OhioFinest

First off, it looks like they've changed the seating from all black seating to a white and grey mix, with a design element involved with the seating. Second, these new renderings look GREAT!!! Third, The Triangle is in prime time development status. That massive piece of land could become the center piece of the Arena District. The city needs to really bring it all together with a crowning jewel development there. It just sticks out whenever i see a new rendering. Maybe a couple of 15-30 story builds? Could be an amazing opportunity!!! Cant wait to see this play out!!

First off, that isn't official, those are just proposals, but its interesting that I didn't see any information on the Census website about them changing the population minimum of 50k to 100k? Newark is bigger than both Lima and Mansfield. Im fact. reading that article, there are a LOT of negatives that come with doing away with MSA status that i don't think those cities intend on just giving up. I would bet that doesn't change and it stays 50K, which brings us back to square one. Second, those articles actually prove that i was right...right? 50k is the current threshold and Newark would be eligible? Again, i don't really care if Newark gets one or not, it still doesn't change the fact that people are calling it "Greater Newark" more and more, which i think is pretty cool. As i stated above in the conversation, if Newark doesn't meet the new requirements that are proposed, then the Columbus MSA description needs to be changed at a minimum. It should be read as Columbus/Newark/Delaware or Columbus/Newark/Lancaster. I think it would really be in the regions best interests, if people in Columbus start acknowledging the positive population growth and the investments being made in Newark. Its a good time to be in Licking County.

You totally misquoted what the Census bureau classification says. Totally false! It does NOT say 50,000 AND have a total population of 100,000. It says OR...very big difference. This is exactly what it says: "Metropolitan Statistical Areas An MSA consists of one or more counties that contain a city of 50,000 or more inhabitants, OR contain a Census Bureau-defined urbanized area (UA) and have a total population of at least 100,000 (75,000 in New England). Counties containing the principal concentration of population—the largest city and surrounding densely settled area—are components of the MSA. Additional counties qualify to be included by meeting a specified level of commuting to the counties containing the population concentration and by meeting certain other requirements of metropolitan character, such as a specified minimum population density or percentage of the population that is urban. MSAs in New England are defined in terms of cities and towns, following rules concerning commuting and population density" ^^^^^ So, again, going by what the Census Bureau lays out, Newark clearly meets the Census Bureau's classification to be an MSA. Newark would defined as a Level D MSA by the Census Bureau (area less than 100,000). Level A Areas of 1 million or more Level B Areas of 250,000 to 999,999 Level C Areas of 100,000 to 249,999 Level D Areas of less than 100,000 https://www2.census.gov/geo/pdfs/reference/GARM/Ch13GARM.pdf Newark = population of 51,000 Heath = population of 11,102 Granville/Township = population of 10,395 Hanover/Township = 2,315 Greater Newark Metro (Level D MSA) = 74,812

Asking honestly...if Newark is too close to Columbus to be it's own MSA, then why is Springfield it's own MSA? Springfield is closer to Dayton than Newark is to Columbus. Again, the threshold to be considered for an MSA by the Census Bureau is 50,000 residents. Just asking an honest question. And on this topic, will Mansfield and Lima both lose their MSA status when the newest Census comes out?

Lets come back down to Earth? lol Come on...AGAIN....for the 3rd time, i don't really care either way, i just want Newark to get its proper recognition in the Columbus MSA classification. But if you want to be exact, i did do my research on MSA's and Newark meets the Census Bureau's qualifications. Not trying to be a d*ck, but IF Newark is "to close" to Columbus to be its own MSA, then why does Akron and Canton/Massilon have their own MSA's? Shouldn't they be included in Cleveland's MSA??? Why isn't Springfield included in Dayton's MSA? The simple fact is now that Newark has crossed the 50,000 person threshold and is the central city of more than 1 population center...Newark by all means can be its own MSA. When the new Census comes out, whenever that may be lol, all i'm saying is that i wouldn't be shocked at all if Newark gains an MSA status...that's all. But i'm open to facts and proof that say Newark can't and wont ever be it's own MSA. https://www2.census.gov/geo/pdfs/reference/GARM/Ch13GARM.pdf

And just for reference, the term Great Newark Area is becoming more and more common with the people around the Newark/Heath/Granville/Hanover area. So as these cities continue to grow, this is going to become more and more of problem for the proud Columbus MSA growth people. lol

Maybe i didn't express it clearly lol. My issue isn't with Newark being apart of the Columbus MSA, I just feel that if that's how its being classified, then Newark deserves its recognition in the description of that classification. As i mentioned above, i firmly believe the Columbus MSA should be rebranded as Columbus/Newark/Delaware. To me, it paints a much clearer and more accurate description of the Columbus MSA. We can't have half of the population of Columbus acting as if Newark is in a different state and then turn around and say we cant be our own MSA? It has to be one or the other in my opinion. Either start acting like Newark is part of the Columbus metro, or give Newark its own and deserving MSA. I don't care which one it is, but that needs to happen. Just my two cents lol. Good conversation.

