On 2/24/2022 at 9:51 AM, TIm said:

Really a great opportunity to make downtown feel like it extends onto the other side of 16. The bridge really helped make the transition over 16 very seamless. Some vacant lots and old buildings which are ripe for development. Would be a great area to add some density.

 

There is so much potential in that area north of downtown that I think finally has the right catalysts in place to make it happen. There are some pockets of beautiful, grand homes near that area. I applaud those people who are dedicated to maintaining and restoring those homes while surrounded by some "challenges".

 

I'm really looking forward to seeing how that Main St from downtown to 79 corridor shapes up over the years.

Downtown Newark will be welcoming "Stein Brewing Company" as its newest member to the family on 3/16.  This is going to be a GREAT addition to the Church St Entertainment District.  You can now walk from Moe's to Stein to Thirty One West to Turntable Kitchen all the way to NORCA!!!! The transformation of Downtown Newark and this area in particular has been incredible to witness.  The apartments above all of them are also coming along nicely and will be welcomed loft style living.  Never been so excited and optimistic about this city in my life.  Come down and enjoy Stein and welcome them to Newark!!

 

https://www.facebook.com/SteinBrewNewark/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where the yellow ladder is...that is where Stein is located.

 

Edited March 8, 20223 yr by OhioFinest

Awesome addition to downtown Newark! If I remember correctly to, this unit has been vacant for a while right? Not only is a new thing coming in, but it isn't displacing anything else.

I believe so, it was previously an art studio used by Denison, then a yoga place i believe, but yes, nothing has been displaced.  Stein is going to fit right in!!!

 

Stein also serves incredible food, I don't want to leave that part out of it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 8, 20223 yr by OhioFinest

29 minutes ago, OhioFinest said:

I believe so, it was previously an art studio used by Denison, then a yoga place i believe, but yes, nothing has been displaced.  Stein is going to fit right in!!!

 

Oh that's what it was! I didn't remember it being an abandoned unit but I also didn't remember it being unused. Now that Denison has the new art building (I'm assuming it's done, haven't been to Granville in years at this point) they probably moved all that over there so literally this is all a net gain with nothing lost for Newark.

1 hour ago, TIm said:

Oh that's what it was! I didn't remember it being an abandoned unit but I also didn't remember it being unused. Now that Denison has the new art building (I'm assuming it's done, haven't been to Granville in years at this point) they probably moved all that over there so literally this is all a net gain with nothing lost for Newark.

 

The Eisner Center in Granville opened summer of 2019, but I believe it's oriented more towards the performing arts.

The art space in Newark was (I think) more for visual arts. It was closed "temporarily" during the first lockdown and seems that it just kind of faded away. Not surprising, Denison has been really aggressive with their pandemic mitigation measures. 

Actually, i believe i just read something about Denison taking this endeavor over to Columbus in the AD?? Anyway, yes, this block has filled in nicely!!  On the subject of this area of Church St...what is the situation with the open grass area?  I think that could become a very cool outdoor beer garden!! It wouldn't take a ton of money to accomplish.  Obviously some clean up, some landscaping and outdoor furniture.  The biggest thing would be possibly a stage for some live music.  I think this could become a great outdoor summer spot.  I don't know if the property is even for sale, but certainly, something needs to pop up there.  Its a complete waste of open space and could really tie in with all of the development that's happening. 

 

This property...I would love to see this become an outdoor beer garden type of space.  Strand some lights above the area, clean it up, put a nice outdoor bar with some music.  Is there any plan for this space????

 

 

Edited March 8, 20223 yr by OhioFinest

Check out this before and after of the Church St Entertainment District....pretty freaking incredible!!!

