East of Africa Update. New Free Little Library.

Construction crews at the East of Africa development continued stormwater infrastructure installation this week, making visible progress on one of the largest drainage systems ever deployed for a city-led project in Westerville.

The 88-acre former farmland is being transformed into a business and commercial district. This week’s work focuses heavily on trenching, storm pipe installation, and site grading around the retention pond that will serve as the centerpiece of the site’s drainage system.

A worker shoulders a long corrugated pipe, walking it toward installation. Other workers and an excavator can be seen behind him, preparing for the drainage setup.

Massive steel trench boxes were lowered into place using heavy-duty excavators to protect workers as they install large-diameter corrugated plastic pipes. Once in place, the pipes are aligned and surrounded with gravel before being buried.

Dozens of precast concrete stormwater components, drainage pipes, vehicles, and temporary site buildings are near the largest retention pond.

Precast concrete structures are now arriving on-site in bulk and are stored in a staging area near the main access road. Drone photos show rows of cylindrical and square manholes and junction boxes waiting to be installed in upcoming phases of the drainage system.

Progress near the retention pond shows clear trenching for pipe outlets. Several pipes are already laid and covered at the northern edge, while new trenches are being dug and lined further down the slope.

With major grading now complete and stormwater systems actively going in, the groundwork is being laid—literally—for roads, utilities, and future commercial construction.

The East of Africa project remains on schedule, with utility and underground infrastructure expected to continue through early fall.

Maya’s Little Library

Alexa Galloway clears debris from her daughter’s newly built Free Little Library at their home on East Schrock Road. Galloway mentioned that her daughter is a dedicated reader, making numerous trips to the Westerville Library each week, and donating her old books to the Little Library might bring others the same joy she experiences from reading.

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