Every few years, your city’s elected officials and administrative team gather for a few hours to brainstorm large capital projects that we would like to accomplish within the next five years. Out of those discussions, we find consensus on four or five projects that we believe are desirable and financially attainable within that timeframe. Our last gathering a couple years ago identified the following four priorities for capital spending: Downtown Loop revitalization efforts; Railroad Crossing problem solving; Public Works department headquarters/garage; and Gower Park renovation. Here’s a rundown on how we are doing with achieving these goals for the betterment of the community.

DOWNTOWN LOOP REVITALIZATION: Over the last year, the City has acquired many of the underutilized/vacant properties around the Loop. These acquisitions have enabled us to engage a developer and, in conjunction with our Sharonville 2030 Comprehensive Plan, create opportunities for significant new activity in the Loop. We are well into the design of Phase II of our Loop Streetscape plan that will refresh Reading Road and the community sidewalks and amenities along this stretch of the Loop. And hopefully you noticed this past Spring and Summer an increase in City programming on the Loop.

RAILROAD CROSSING PROBLEM SOLVING: All agree that our city’s railroad crossings are a detriment to the safety and pleasure of our community. We continue to pursue grant opportunities to study and potentially find ways for automobile traffic to bypass one of these crossings. Unfortunately, to date, another public partner in such an endeavor has not surfaced. We have, however, invested with Trainfo – this company uses data analysis to accurately predict crossing delays and provide real time data for travelers to make decisions to reduce downtime. Our safety departments have been using this data for the last year; we intend to roll out the public notification components of this software in 2026.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS/GARAGE: At the end of 2025, the city had the opportunity to purchase a warehouse on Tramway Drive to relocate our Public Works department and service garage. This is a long overdue upgrade for the quarters that our team has been using for decades. If all goes as planned, they should be moved into their new facility before the first snow fall of 2026-2027 winter season.

GOWER PARK RENOVATION: Over the last few months, we have shared the concept plans for the renovation of Gower Park and the Upper Grove. Construction on the Upper Grove phase of the plan will begin in 2026 with the intent to move on to the park in 2027/2028. New pickleball courts will be a focus of the Upper Grove renovation with other community amenities to make this a more attractive gathering location. If you haven’t seen the extensive plans for Gower, I encourage you to visit Sharonville.org to check them out.

I am proud that over the last two decades, we have completed multiple capital projects that have allowed our city to shine and provide the necessary services that residents and businesses desire. And through careful planning, we’ve done it without incurring lengthy debt (for several years, we’ve carried NO general fund debt at all). Thank you for the input that you have provided on these plans as we continue to maintain Sharonville as THE place to Live, Work and Play!