The Westerville Industry and Commerce Corporation approved more than $187,000 in business incentives and Uptown improvement grants Thursday, supporting energy upgrades and improvement projects at the Westerville Public Library, three Generations properties, and the historic Masonic Lodge on South State Street.
The board approved $187,160.60 during its meeting at Westerville City Hall, including $58,547.60 through the BusinessWISE program and $128,613 through the Uptown Improvement Program.
Three BusinessWISE incentives were approved for completed improvements at Lake Shore Cryotronics on McCorkle Boulevard. The awards included $2,429 for exterior parking lot lighting, $16,293.60 for a building automation system and $39,825 for replacement of three rooftop heating and cooling units.
The lighting project upgraded the parking lot to more efficient LED fixtures, while the new automation system reduces energy use in unoccupied rooms, according to Tara Trigg of Westerville Electric. The company previously did not have a building automation system.
“These three projects were a little bit more than $1.1 million in investment in this property,” Trigg said. “And they’re doing more.”
Trigg said the rooftop heating and cooling project alone cost nearly $900,000. All three projects were complete, and the BusinessWISE awards represented final incentive payments.
The Uptown Improvement Program approvals included two $30,000 grants for Westerville Public Library projects.
One will help pay for restoration work at the Westerville History Museum, 110 S. State St., including reconstruction of the original chimney, tuck-pointing masonry joints, and repairs to the north wall. WICC Chair Rob Rishel said the project is estimated to cost $70,493.
A second $30,000 grant will support the library’s front lawn project at 126 S. State St. The project, already under construction, will turn the lawn into a more accessible public gathering and event space.
Rishel said the overall lawn project exceeds $1 million, with approximately $320,000 in work eligible for the Uptown Improvement Program.
WICC also approved three smaller grants to Jang LLC for awning projects at Generations locations in Uptown.
The board approved up to $2,808 toward a $5,615 replacement awning at 11 W. College Ave. Rishel said the awning had already been installed after the applicant waited for WICC to meet. The Uptown Review Board also reviewed and approved the project.
At 59 S. State St., WICC approved up to $1,485 toward a $2,970 project to enclose an existing awning over exterior stairs, providing additional protection from rain, snow and ice.
The board also approved up to $4,320 for an awning at 33 E. Park St., where Generations operates a dance studio in a former church building. The covering will be installed over rear stone steps. Rishel said the Uptown Review Board had approved the project.
The largest Uptown commitment went to Blendon Lodge No. 339 at 130 S. State St., where WICC approved two $30,000 grants for a two-phase restoration of the building’s windows.
Rishel said the lodge has been working toward the window project for several years following earlier restoration of the building’s brick exterior. The full window project is estimated at $164,000, and the lodge is raising additional money by holding a Saturday morning breakfast fundraiser.
The first $30,000 grant will support work on the south-facing windows. The second phase will cover windows on the north and east sides. The project also includes door repairs and repainting exterior trim, with original windows retained where possible.
The board approved both phases Thursday, so the lodge could proceed with the full restoration rather than completing only a portion of the windows. Rishel said the contractor was prepared to begin work around Labor Day.
What is WICC and BusinessWISE?
What is WICC?
The Westerville Industry and Commerce Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community improvement corporation that serves as an economic-development agent for the City of Westerville and administers several business incentive programs.
What is BusinessWISE?
Westerville Incentive Savings for Efficiency, or BusinessWISE, is an incentive program for commercial and industrial electric customers making improvements that reduce electricity use.
Night of Hope Challenges Student Mental Health Needs
Westerville Education Challenge will hold its fifth annual Night of Hope on Saturday, Aug. 22, beginning at 6 p.m.at the Westerville North High School cross country course and McCann Stadium.
The event will include a 5K, a 1-mile event, and a family fun run around the track. Night of Hope is designed to promote mental health awareness and honor the lives of people lost to suicide. Mental health organizations will also be on hand to share information about available services and resources.
Money raised will support Westerville Education Challenge programs in Westerville City Schools, including Hope Squad, RoX, WEB (Where Everyone Belongs), Twinkle’s Care, student scholarships and Parent Prep.
Alum Creek Trail Cleanup Saturday Morning
Friends of Alum Creek & Tributaries (FACT) will host an invasive honeysuckle removal and cleanup Saturday morning, Aug. 22, along the Alum Creek Trail near Otterbein Lake in Westerville. The project begins at 9 a.m. and runs until noon.
Volunteers will meet on the west side of the river, south of the West Main Street bridge and east of 60 Collegeview Road. FACT will work alongside Otterbein University students participating in the university’s Community Service Plunge day.
Participants should wear sturdy work shoes, pants, and long sleeves. Volunteers may bring bow saws, loppers, and reusable beverage containers. FACT will provide a limited number of work tools and gloves, along with beverages and snacks.
Parking is available in the northeast rear corner of the Otterbein Point building lot, with access to the trail nearby.
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