East of Africa Update and City School Year Begins

East of Africa Underground Installation On Schedule

The 88-acre East of Africa development project is progressing as expected after a challenging start installing storm sewers at County Line and Africa Roads. If construction remains on schedule, the contractor aims to have the roadways paved by the first snowfall. The average first snow in Westerville occurs around November 20, which is roughly the same time local asphalt plants shut down for winter.

The newly constructed roads will have curbs and gutters with a base layer of asphalt at that time, and a finishing layer upon completion.

The most noticeable work still involves installing storm sewers off Africa Road, utility vaults near the new intersection with Polaris Parkway, and soon, a sanitary sewer connection to the newly installed lines on Africa Road.

Fields to Foundations: Westerville’s East of Africa Project Borders Yarnell Farm
The deep green soybean crop at Yarnell Farm contrasts sharply with the sandy, excavated land next door, where crews are installing storm sewers and preparing the site for the 88-acre East of Africa development project. The scene highlights the city’s transition from agriculture to commercial growth.

Westar Boulevard’s Future Path into East of Africa
The current dead end of Westar Boulevard will soon extend into the East of Africa project, visible from a distance. The new roadway will connect the development directly to Westerville’s Westar project. The Sharkey house appears in the top right of both photos. It will be demolished to make way for the new road.

Dust and Diesel in the Summer Heat

A haze of dust hangs over the site as bulldozers and excavators shape the building pads and install underground sewers. Where once heavy rain caused muddy conditions and unusually heavy runoff, the site now struggles with dusty conditions caused by construction equipment traveling through the area. The contractor plans to bring in water trucks to keep the roadways wet enough to eliminate the dust but dry enough to allow easy travel for the heavy equipment.

Westerville City Schools Kick Off New Academic Year This Week

Westerville City Schools will begin the 2025–26 school year this week, with a staggered start for students.

• Grades 1–6 and Grade 9 begin classes on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

• Preschool students start on Aug. 13 and Aug. 14.

• Kindergarten students start on Aug. 13, Aug. 14, and Aug. 15, depending on their assigned schedule.

• All grades 1–12 will be in session starting Aug. 14.

• All students will be in class by Monday, Aug. 18.

District officials remind drivers to be alert for students walking to school and for buses making frequent stops. School zone speed limits will be strictly enforced during pick-up and drop-off hours.

Families are encouraged to check the Westerville City Schools website for details about individual school start times, assigned school zones, and bus route information. Bus schedules are posted online and may vary depending on neighborhood and grade level.

For more information, visit: www.westerville.k12.oh.us

The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.

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