 

Before:

 

 

After:

 

 

Before:

 

After:

 

 

Before: (ghost town)

 

 

After:

 

 

 

Good news indeed!  I had a good time at Stein Brewing in Mt. Vernon on my way home to Akron from Newark, and in fact, my big photopost in the Mt. Vernon photo thread was posted from Stein Brewing there.  Excited to see them open a new location in Newark, they did a good job with a similarly just-off-central-downtown-square old property in Mt. Vernon.  I'll likely be in Newark in late April or early May for a court hearing and I'll stop in and give it a review.

LOVE the alleyway covered into tables!

Great as it would be too see that empty lot turned into additional outdoor space, it wouldn't surprise me if it ends up being leased parking for the residential lofts going in around the neighborhood. Realistically nobody is moving in there without a car, and most people would expect/prefer off street parking even if they have to pay for it.

53 minutes ago, mrCharlie said:

LOVE the alleyway covered into tables!

Great as it would be too see that empty lot turned into additional outdoor space, it wouldn't surprise me if it ends up being leased parking for the residential lofts going in around the neighborhood. Realistically nobody is moving in there without a car, and most people would expect/prefer off street parking even if they have to pay for it.

From everything i knew, all the lofts and apartments have assigned parking spaces already on the curbside.  I dunno,  i just think that spot needs cleaned up...even if its a parking lot.

1 hour ago, Gramarye said:

Good news indeed!  I had a good time at Stein Brewing in Mt. Vernon on my way home to Akron from Newark, and in fact, my big photopost in the Mt. Vernon photo thread was posted from Stein Brewing there.  Excited to see them open a new location in Newark, they did a good job with a similarly just-off-central-downtown-square old property in Mt. Vernon.  I'll likely be in Newark in late April or early May for a court hearing and I'll stop in and give it a review.

 

I'll have to check that spot out this summer when I head down to Mt. Vernon!  Thanks

I do know there was a building in that spot previously (pretty sure it's in your photos). I want to say there was a fire in it when it was vacant which made it structurally unsound so they had to tear it down. Would be a great spot for anything at this point. If only there was a restaurant right there to utilize it but all the food places are just a bit too far away.

Newark Arcade project: Developer says state tax credit is key piece of the puzzle

 

A roughly $1.5 million transformational mixed-use tax credit from the state is going to fill in the last few parts of financing for the redevelopment of the historic Newark Arcade.

 

Fred Ernest, Newark Development Partners CIC executive director, said the tax credit will keep the project's debt down, allowing the developer to put more money back into the community.

 

The $17 million project will bring 19 loft apartments and up to 26 commercial spaces — depending on space requirements — to downtown Newark. Ernest said he is receiving more interest than he has room for and wants a variety of tenants ranging from restaurants to specialty retail stores and service space.

 

"This is probably one of the last missing elements in existing buildings we have in downtown," Ernest said.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/03/14/how-state-credits-will-impact-newark-arcade.html

 

So i took a drive up to the North end of the city of Newark over the weekend...holy smokes!!!  The explosion of growth up there is taking off! The new housing divisions have houses being built everywhere.  Connor's Pass...the newest housing development...is finished and there are already at least 8-10 houses under construction.  Newark's population is about to boom!!  I wouldn't be surprised if Newark doesn't reach 55-60k people by 2030.  BTW...Stein Brewing is FANTASTIC!!!  The food there was incredible!!!  I am hearing some rumors of a couple other local spots moving downtown as well...keep your eyes and ears open!

 

 

40 minutes ago, OhioFinest said:

So i took a drive up to the North end of the city of Newark over the weekend...holy smokes!!!  The explosion of growth up there is taking off! The new housing divisions have houses being built everywhere.  Connor's Pass...the newest housing development...is finished and there are already at least 8-10 houses under construction.  Newark's population is about to boom!!  I wouldn't be surprised if Newark doesn't reach 55-60k people by 2030.  BTW...Stein Brewing is FANTASTIC!!!  The food there was incredible!!!  I am hearing some rumors of a couple other local spots moving downtown as well...keep your eyes and ears open!

