News Summary

Leaders from West Chester and Liberty townships updated local business professionals Tuesday, July 8, on the state of the townships. The presentation was the keynote address at the West Chester Chamber Alliance's monthly luncheon, which was conducted at The Savannah at Chappell Crossing in West Chester Twp.

Liberty Twp. trustee Christine Matacic and West Chester Twp. administrator Judi Boyko shared the stage as they presented three representatives from each of their townships, starting a theme of collaboration that infused the entire presentation.

"We are always trying to find ways to collaborate," said Boyko. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity for all of us."

Liberty Twp. trustee president Pat Hiltman spoke next, describing the township's evolution from "a nice, sleepy rural township to an urban township." He described the township's goal of attracting "high dollar" development, such as the Children's Hospital Liberty Campus.

"We think jointly with West Chester Twp., we're going to develop into 'pill hill north,' " he said.

Liberty Twp. economic development director Caroline McKinney added that the proposed Liberty Town Square mixed-use development along Hamilton-Mason Road was another major development in the township.

"It will really create that town center/square identified (as a wanted amenity) by our vision plan," she said.

Liberty Twp. Administrator Dina Minneci said collaboration was the key behind one of the biggest projects in the region.

"The Liberty Interchange is one of the truest forms of community collaboration," she said, adding that other road improvements planned for the Ohio 747/Ohio 4 corridors will enhance those commercial zones as well.

West Chester Twp. officials spoke next, starting with township development director Brian Eliff.

"I could talk on and on about interesting things we're doing in West Chester," he said. He credited community involvement for projects such as the township's vision plans and a newly formed Ohio 42 citizen planning initiative.

Township services director Gordon Perry pointed out the developments in the West Chester central business district, where The Savannah is located and where the township opened The Square @ Union Centre, a two-acre urban park, June 26.

Finally, West Chester safety services director Jim Detherage explained the significance of the township's new Public Safety Campus and its involvement in the countywide radio network, both of which will become active in late 2008 or early 2009.

"This is a very, very vital part of West Chester's growth," he said, adding, that Hiltman was once a West Chester Twp. volunteer firefighter.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5127 or mcunningham@coxohio.com.