. Kids can enjoy blow-ups, and other fun activities!
What’s Happening
All Village Council and Committee meetings and Planning Commission meetings will be held at the Community Center until further notice.
Village offices will be CLOSED May 29.
Village Council
Meetings on Monday, May 1, and Monday, May 15 , at the Community Center at 7pm. Westjeffersonohio.gov/villagecouncil
Jefferson Township Board of Trustees
Meetings on May 2 and May 17 at 6:30pm in Township Hall, 225 Cemetery Rd., WJ.
WJ Board of Education
The monthly board meeting is May 8 at 7pm in the High School Auditeria. High School Graduation is May 19. The last day of school is May 26.
Planning Commission
Westjeffersonohio.gov/building-zoning
Utility Department
Water Bills are due on or before Monday, May 15.
Parks and Recreation
Friday Night Uptown, May 19 from 7-10pm. Kid’s Night!
Spring Freecycle, Saturday, May 27 at the Community Center. 8am-noon for drop-off, public can free shop from 1-4pm.
Fishing Derby Sat. May 20, 10am-noon at Krazy Glue, 1450 W. Main St.
Morning workouts at the Community Center. Mon, Tue., Thur., and Fri. 9-10am. Donations.
Library
Check the website for weekly activities and program information. hbmlibrary.org
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