 

 

My parents bought a new build up on the North end in early 2020 (neighborhood across from the Trout Club). They were one of three houses on the street and now there are probably 12 or so, and that doesn't count all the other streets in the neighborhood. Every lot is either built or being built. The new development a bit further south seems to be moving fast and those houses/condos right at the Trout Club are also being built pretty damn quick. Really cool to see so much growth in the area.

 

I'm also very curious to hear about these rumors.... Need to get my parents to more quality local food establishments.

So just an update...it seems as if the HUGE Owens Corning Facility is getting closer and closer to being finished.  This building is turning out great.  Now for some new buzz...i just got word that the Licking County Port Authority is ready to break ground on a new unannounced facility right next to Boeing.  This is a very large sight.  Land surveyors and tree trimming companies have been on this site for a few months now and it appears that earth moving is about to start.  There is secrecy around this as of now....wonder if its related to intel?  Maybe one of the 30-35 suppliers that Lt Gov Husted mentioned at the Intel press event a month or so ago?  This lot can build well over a 1 mill sq ft facility.  Keep your eyes and ears open...

 

OCF is getting closer and closer to being finished.  The area in yellow is where the new facility is getting ready to break ground.

 

 

Here is the street view of the lot currently.  This is going to be a big facility at the least.  All of the trees on site have been cut down for access to the rail line that runs right through the property.  You can see Boeing to the right and Samuel Strapping to the left.

 

Edited March 23, 20223 yr by OhioFinest

1 hour ago, OhioFinest said:

So just an update...it seems as if the HUGE Owens Corning Facility is getting closer and closer to being finished.  This building is turning out great.  Now for some new buzz...i just got word that the Licking County Port Authority is ready to break ground on a new unannounced facility right next to Boeing.  This is a very large sight.  Land surveyors and tree trimming companies have been on this site for a few months now and it appears that earth moving is about to start.  There is secrecy around this as of now....wonder if its related to intel?  Maybe one of the 30-35 suppliers that Lt Gov Husted mentioned at the Intel press event a month or so ago?  This lot can build well over a 1 mill sq ft facility.  Keep your eyes and ears open...

 

OCF is getting closer and closer to being finished.  The area in yellow is where the new facility is getting ready to break ground.

 

 

Here is the street view of the lot currently.  This is going to be a big facility at the least.  All of the trees on site have been cut down for access to the rail line that runs right through the property.  You can see Boeing to the right and Samuel Strapping to the left.

 

Wait a second, what is this about a new Owens Corning building? I have not heard a single thing about that!

 

I'm going to reach out to my dad and see if he knows anything about this new build next to Boeing as well, that white building in the parking lot right in front of Boeing is his stomping ground. He hears things from time to time but never relays any interesting information to me because he couldn't care less about this stuff! 

 

EDIT: All he has heard is it's being cleared for "future development"

Edited March 23, 20223 yr by TIm
Update

Longaberger basket building owner no longer wants to sell, hopes to work with Intel

 

The owner of the iconic basket-shaped former headquarters of The Longaberger Co. in Newark isn't sure what he wants to do with the property yet, but he does know one thing: He doesn't want to sell it.

 

Just over a year after listing the site for sale, Steve Coon, the building's owner, told Columbus Business First that he does not want to sell it anymore. He now wants to explore all development avenues for the property in the wake of Intel's planned $20 billion investment in Licking County.

 

Coon — of Louisville, Ohio-based Coon Restoration — said he had a potential offer on the table for the basket, but it fell through about two months ago. He's since realized he wants to try to capitalize on the incoming Intel project, which is expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area. He said he wants to "make a play with Intel" on the basket, whether that be for a temporary office space, hosting an ancillary business, a hotel option or even market-rate housing.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/03/23/longaberger-basket-no-longer-for-sale.html

 

Wow...that's interesting.  I just wish The Longaberger Co was still in operation.  That was a great place of manufacturing and business.  Darn shame what happened to that company once Dave Longaberger died. 

