New Cell Tower On Otterbein Ave., Paving Friday on Polaris and Africa Road, Symphony Concert Canceled, and New Underground Garbage Container Installed
New Cell Tower Installed Near Otterbein Water Tower to Improve Service
Crews began work this week installing the new cellular tower next to the Otterbein Avenue water tower, located near the Jaycee pool and Westerville South High School. The project involves erecting a freestanding monopole to replace the aging cellular infrastructure currently mounted on top of the water tank.
Workers were seen high above the ground, using safety harnesses and rigging to secure sections of the new tower in place. Once construction is complete, the antennas and related equipment on the dome of the water tower will be removed and relocated to the new structure.
Once completed, the water tower is scheduled for painting similar to the Maxtown water tower last month.
The upgrade is expected to improve mobile service for residents and businesses in the area, while also facilitating easier maintenance and future equipment upgrades. Additionally, this project reduces the physical stress on the water tower and ensures more reliable access to communication systems.
Third Underground Dumpster Installed in Uptown Westerville
Crews began installing a new underground garbage container this week in Hanby Alley, located just off East Home Street. This marks the second installation of its kind in Uptown Westerville, following the earlier placement of two containers at the corner of Budd and Slaughter alleys behind Java Central.
Before the unit was lowered into the prepared pit, a contractor and a city inspector reviewed the installation instructions and hardware details on-site. Subsequently, construction workers used heavy equipment to guide the large cylindrical container into place, checking its alignment with string lines and leveling tools.
The underground system is designed to conceal refuse and minimize odors while ensuring that collection crews have easy access. When the project is finished, only a small part of the container will be visible above ground, with the main storage area located below the surface. This design helps the unit blend seamlessly into the alley environment.
City officials anticipate that the installation on Hanby Alley will be completed soon, along with the restoration of the surface. The container is expected to be ready for use later this summer.
Paving Work to Impact County Line, Africa, and Polaris on Friday
Contractors will be paving sections of County Line Road, Africa Road, and Polaris Parkway on Friday, June 27, with temporary lane closures scheduled throughout the day.
6–10 a.m.: County Line Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Africa Road will be closed northbound at County Line Road.
10 a.m.: Eastbound Polaris Parkway will be reduced to one lane, along with Africa Road south of Polaris Parkway. Africa Road will reopen between County Line Road and the Central Ohio Primary Care entrance.
Noon: Africa Road reopens to both northbound and southbound traffic at Polaris Parkway.
2 p.m.: An additional eastbound lane on Polaris Parkway will open.
3 p.m.: All eastbound lanes on Polaris Parkway will be open.
Drivers should plan for delays and consider alternate routes during the scheduled work.
Westerville Symphony Concert Postponed to August
The Westerville Symphony’s Stars & Stripes Showdown: Freedom Concert, originally scheduled for Sunday, June 29, has been postponed due to weather concerns. The performance will now take place on Sunday, August 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Alum Creek Park Amphitheater.
Organizers say the rescheduled event will serve as the finale of the City of Westerville Summer Concert Series. The concert will feature patriotic selections and appearances by this year’s Stars & Stripes candidates.
The symphony encourages the community to mark their calendars for what promises to be a memorable night of music and celebration under the stars.
Kris’ KickOut Returns June 28 to Honor Westerville North Grad and Support Local Students
The 8th Annual Kris’ KickOut is set for Saturday, June 28, at noon on the softball fields of Westerville North High School. The event brings together friends, family, and community members for a spirited game of kickball and a cookout—all in memory of Kristopher Lee “Too” Swiger.
Swiger, a Westerville North graduate, is remembered as a standout athlete, loyal friend, and active community member. Since his passing, his family has organized this annual event to celebrate his legacy and raise money for the Kristopher Lee Swiger Scholarship Fund.
Each year, with the help of Westerville North staff, the family selects two student-athletes who exemplify Kris's character—hardworking, supportive, resilient, and community-minded. So far, 15 students have received scholarships in his name, giving them a boost as they head into college or other post-graduate paths.
This year’s theme is “The Lucky 8,” a nod to the symbolic strength of the 8-ball and to Kris' never-quit attitude. “He didn’t know the meaning of quit,” the family shared. “Kris was always the first man on the field and played like he’d be the last one standing.”
Proceeds from the event and online donations help fund future scholarships. Those interested in contributing can visit gofund.me/795f242f.
Organizers promise a competitive game, a chef-prepared cookout, and a lot of heart. “Kris would love that he’s still getting people out to play some kickball,” they said. “He was a big brother to everyone around him, and we’re proud his name still represents that kind of support.”
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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