The district encompasses a 2.2-square mile area in Miamisburg and Miami Twp. that borders Washington Twp. and West Carrollton. The website will help direct visitors to the more than 300 businesses in that area, said Dayton Mall General Manager Dave Duebber.
“I think it’s going to be great opportunity to get people to understand what’s going on — to see how large of an area that this is actually going to encompass and all of the different branches that it’s going to impact,” he said.
The website — miamicrossingdistrict.com — was created by the Miami Twp. Dayton Mall Joint Economic Development District, a tax-sharing entity created by the township and Miamisburg. Launched earlier this month, the website lists 202 shopping options; 146 service outlets; 71 eateries; 11 lodging locations; and seven entertainment spots.
“There’s certainly an interest out there to be a part of it,” said JEDD board member Chris Snyder, the township’s community development director.
The site will have wide-reaching impact, Duebber said.
“It’s not just about retail; it’s every aspect. It’s building and developing and growing the business district and the communities that are attached to it,” he said. “And it’s going to be a great resource for people who say, ‘How can I get my business or community organization involved.’ ”
Messages promoting Miami Crossing are appearing on digital billboards around the mall and there are plans for additional signage and banners, officials said.
Early steps are being taken to improve access to the mall area from the west side of I-75. A paved path for pedestrians and cyclists has been recommended along Lyons Road between Byers Road and Ohio 741, as well as along the west side of the state route and ending just south of the mall.
The project, which is not part of the mall area master plan, would include a raised path on the bridge over I-75, Miami Twp. Administrator Greg Rogers told business leaders last week.
The work — which is set to begin in 2019 — is expected to cost about $1.7 million and the township is in line to receive a $1.05 million federal grant.
A second project involves Ohio 725 between Byers and Ohio 741 at I-75's Exit 44, largely seen as the gateway to the mall area.
More than 84,000 vehicles on I-75 use or cross the Ohio 725 interchange daily while nearly 30,500 go under the interstate traveling on the state route, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Like Lyons around the interstate, that stretch also lacks pedestrian access. Preliminary plans have been completed but a “full analysis” may not be come until 2017, Snyder said.
That work may be eligible for a federal grant that will pay for much of the Lyons Road work, but funding is still being explored, Rogers said.
Staying with the story
This newspaper has covered development in the Dayton Mall area and will continue to track changes in that area.
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