I've given up all hope on this building being used for something cool. There have always been talks and always been "big things coming" and nothing ever happens. I wish I was as optimistic as the owner is about the Intel development actually making this a desirable piece of property. Whatever they do, just please don't turn it into housing. It should remain somewhat accessible to the public, there are plenty of other places to build more housing in Newark.

4 hours ago, OhioFinest said:

Wow...that's interesting.  I just wish The Longaberger Co was still in operation.  That was a great place of manufacturing and business.  Darn shame what happened to that company once Dave Longaberger died. 

Some of the things I heard about the demise could be made into a Netflix documentary.

Huh, I thought it was just people stopped dedicating an entire room to "country" and switched to doing that for Mario and Link.

12 hours ago, GCrites80s said:

Huh, I thought it was just people stopped dedicating an entire room to "country" and switched to doing that for Mario and Link.

You only need enough basket to store all your Beanie Babies and die-cast NASCAR miniatures. The 90's were irritating at times.

 

But on a serious note, are Intel and associated suppliers going to really have a long discussion on where temp offices should be? New Albany / Easton or a derelict building east of Newark and convenient to nothing?

Right, everyone is in a bit of a holding pattern to see what Intel's effects are but this guy came across a little like, "Heeyyyyyy, check this ouuuuuuut guys!!!!!"

On 3/23/2022 at 1:36 PM, ColDayMan said:

Longaberger basket building owner no longer wants to sell, hopes to work with Intel

 

The owner of the iconic basket-shaped former headquarters of The Longaberger Co. in Newark isn't sure what he wants to do with the property yet, but he does know one thing: He doesn't want to sell it.

 

Just over a year after listing the site for sale, Steve Coon, the building's owner, told Columbus Business First that he does not want to sell it anymore. He now wants to explore all development avenues for the property in the wake of Intel's planned $20 billion investment in Licking County.

 

Coon — of Louisville, Ohio-based Coon Restoration — said he had a potential offer on the table for the basket, but it fell through about two months ago. He's since realized he wants to try to capitalize on the incoming Intel project, which is expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area. He said he wants to "make a play with Intel" on the basket, whether that be for a temporary office space, hosting an ancillary business, a hotel option or even market-rate housing.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/03/23/longaberger-basket-no-longer-for-sale.html

 

And the plot thickens!

 

Potential buyer of former Longaberger basket building sues owner for breach of contract
 

“Bryan Stanley, a Florida developer, filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, seeking a jury trial, compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 and compliance with all promises made in the contract.
 

The broken promises, according to the lawsuit, were to remove mold from inside the building, power wash the exterior and remove dead vegetation and debris from the parking lot, according to the lawsuit.

 

Stanley's attorney, Barton Keyes, of Cooper Elliott law firm in Columbus, said Historic Newark Basket can't get out of a contract because of its own non-compliance with the terms of the contract.

 

"That doesn't mean they can walk away from the deal," Keyes said. "The (court) filing was in response to not removing mold and complying with the promises. The promises were made before Intel."’

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2022/03/28/longaberger-building-owner-sued-breach-contract/7195881001/

Leaked rendering from Coon on his proposal to work a deal with Intel rather than sell...

Now that's funny....and at the same time...makes you nod your head side to side lol

On 3/23/2022 at 8:29 AM, OhioFinest said:

So just an update...it seems as if the HUGE Owens Corning Facility is getting closer and closer to being finished.  This building is turning out great.  Now for some new buzz...i just got word that the Licking County Port Authority is ready to break ground on a new unannounced facility right next to Boeing.  This is a very large sight.  Land surveyors and tree trimming companies have been on this site for a few months now and it appears that earth moving is about to start.  There is secrecy around this as of now....wonder if its related to intel?  Maybe one of the 30-35 suppliers that Lt Gov Husted mentioned at the Intel press event a month or so ago?  This lot can build well over a 1 mill sq ft facility.  Keep your eyes and ears open...