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/2021/03/12/four-north-21st-street-homes-demolished-gas-station-store/6939627002/ Well, this will be an interesting development. Sheetz will be building one of its new Central Ohio Locations in Newark. It will demolish 4 homes on the west side of N. 21 st at the corner of N 21st and Moull St. I'm surprised this development was kept secret so well. Don't know how i feel about it? Progress is inevitable, i just hope it turns out nice. The plus side is that Northpoint Architecture, which renovated one of the 4 homes to be demolished, will move its business to Downtown Newark. The stated they want to be a part of whats going on in there, so i am excited to see what they will do with the location they are moving to. The 4 yellow dots are the properties to be demolished. The red line box indicates the total property Sheetz will build on. The second picture is the view of the 4 houses to be demolished from 21st St. The third picture is the view of the 4 houses to be demolished from the back of those properties and the empty lot from Moull St.

I’ve been saying this for while, Licking County is exactly where Delaware County was in 2000. New Albany, Reynoldsburgh, Pataskala and Etna all extend into Licking County. Over the next 20 years, the growth is going to explode. I would challenge anybody in the world to find another County in the US that has a Boeing, Facebook, Google, Amazon, Owens Corning, State Farm...all Fortune 500 companies...located within that county. This is what is going to drive this explosive growth. That’s why this conversation is so important. This growth is about to come to Licking County and we have one community that is anti-growth. This mindset HAS to change for not only the Greater Newark Metro, but for Central Ohio. As for “Greater Newark”...yes I firmly believe Newark should be considered it’s own MSA. If you go by the Census Bureau’s definition of an MSA, Newark certain meets the criteria. 50,000 residents..check. Central city of more than one population center...check. Newark according to the latest estimate is 51,000. Heath is 11,000. Granville is 6,000. Hanover is 1,200. We ARE our own metro...period. But I digress. At the very least, the Columbus CSA needs to be changed from Columbus/Marion/Zanesville to Columbus/Newark/Delaware. While the 161 corridor has take 12-15 mins off the drive, The Greater Newark Metro is still it’s own identity. In the next 20-30 years...yes that may certainly change, but as of now, Newark rightfully deserves its own MSA I’m my opinion.

It goes back decades of Granville residents thinking poorly of Newark/Heath/Hanover/Pataskala. I can direct you to the same Granville Facebook page, i would assume..not totally sure, but a few years back when the city of Newark was investing in in the bridge in downtown Newark that says "Downtown Newark" over the highway, there was a topic started on that same Granville Facebook page and the topic was absolutely ridiculous. I cant remember the actual words, but it said something to the effect of "Our less affluent brethren to the East can do it, why cant we?". It caused an uproar. The irony is that nobody from Granville had any clue why so many people were up in arms about it. "Less affluent"....what does that mean? I know what it means, but whats the real "point" of saying it like that? Also, fast forward 3-4 years and guess what is happening in Granville...a new bridge is being built over 161 that will say "Granville" on it. It's that sort of elitism that is sickening. I can also point you to the high school football situation in Granville a few years ago, where hundreds of Granville students welcomed the Licking Valley Panther football team to Granville with chants of "white trash, white trash, white trash". As somebody who isn't local, as you say, you should be willing to open your mind to the fact that Granville has been this way for a long time. Back to the article though...The article mentioned Granville residents and Granville School Board members attending, again I ask, why do they have ANY say to begin with? This is a city of Newark issue...not Granville. If they truly don't want it, then maybe that land should be given back to NCS? Imagine...just for a second if this situation where the other way around...Granville council would laugh in our faces. Lastly, this type of anti-growth strategy...and that's what it is...anti growth...is not just about Granville, its about the entire Greater Newark Metro. We cant have Newark/Heath/Pataskala being on board with planning for growth and then have Granville doing the exact opposite. It hurts the entire region. This is exactly why i will steadfastly argue that its Granville that's hurting its neighbors...not the other way around.

