Luvcbus

Welcome aboard!

They plan on recycling all the water they use by 2030

There's a pic near the bottom of this article of what the hand will look like. https://www.columbusnavigator.com/slingshot-columbus-sculpture/

Found an interesting article a little earlier on the Intel project. There's a decent amount of information in it that I hadn't seen yet... A few interesting facts from the article: • Each fab requires 35,000 tons of structural steel or five times the weight of the Eiffel Tower. • A cleanroom can be as large as four football fields and can hold more than 1,200 advanced multi-million-dollar chipmaking tools. • At the other end of the scale, the computer chips that will be manufactured in the fabs are not much larger than your fingernail. • Intel is one of the few remaining chip companies in the world and the only American one that does it all in-house: design, manufacture, shipment and selling. Here's the link, if anyone's interested: https://www.iccsafe.org/building-safety-journal/bsj-dives/ohios-silicon-heartland-a-likely-boon-for-construction-industry/

Nice to see a little new news on Rapid 5... Amy Acton to lead Rapid 5 nonprofit "The Rapid 5 initiative is moving into its next phase, becoming a nonprofit with Dr. Amy Acton at the helm. Rapid 5 stands for Rivers and Parks + Imagination + Design and encompasses the five major waterways in Franklin County: the Big Darby Creek, Scioto River, Olentangy River, Alum Creek and Big Walnut Creek. It is a vision for increasing connectivity and equity by encouraging local government agencies, private and public stakeholders, and nonprofit cultural and community-based organizations to work together to grow central Ohio greenways, waterways, trails and parks." https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/05/05/amy-acton-rapid-5-nonprofit.html

The best chance Columbus has of landing an NBA franchise (whether by relocation or expansion) in the next five to ten years could be LeBron James. Here me out... Supposedly, LeBron wants to own a team when he's done playing. Columbus would make sense for a few reasons... 1- NBA teams and NHL teams often share an arena, so Nationwide Arena could potentially be the home arena for both franchises, at least for a while. 2- The City of Columbus and the Columbus Metro Area are growing rapidly. 3- LeBron is very familiar with both the city and the state, and is in Columbus often. 4- LeBron apparently isn't the biggest fan of Dan Gilbert (the owner of the Cavs). Even though there aren't a whole lot of Cavs fans in Columbus, there are some. Presumably, most Cavs fans in town would switch allegiances, which would shrink the Cavs fanbase a bit and hurt the Cavs bottom line. 5- This would set up a natural rivalry for both Ohio teams. I'm not saying I think this will definitely happen or anything but I think it's a possibility that's worth mentioning.

Sherrod Brown was recently appointed to serve on a committee to reconcile the differences between The House version and The Senate version... This is from April 7th "Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was appointed to serve as a conferee on the committee that will reconcile the differences between the House’s America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength (COMPETES) Act of 2022 and the Senate’s U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA). Brown expects a quick negotiation of a final bill to send to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Brown has been pushing for action to support American semiconductor production, which is key to supporting investments in Ohio’s manufacturing. In February, Intel announced a $20 billion investment to build a semiconductor plant in New Albany, which is expected to create 10,000 jobs. The America COMPETES Act will boost Intel’s initial investment to create thousands of additional jobs in Ohio." https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/sherrod-brown-conference-committee-legislation-manufacturing-semiconductor-shortage

New Albany City Council approves annexation, rezoning on Intel land in Jersey Township "As expected, New Albany City Council on May 3 voted unanimously to approve legislation that officially puts the future Intel microchip-processing plant within city limits. Council's votes were on two ordinances: the annexation and rezoning of 1,689 acres in Jersey Township, 900 acres of which will be occupied by Intel. The annexation, which was voted on as emergency legislation, takes effect immediately, allowing crews to begin roadwork at the site. "We are very excited that Intel is coming to Ohio," Spalding said. "This is a big win for our nation and our state and locally, and I also want to point out that we are ready for this project." "The power of Intel's investment of $20 billion can't be underestimated," City Manager Joe Stefanov said. “The income-tax revenues that will be generated as a result of the Intel project will benefit our city, as well as our school and township partners, and other municipalities throughout Ohio will have the opportunity to attract the jobs that follow Intel. This is fantastic news for our entire state." https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/new-albany/2022/05/03/new-albany-city-council-approves-annexation-rezoning-intel-site/9633821002/

There was a Intel Forum at Easton this morning but I can't seem to find a video from it anywhere. If anyone has a link to the video, could you please pass it along? I would greatly appreciate it.

