CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The city of Chillicothe announced construction associated with the Appalachian Community Grant Program will begin Monday, March 16, on Yoctangee Parkway and Mill Street, prompting concerns from downtown business owners about the project’s impact on their operations.
Safety Service Director Jeff Carman said the work will require closing the southbound lanes of Yoctangee Parkway between Arch Street and Chestnut Street, including the intersections of Mill and Park streets. Northbound traffic on Yoctangee Parkway will remain open but will be reduced to one lane through the construction zone. Motorists traveling southbound between Arch Street and Chestnut Street should detour via High Street. Residents and businesses within the affected area will retain access to their properties through alleyways and rear entrances.
The construction is part of a broader road project that includes building two roundabouts along West Water Street — one at the entrance to Yoctangee Park and another at the intersection of West Water and Walnut streets. The roundabouts are intended as part of the city’s efforts to redevelop Yoctangee Park and enhance the area along West Water Street.
Local business owners, including the owners of Ivy’s, a downtown establishment, voiced opposition to the project on social media, warning that the construction could eliminate parking and access for more than six months, severely impacting business operations and threatening the survival of downtown businesses. They also warned the prolonged construction could force permanent closures, affect local jobs and diminish the character of the historic downtown area.
Business owners urged community members and customers to submit feedback to the city by email and encouraged wide sharing of their concerns. The city’s Service Department can be reached at 740.773.2700 or by email at [email protected].
Motorists wishing to enter Yoctangee Park during construction should use the Paint Street and Water Street entrance.