Also, i was sent this last night. This is about the facility and property being redeveloped on West Main that was previously discussed. However, i am confused at what they are doing. The previous articles stated they were going to tear down the buildings and the developer was going to build an Entertainment Gateway into Downtown Newark. This news is something different? Not quite sure what to make of it? https://www.newark-station.com/ Its says at the bottom of the page...this "Newark-Station" Launch event will be to unveil the future development renderings of the site. I have to be honest..."The Yard" doesnt sound very promising as part of this project. I have lived in Newark most of my life, but i don't hear anybody saying we need sand volleyball courts with a taco bar? Especially on a site like this. I fear this part of the development wont succeed. But who knows? This whole thing is interesting to say the least.

I am absolutely floored by this decision on the River Road development. My councilman will hear from me about this about who is making these decisions. Why are NEWARK officials taking their directions from Granville residents? Listen, Granville will be OK...one way or the other...they'll be OK. OMG we "might" have to build a new school...relax...everything will be OK Granville. The fact that these Newark Govt officials are doing whats best for Granville and not what's best for Newark is absolutely ridiculous. All because of "apartments"....Well now we cant have that in "Granville Exempted School District" now can we?

By my count, these are the available pieces of land left in the AD to be developed? Please, if i am wrong, correct me. This is just a shot from the hip. I truly believe once this stadium is open to the public, these areas will have some serious interests. With regards to "The Triangle"....i am going to start looking at this property with a different mind frame. Since it is such a uniquely shaped parcel of land, the development on it should reflect that. I think it could and should become the center piece of the AD if done correctly. We should strive for that!! This is America, we can put something in there that is iconic and brings the "whole dam thing together". It will just take some creative thinking and teamwork. Really looking forward to see how this moves forward.

One more thing, from the newest pictures, i am surprised at how well the new White Castle development meshes with the new stadium. I don't know if that is by luck or be design, but overall, it looks good blending in with the new stadium.

What's really revealing to me, is that in these latest pictures, it shows just how much property is still left to developed in the Arena District. I keep hearing that the AD is "built out", but when you look closely, there is actually quite a bit of land still left to be developed. The "Triangle" piece of land and the adjacent property on the other side of the railroad tracks. The two buildings and parking lots across the street from the stadium. There is also a plot of land just on the other side of the underpass bridge in the NE portion of the picture. It will be nice to see how they bridge that gap between Huntington Park and Crew Stadium. Now that this stadium is really advancing and details of Confluence Village emerge, this land should once again become pretty high value. Wouldn't be surprised to see some movement on these properties. BTW....i freaking LOVE this stadium!! This is going to be an iconic stadium when its all said and done.

In this particular case though, the building is just way too deteriorated to be saved. There literally hasn't been anything in it since the early 80's. The cost to renovate it and bring it up to code would be more than what the building is worth and would also probably take a long time. This developer wants to make this a "Gateway into Downtown Newark", so from everything i have heard and seen on this, it will be very nice. Like i have been saying, its a good time to be in Newark. Lots of investment taking place. I for one cant wait to see what this brings.

Exciting news!!! This piece of property has been closed down and abandoned my whole life. Its such a big piece of prime real-estate. I have dreamed for this day that somebody would do something with this piece of land. Good things happening here in Newark! Cant wait to find out what the plans are for this land. https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/2021/02/10/development-planned-former-westinghouse-site-west-main-street/4449253001/

Licking County Courthouse in Newark, OH.

We cant talk about all of these other side issues until the sun comes up, but ultimately, this proposed development is a GOOD thing. Its great for the city of Newark and this will be a net positive for the Newark/Heath/Granville metro. This is one of the last pieces of land to be developed in Newark City that would really have an impact on Granville schools. Again, Granville should worry less about Newark at this point and worry more about Pataskala and New Albany. The 161/37 and 161/310 interchanges are going to BOOM with development over the next decade. There are "For Sale" signs all along 161 with huge acreage signs. We are talking for sale signs that say anywhere from 50-800 acres. Those are the developments Granville needs to start preparing for...not this...this development is a GOOD thing!! I have seen the renderings of this development (inside source..dont hate lol)...and its going to be beautiful. In my opinion, this area has turned into the most beautiful in all of Licking County to live. It's always the sticker shock that causes the panic. When you step back and look at it, i truly don't believe this is going to be some monumental development that Granville schools cant overcome. Great conversation!!

