EDC approves $500,000 for Heath entrance monument, outlines lighting and staffing plans

The Heath Economic Development Corporation told the Park Board it has approved $500,000 toward a new city entrance monument and is budgeting for additional placemaking and infrastructure improvements.

EDC president Mike Zelenskus said the monument project will be constructed with U.S.-sourced materials and that the EDC approved $500,000 toward a primary monument and smaller versions at key intersections. He also described a proposed up-to-$200,000 allocation for permanent, app-controlled color-changing LED lighting at park structures and potentially at City Hall and DPS buildings, and said an engineering phase is underway to reduce costs. Zelenskus added that the EDC is hiring a full-time director who is expected to start in November.

Board members asked clarifying questions about ownership and property lines near the city entry area; Zelenskus and staff clarified which parcels are Heath property versus adjacent jurisdictions. The board expressed appreciation for the EDC partnership and support for moving projects forward with planning and council coordination.