Council members of Highland Heights heard an overview of the city’s ongoing and future development projects at Tuesday night’s meeting.
The annual summary included a broad range of infrastructure and planning initiatives developed over the past year, as well as a timeline for future projects.
Working in tandem with the engineering consulting firm Verdantas, the multi-step development project was first proposed nearly three years ago and includes four main components that the city says aim to advance the city’s livability, connectivity, and safety.
The first project, named The Commons, includes a multi-feature community green space park located near the city building. Construction began in 2025 with the installation of two pickleball courts, and ongoing developments include the addition of active recreation and gathering spaces.
These include amenities such as a hillside slide, bocce ball court, picnic area, a fire pit gathering area, and additional components. A completion date for these additions is projected for October of this year.
The second project, the 2026 annual street program, targets three streets within the city in need of resurfacing, spot repairs and a cul-de-sac reconstruction. With a total estimated construction cost of $245,120, Dietrich Drive, Blange Road, and Honey Tree Lane will continue to undergo street revisions, with an estimated completion date this fall.
The third project aims to improve pedestrian safety along the US 27 corridor by installing new sidewalk curbs, larger walkway pavements and a street realignment. As a part of the first phase, the city received a $3 million grant from the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments to complete the construction, but awaits survey and design approvals from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Once approved, construction is projected to begin in the spring of 2028.
The final project involves the city’s application of a $250,000 federal planning grant to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan under the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program. A timeline for this initiative remains ongoing.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 4 at 176 Johns Hill Road.