 

OCF is getting closer and closer to being finished.  The area in yellow is where the new facility is getting ready to break ground.

 

 

Here is the street view of the lot currently.  This is going to be a big facility at the least.  All of the trees on site have been cut down for access to the rail line that runs right through the property.  You can see Boeing to the right and Samuel Strapping to the left.

 

 

I saw yesterday in the Dispatch, where it looks like "BEHR" paint announced that they will be building a state of the art manufacturing and distribution center in Heath.  My post from last week makes me wonder if they aren't the mystery company building on the above site???  Interesting how that is flying under the radar!  Anybody know anything more about Behr moving to Heath?

Longaberger basket building owner sued for breach of contract

 

The owner of Newark's iconic Longaberger basket building is facing a lawsuit from a potential purchaser of the unique property.

 

Steve Coon, who bought the building with Bobby George in 2017 via an entity called Historic Newark Basket LLC, listed the building for sale in early 2021. Last week, he told Columbus Business First he no longer planned to sell, and now hoped to "make a play" for possibilities generated by Intel Corp.'s plans for a semiconductor manufacturing campus nearby.

 

There had been a deal on the table for the building previously, Coon told Business First, but he said it fell through a few months ago.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/03/30/longaberger-basket-owner-sued-for-contract-breach.html

 

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/2022/03/30/sheetz-opens-newark-gas-station-convenience-store-north-21st-moull/7202862001/

 

The Sheetz in Newark officially opened.  Attracted a long line and crowd due to the $2500 gas card they were giving out.  Also, noted in the article, it mentions that Sheetz will be building a second location in Heath.  Curious as to where that location will be?

 

On 3/29/2022 at 7:45 AM, OhioFinest said:

 

I saw yesterday in the Dispatch, where it looks like "BEHR" paint announced that they will be building a state of the art manufacturing and distribution center in Heath.  My post from last week makes me wonder if they aren't the mystery company building on the above site???  Interesting how that is flying under the radar!  Anybody know anything more about Behr moving to Heath?

 

This would be exciting news and it seems like the kind of business that could fit into Heath fairly well, but it's been a few more days now and I just did a Google search and a Google News search and came up empty on this.  Even if the original scoop was paywalled at the Dispatch, I'd have expected someone else to come forward with more news on that by now.  Maybe the circle of in-the-know people outside of Behr and the Heath economic development authorities themselves really is still limited to paid Dispatch subscribers and UO members (wouldn't be the first time we were on the leading edge of news), but still somewhat surprising.

20 minutes ago, Gramarye said:

 

This would be exciting news and it seems like the kind of business that could fit into Heath fairly well, but it's been a few more days now and I just did a Google search and a Google News search and came up empty on this.  Even if the original scoop was paywalled at the Dispatch, I'd have expected someone else to come forward with more news on that by now.  Maybe the circle of in-the-know people outside of Behr and the Heath economic development authorities themselves really is still limited to paid Dispatch subscribers and UO members (wouldn't be the first time we were on the leading edge of news), but still somewhat surprising.

From three days ago:

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/03/28/bareminerals-owner-behr-paint-approved-for-ohio-i.html

 

"Behr makes house paints and wood care products. According to information from the state, it is planning to build a new state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution operation in Heath. It could employ 90 full-time equivalents with annual payroll of $4.39 million. It would need to keep operations at that location for at least 10 years."

Edited March 31, 20223 yr by aderwent
bad editor's job making it seem like BareMinerals' owner is Behr.

There is still so much room to expand in the Heath Industrial Park / Port Authority and also the Hebron Industrial Park which is literally 5-10 more minutes further south on 79. Last time I was over in the Heath one they were already building some spec buildings and a few other manufacturing operations have opened up in there in recent years (such as the plant based seafood manufacturer). Should be a good decade of investment and development in both these areas.

