Fourth Friday's Blue Balloons and East of Africa Update.
A threatening afternoon thunderstorm passed south of Uptown Westerville late Friday, sparing June’s Fourth Friday crowd from a wet evening on State Street. With only a few raindrops falling along the edge of the storm that pelted Columbus to the south, the evening crowd enjoyed what has become an extraordinary evening of music, art, food, friendship, and community.
Those who spent the evening walking along closed State Highway 3C and its arterial streets found themselves in a display of colors dominated by blue balloons, mindful thoughts, and bubbles.
Earthmoving at East of Africa
Most of the heavy equipment you see at East of Africa is being used to build the ground-level earth foundations for developers who plan to develop the area once the two-year infrastructure project is complete.
The first significant change to the land was the construction of three new retention ponds. The largest of the three ponds is located directly behind the Sharp Home, occupying a little less than an acre of land, and it serves as the primary pond for runoff from the largest section of the development.
The line of sight toward the rear of the property from the Sharp home gazebo ended only a few feet before a small hill blocked the view of the old pond and the hay field at the rear. Excavation for the new pond has removed the rise, opening a view toward the rear of the property and a small stand of trees that will be removed.
To the south of the pond will be one of the new roadways connecting the property to Africa Road.
The Sharp House, shown in the small gallery below, remains protected from the development with a silt fence.
The old pond, now gone, was a favorite secret fishing spot with an abundance of bass that were eager to be caught and released into the clear water. Most of the fish were removed by the city and moved to other ponds before construction began.
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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