Intel taps longtime employee to lead Ohio campus "Intel has selected the man who will oversee its Ohio facility... Longstanding company employee Jim Evers will serve as the site's general manager, company representatives told Columbus Business First. Evers, an Intel vice president and factory manager, is currently at the company's Phoenix, Arizona plant, but is beginning to transition to head up Intel's Ohio operations." "Bagley said he does not have an exact number of employees already hired for the Ohio campus. Bagley said once the project begins, construction on the site will be constantly ongoing. "At all of our sites we continue to have construction projects going on all the time," Bagley said. "So once we start this project, we will have the trades there on an ongoing basis, an ebb and flow depending on what we’re doing." https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/04/28/intel-names-ohio-general-manager.html

Yeah, for parking garages they actually look pretty sharp.

I was just out through there last week. What's the story with the three big fields on the north side of Broad with all the little flags all over? Is each one supposed to be marking something?

Here's a link: https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/intel-ceo-speak-at-ohio-states-2022-spring-graduation/530-2648593f-ef08-4bb9-9caa-3d70dab43570

New Albany City Council officially considers Intel property annexation, rezoning "In fewer than two weeks, New Albany City Council is expected to permanently lay the foundation for Intel to start construction on its $20 billion microchip-processing facility. Council on April 19 gave a first reading to two pieces of legislation, which affect 1,689 acres in Jersey Township, more than 900 of which is dedicated to Intel. The final vote, expected May 3, would change the zoning from agricultural to technology manufacturing district annex the Licking County land into the city of New Albany. The annexation component, which would be approved with an emergency legislation clause, would be effective immediately, but the rezoning would take 30 days, said Scott McAfee, the city's chief communications and marketing officer." https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/new-albany/2022/04/19/new-albany-ohio-city-council-first-reading-intel-jersey-township-annexation-rezoning/7368839001/

The Bailey: Luxury senior apartments approved for Dublin's Bridge Park "Construction of a 6-story apartment building consisting of 87 units may begin after the project received unanimous approval from the Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission. The luxury senior-living community is set to open in late 2023 and is the first senior-living community in Bridge Park, according to a news release announcing the project." https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/dublin/2022/04/08/bailey-luxury-senior-apartments-approved-dublin-ohio-bridge-park/9495107002/

New Albany council is next step for Intel land rezoning, annexation from Jersey Township "A step taken by the New Albany Planning Commission on April 4 set in motion the process to annex and rezone the future Intel property into the city. ...Now it's City Council's turn. The commission voted 4-0 to recommend that City Council approve the rezoning of 1,689 acres in Jersey Township – more than 900 of which is dedicated to Intel – from agricultural to technology manufacturing district." "City Council has scheduled scheduled first readings of the annexation and rezoning ordinances for April 19, with second readings and likely approval set for May 3. Both will be read twice, but the annexation ordinance will have an emergency clause, meaning if it is approved, it is effective immediately so that construction could begin right away, said Scott McAfee, the city's chief communications and marketing officer." “The annexation is working its way through the process but could come to City Council in the near future,” he said. “Initial site preparation work for tree clearing and demolition of structures by the property owner has begun,” he said. “Additional site work, such as grading, is anticipated to begin this summer, with construction beginning by the end of the year.” https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/new-albany/2022/04/06/new-albany-city-council-meeting-rezoning-annexation-jersey-township-intel/9468812002/

Ohio lawmakers approve $85 million for Intel plant costs "The Ohio legislature has voted to set aside $85 million for development costs associated with a massive planned Intel factory in the Columbus area. The Intel funding would be sent to a newly created economic development fund. State officials said the $85 million is an early installment of the more than $2 billion state officials pledged to help lure the plant. Meghan Wadsworth, a DeWine aide, told a Senate committee earlier this week that the funding is needed to “keep pace with Intel’s aggressive construction schedule” by helping local governments pay for roads, sewer and water infrastructure associated with the project, Gongwer News reported. The Senate President said state lawmakers expect to take up additional Intel-related measures in the coming weeks before breaking for the summer. “Obviously $85 million is a lot of money. But today was relatively speaking an easier lift, since everyone understands when you’re talking about these types of public improvements that are in every town in the state of Ohio,” Huffman said." https://www.cleveland.com/news/2022/04/ohio-lawmakers-approve-85-million-for-intel-plant-costs.html

New Albany set to rezone nearly 1,700 acres, including Intel land "New Albany is set to rezone almost 1,700 acres within Licking County, including the site where tech giant Intel Corp. plans to build a $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing complex. The New Albany Planning Commission will vote Monday evening on rezoning of 1,689 acres of agricultural land to a technology manufacturing district. About 900 of these acres will contain Intel's complex. McAfee said the zoning would allow for any business that falls within technology manufacturing use to occupy the land, including any potential ancillary businesses from Intel. Shifting zoning from agricultural to commercial use is regular practice for the New Albany International Business Park, which already boasts more than 18.7 million square feet of development and 19,813 workers within its borders, a spokesperson for park developer New Albany Co. said in an email. An Intel spokesperson said in an email the company plans to begin construction by the end of the year." https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/04/03/new-albany-set-to-rezone-more-than-1600-acres.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=EC&utm_content=co&ana=e_co_EC&j=27230001&senddate=2022-04-03