See now this kind of thinking, i just cant get on board with, and this is exactly the kind of thinking that gives Granville its reputation. Newark should 100% move forward with this development. Newark should do what's in the best interest of Newark. So you want Newark to stop this development because you perceive this as a "Screw my neighbor, as long as i benefit" situation? That makes absolutely zero sense to me in this situation. The reality here, is that Granville has been doing this very thing to all of its neighbors for much longer than its been happening to them. Be honest, when was the last time Granville did anything like that for Newark? Granville has put so much time, energy and effort into putting in "green space" buffering zones to protect themselves from Newark and remaining identical, that they never seem to consider the line of thinking that maybe some growth is needed and maybe...just maybe...will make Granville even "stronger". At least 3-4 businesses have closed in downtown Granville this past year because of lack of business (mostly losing Newark customers). Moe's left and went to a more business friendly climate and more diverse location and has literally tripled their margins. They aren't the first and wont be the last...and this all comes from a "business as usual" mentality in Granville. Also, did i read that right where you said "Newark doesn't have a lot of diversity"? Newark is THE most diverse community in Licking County...by a mile! That's the EXACT reason i sent my kids to NCS...diversity!! Lastly, Newark has more jobs than what people think. In fact, this is exactly the reason Newark is growing. We have maintained our economic base reasonably well over the last 30 years (I agree with you about the Meritor site btw), and we engage with Heath and Western Licking County to help grow the Greater Newark Metro to attract jobs. The Port Authority has done a great job with that. Newark/Heath has State Farm, Owens Corning, Boeing and LMH Systems... plus thousands of jobs in the Newark Industrial Park. Granville being a mostly white community is something they created...simply put. The irony is this, maybe this new development will help Granville schools diversify...ya never know? Again, i firmly believe Granville needs to adapt their growth policy (Maybe consider not being just a "residential" community). Unfortunately for Granville, growth is coming in every direction. The quicker that realization starts, the better they will be at implementing a reasonable growth strategy that is anything other than "stay the same". The reality is Newark/Heath/Pataskala all need Granville to be on board with the growth Licking County is about to experience, they need Granville's help in that. Granville being on board is vital to the success of Licking County over the next few decades. Maybe then they would realize that they are the ones "screwing their neighbors"? I appreciate your honesty though. This is a great conversation, because these are going to happen more and more frequently over the upcoming years...and not just with Newark. I truly hope Granville's residents see the greater good. I apologize in advance if anything i said offends you or comes across wrong...i am just passionate about the growth of Newark/Heath/Granville metro. No hard feelings.

"My main point is that people in Granville should probably look at this as a preview of what's likely to come over the next 20 years one way or another as Columbus marches eastward, and decide if we want to be the ones to control what things become. There is time if it happens soon, but if everyone continues to cross their fingers nothing will change its going to be way too late." ^^^ This...this is exactly what Granville needs to be doing. Over the years, Granville withdrew from MORPC, Grow Licking County..etc etc. I really believe Granville needs to step back, take a deep breath, figure out a strategic growth plan that doesn't hurt their "charm", change their tune...just a tad...and embrace the growth of Central Ohio is experiencing and will continue to experience. Newark/Heath/Granville metro is positioned extremely well for a bright future. Embrace it!!!

Just in case anybody was interested in where this development will be built...

Great post...well said. Your last paragraph is exactly what i was referring to when i said "before Granville knows it...Newark encroaching upon them will be the least of their worries." Pataskala and New Albany are annexing land and approving development at a far faster rate than Newark is. If anything, Granville needs to reach out to communities like New Albany for guidance on growth and development. To be completely honest, this new housing development is an area i would strongly consider building in. The rolling hills are absolutely amazing!! I hope that cooler heads in Granville will prevail.

Lets not get away from the point here though...this housing development isn't about Granville. This development is about the city of Newark. This development would be within Newark City Limits...not Granville. So while they may have legitimate concerns about enrollment issues, Newark should do what's in the best interest for the city of Newark and this development is a no brainer for the city of Newark. Again, Granville can either accept that reality or not. That's what this boils down to. The stark reality is this...before Granville knows it...Newark encroaching upon them will be the least of their worries.

https://www.dispatch.com/business/20200216/is-granville-anti-development-denison-president-sparks-debate Interesting...as i have many friends who live in Park Trails and they are always bragging about getting the best of both worlds...lower taxes vs better schools (which to be honest, is debatable if you want to talk about actual curriculum). This also touches on what the Denison University professor told the people of Granville a year ago in the link provided....that Granville has become anti-growth in terms of population and economic growth. Granville needs to decide whether it wants to be a part of the MORPC or not. Growth is coming...whether Granville likes it or not. Almost every Central Ohio community has embraced that growth, with the exception of Granville. Lastly, i don't want to paint Granville too unfairly as i know many great people from Granville, its just issues like these continue to Granville its reputation. Thanks for the information though!!!