In March, the City of West Carrollton hosted a press conference highlighting continued progress on the River District Redevelopment and future Whitewater Park, with updates focused on funding, site activity, and next steps.
Congressman Mike Turner joined City officials, regional partners, developers, and community leaders to discuss the project’s momentum. Turner helped secure $3 million in federal funding to support critical infrastructure improvements tied to the development.
While the River District has been in planning for several years, the project is continuing to move into active phases. Work is advancing on multiple fronts, including infrastructure planning, coordination with development partners, and site preparation.
Design and engineering efforts are ongoing for the Whitewater Park and related improvements, including planned safety upgrades to address the low dam hazard and development of a whitewater channel intended to support both recreation and first responder training.
Private development is also progressing alongside public investment, with plans for commercial use, housing, and expanded access to the Great Miami River.
As work continues in phases, residents can expect to see ongoing activity and visible progress as the project moves forward.
Appvion Site: Demolition & Remediation Update
One of the most visible areas of progress within the River District is the former Appvion Wastewater Treatment Plant site at 4000 Hydraulic Road, where demolition and environmental remediation are actively underway.
Contractors began work on March 11 with asbestos abatement and site preparation. Between mid-March and early April, crews completed site clearing and grading, removed debris and utility poles, pumped water from clarifier tanks, and installed erosion control measures.
Recent work has included demolition of the waste staging building, removal of structural components from clarifiers, and continued relocation of landfill materials, which is approximately 60 percent complete. Environmental work remains ongoing, including soil sampling and the proper handling of materials such as fuel and waste oil to meet state requirements.
Residents may continue to see heavy equipment and active work on site as demolition progresses. Dust control measures are in place, and contractors have taken steps to address concerns raised by nearby residents. All work is being conducted in accordance with environmental and safety regulations.
This phase of the project is funded through a $1,898,000 brownfield remediation grant awarded by the Ohio Department of Development in partnership with the Montgomery County Land Reutilization Corporation.
The work at the Appvion site is a critical step in preparing the area for future redevelopment as part of the broader River District effort.