Massive Near East Side marketplace and food hall announces long-awaited opening date "After much anticipation, the East Market has announced its official opening date. It will hold a grand opening celebration on April 30. Part of the Near East Side’s Trolley District development, the 30,000 square foot marketplace will feature 13 total food vendors (including The Butcher & Grocer, The Pitt BBQ Grille, Yellow Brick Pizza and many more) in addition to two original bar concepts and a second-floor event space. The East Market is located at 1600 Oak St., on a historic site that formerly served as a repair hub for the city’s trolley cars." https://614now.com/2022/food-drink/614now-exclusive-massive-near-east-side-marketplace-and-food-hall-announces-long-awaited-opening-date

From The Dispatch: New Albany website addresses emerging details about Intel "The city of New Albany has added new features to its website regarding Intel’s microchip processing plant. Scott McAfee, spokesperson for the city, said the website is broken into four basic areas: zoning, environment, traffic and general information." https://newalbanyohio.org/answers/new-albany-silicon-heartland/

Looks like work is underway at Scioto Downs: Scioto Downs grandstand demolished "Crews worked Tuesday to demolish the grandstand at Scioto Downs racetrack to make way for a new grandstand. The 62-year-old grandstand was crumbling and no longer in service. It will be replaced by a $20 million, 30,000-square-foot grandstand seating about 1,000 visitors, in addition to VIP suites." https://dispatch-oh.newsmemory.com/?token=4f934a4b16ced94dc3e350484b476609&cnum=0b7d0e5f-fe67-eb11-9acf-90b11c3bc1f2&fod=1111111STD-0&selDate=20220330&licenseType=paid_subscriber&

From today's Dispatch: "In Columbus, a newly formed company called Orveon Global is planning to create 150 jobs with a $15 million payroll for its new project in the Arena District. Orveon Global, based in New York City, is a collection of premium beauty brands, primarily focused on makeup, skin care and fragrances. Boston-based private equity firm Advent International acquired the brands from Japanese cosmetics conglomerate Shiseido in December. The company has regional headquarters in London and Tokyo, and selected 343 N. Front St. in Columbus for its new office after a nationwide search. The office will begin hiring immediately for positions in areas such as finance, legal and supply chain." https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2022/03/28/lithium-ion-battery-company-employ-1-200-sidney/7190384001/

Found an interesting article on some of the prep work currently going on around the Intel site. Road improvements begin ahead of Intel's new chip factory in Licking County "To make way for Intel, and the suppliers that will follow, Jug Street is being transformed. Hundreds of trees must be removed before the end of March. New Albany says it had to act quickly before the endangered Indiana bat begins nesting here in the summer." "There are 10 others road widening projects starting in 2024 that include Jug Street, Green Chapel Road, Mink Street, Harrison Road, Clover Valley Road as well as Beech and Miller Roads. ODOT will make $112 million worth of improvements to State Route 161 in eastern Franklin County and Western Licking County. One project will add one lane in each direction of SR 161 from I-270 to just east of US 62." "Another ODOT project will widen the ramp from SR 161 west to I-270 north/west. ODOT will also improve the Mink Street interchange to connect with the improvements on local roads." "New Albany says the land Intel is purchasing was bought from residents who chose to sell and move. The city says eminent domain was not used to take the land. Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb said life in Licking County changed the day Intel announced it was coming here." https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/road-improvements-begin-ahead-intels-new-chip-factory-in-licking-county/530-1100a587-c8fb-4ff4-b54b-27675a5f8610

Westerville Planning Commission: Village at Central College plan heads to council "Preliminary plans for a 232-unit multifamily development at Central College and Sunbury roads generated concerns among neighbors, but legislation is moving on to City Council for further review and consideration." "The Westerville’s Planning Commission on March 23 voted to recommend to council the approval of rezoning 1.28-acres from rural residential to planned district and a modification to the Village at Central College preliminary development plan by Casto for townhomes and apartments on 15.62 acres." https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/westerville/2022/03/25/westerville-planning-commission-village-central-college-plan-heads-council/7151328001/

Demolition to start soon for major Whitehall redevelopment "Demolition is expected to begin in a few months to prepare for the long-awaited "transformational" redevelopment of the eastern entrance to Whitehall. The 50-acre site on the northeast corner of East Broad Street and Hamilton Road has sat unused for three years, following the city's acquisition of the 54 Woodcliff condominium buildings on the site, along with the former Four Seasons Golf Center next door. The city plans to demolish the buildings, which once housed 317 condominiums, to make way for a $250 million mixed-use development that could dramatically reshape the community. We plan to go straight into vertical construction after demolition, in mid- to late-summer," said NR Investments Chief Operating Officer Terry Wellons." https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2022/03/25/long-awaited-whitehall-project-start-soon/7034069001/