From a small town in Ohio, to a bustling city of almost fourteen-thousand people, Harrison’s growth has made room for many new businesses, homes, and schools.
Located in southwestern Ohio, Harrison is a smaller than average city, only about 13.5 thousand people live there, compared to an average of 300 thousand people per city in America. It became a city in 1981, named after William Henry Harrison, but it was called Harrison way before it became a city. Back in 1814, people used to call it Harrison but then it began to grow and was incorporated in 1850.
Harrison hasn’t stopped growing over the years. What was once mostly cornfields, is now dotted with neighborhoods and thriving communities. In the last 19 years, there’s been a 78% increase in the population. Houses have been built all over Harrison because and for the growth of Harrison. It is growing faster than every other city in the region. The growth is causing some worries about whether Harrison’s infrastructure can handle the amount of people.
There are many reasons for Harrison’s growth. One reason is because Harrison is right off a major highway, making it convenient to get around and not stuck in the middle of nowhere. A new Middle school and multiple new elementary schools in 2021 have made it appealing for new families. The council has been approving new buildings being built all over Harrison making people worry if they should slow down.
The School District at Harrison is the Southwest Local School district, home to our high school. The surge in population of Harrison has made the school district grow significantly: around 21% over the last 10 years. The growth meant that new schools needed to be built, but the new schools (three new elementary schools and a junior school) have brought even more people to the school district.
Harrison’s growth has been happening for a while. This isn’t the first time this paper wrote about it, and it won’t be the last. Traffic problems have arisen from the increase in students and just population of Harrison after school especially, highlighting the managing of a growing city.
The increase in population in Harrison and its schools have brought many new things, and whether they be good or bad is up for debate. Many new businesses and stores have come to Harrison helping the local economy and making things more convenient to reach. However, because of these new places traffic has been worse causing intersections to get clogged easily and schools busier.
The growth of Harrison is impressive and ongoing. The growth brings many new opportunities to Harrison, but there will have to be thoughtful planning and accommodations to assure that the city will stay a comfortable place.
