Council approves CDBG funding for downtown pedestrian crossing and concrete repairs

The City of Xenia approved a resolution on May 14 to use federal Community Development Block Grant funds for a downtown safety crossing and concrete repair project.

Assistant City Manager Mr. Henry told council Xenia’s 2026 CDBG allocation is $164,000. Staff recommended applying $162,000 of that allocation to a project that will repair and replace failing concrete and curbing along the south side of West Main Street (between South Detroit and South King streets), add a dedicated 50‑foot pedestrian crosswalk east of King Street, and install ADA ramps, a pedestrian refuge island, signage and a rectangular rapid flashing beacon. An additional $28,000 of program income would be used for the project and $2,000 would be reserved to support the city’s fair housing program.

Mr. Henry explained the city must hold public hearings under federal CDBG rules; council opened and closed the required hearing during the meeting before voting. The resolution passed on a roll call; the motion was moved by Mayor Reynolds and seconded by the vice president.

Details staff provided: the project is intended to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in the downtown core and to address failing sidewalks and curbs. Staff noted the allocation and recommended uses; the meeting transcript recorded the allocation and staff recommendation but an overall project total in the transcript was unclear due to a garbled line in the record.