WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- There are more signs of growth in Westerville after the city broke ground on the 88-acre East of Africa Road Development Project on March 12.   The city acquired the land for economic development purposes with the intent to develop it for commercial use and job growth . The project aims to transform the 88 acres of former farmland along Africa Road into a commercial corridor.  However, the project has been met with some pushback from residents. Their two main concerns are the impacts it will have on wildlife and traffic.   Gaudreau memorial shirt orders to remain unfulfilled "With more roads, there's going to be more traffic," resident Darren Davis said. "So, I can just say over time as they've built more roads here, the traffic has increased. So, with adding more roads, your commute time's going to probably be even longer now."   Residents also said they worry the project will hurt Westerville's small-town feel, though growth in a major city and suburbs is a given.   The construction site is along Africa Road. In addition to future businesses and a roundabout, two miles of new roads and park-like retention ponds will run through what are now fields.   According to Rachel Ray, the city of Westerville's economic development director, the project extends the roadway and public infrastructure network in a way that's consistent with the city's community plan. This comes as Westerville prepares for growth related to the Intel plant in New Albany less than ten miles away from the city's center of commerce.   "I think it's great to go into communities, see that growth, and see what that potential is, and see that you can create this whole economic new region," resident Colette Chandler said. "I think it's just important to support the local infrastructure as well."  Residents said they recognize that supporting new businesses and the economy is important, but they're worried this project will have harmful impacts on the environment.    "A lot of these trees and wilderness, you see a lot of the animals thrive off of that," Davis said. "And when we're taking away their homes, it's like, where are they going to go? Especially with deer. You're going to see a lot more deer trying to relocate, especially at night. That's where you get a lot more of the accidents." Community comes out in support of Centerburg students Crews have begun removing trees and preparing the land for road, sewer and utility construction. Ray said Westerville prides itself on being a city in a park, and that planning mentality has been reflected in the design of the infrastructure plans for the East of Africa site.  According to Ray, a majority of the trees being removed are from areas of the site that were an orchard until recent decades, and most of the removed trees were scrub trees. She said there's a ravine that crosses the northern third of the site which has many more trees that have grown naturally and remain in a healthier state. The majority of those trees will be preserved as an east/west greenway that will be lined with pedestrian paths and park “nodes” to serve as a community amenity. Once the infrastructure project is further along, more than 700 new trees will be planted within the public areas of the new development.   The city also worked with the State Historic Preservation Office on a plan for the protection of the historic Sharp House through the construction process.   “Adding new things does make it a challenge," Davis said. "I'm just hoping that with these new challenges that a positive outcome will come for both parties involved."  According to the city, there are no end users or businesses identified at this time for the East of Africa project. The city engaged residents during the planning and zoning process through the fall of 2024, and feedback from area residents was ultimately incorporated into the zoning and development standards that were adopted by Westerville City Council in December.   Beginning April 7, Africa Road will be closed for 21 days.  ...read more read less