1 hour ago, TIm said:

There is still so much room to expand in the Heath Industrial Park / Port Authority and also the Hebron Industrial Park which is literally 5-10 more minutes further south on 79. Last time I was over in the Heath one they were already building some spec buildings and a few other manufacturing operations have opened up in there in recent years (such as the plant based seafood manufacturer). Should be a good decade of investment and development in both these areas.

I second this, I’m there quarterly at minimum visiting a customer.
 

There is so much room on 79 to attract business and its very close to 70. I’m honestly surprised Licking didn’t blow up before Delaware. Although I have to admit I like Licking County as a whole better than Delaware.

57 minutes ago, wpcc88 said:

I second this, I’m there quarterly at minimum visiting a customer.
 

There is so much room on 79 to attract business and its very close to 70. I’m honestly surprised Licking didn’t blow up before Delaware. Although I have to admit I like Licking County as a whole better than Delaware.

It's a complete straight shot to 70 down 79 from there and the roads are already wide enough to handle an increased amount of 18 wheeler traffic.

2 hours ago, TIm said:

It's a complete straight shot to 70 down 79 from there and the roads are already wide enough to handle an increased amount of 18 wheeler traffic.

I know 79 once you get past the car dealership isn’t even close to busy despite there being a lot of business in that area.

14 hours ago, wpcc88 said:

I know 79 once you get past the car dealership isn’t even close to busy despite there being a lot of business in that area.

Yeah those Honda and other dealerships right at the southern edge of Heath, after that it's open road until you hit the 70 interchange right outside Buckeye Lake. Easy on and off as well.

Edited April 1, 20223 yr by TIm

***UPDATE***

 

Pretty good video of the current site.

https://www.growlickingcounty.org/strategic-sites/coatc-50-acres-tpzpp

 

I was able to confirm that BEHR will be building their brand new state of the art facility just south of Boeing.  They will use the available rail head on location.  Breaking ground in 2Q of this year.  Great for the area. 

 

Area in yellow...pretty big site!!

 

Edited April 4, 20223 yr by OhioFinest

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/2022/04/07/behr-process-corporation-receives-state-tax-credits-build-heath/7271432001/

 

Building will be 320,000 sq ft  and plans for an additional 136,000 sq ft over time.  Cant wait to see this build out.

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/2022/04/07/granville-schools-study-capacity-enrollment-intel-preparation/7208712001/

 

Wow...i can't even believe this article lol.  Now Granville is saying this "We do not want to be behind the growth. I don’t know that we can get in front of the growth, but at least we want to keep pace so that’s what we’re going to be trying to do in relationship to this project"...get the heck outta here with that.  It is a FACT...a FACT...that Granville has been stonewalling housing divisions in West Newark City limits that are part of Granville Schools for years, specifically the River Rd developments.  IF..and that's a HUGE if...Granville wanted to be "In front of the growth"...then why were they showing up at Newark City Council meetings and crying to stop any project that came up in those areas?  What a ridiculous 180...simply put, Granville is about Granville and Granville only!! They were never serious about coming up with a plan for their schools.  The rest of Licking County has been preparing for this kind of growth for over a decade, without the cooperation of Granville...and now the Intel announcement happens and they FINALLY realize that they are in the wrong and need a plan?  Better late than never i suppose, as this should put Newark in the drivers seat when it comes to new housing developments in the west end of Newark. The city of Newark should immediately bring those housing division proposals back up for a vote.  Newark should look out for Newark!!

48 minutes ago, OhioFinest said:

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/2022/04/07/behr-process-corporation-receives-state-tax-credits-build-heath/7271432001/

 

Building will be 320,000 sq ft  and plans for an additional 136,000 sq ft over time.  Cant wait to see this build out.

320K sq ft is a very sizable facility as well!

29 minutes ago, OhioFinest said:

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/2022/04/07/granville-schools-study-capacity-enrollment-intel-preparation/7208712001/

 

Wow...i can't even believe this article lol.  Now Granville is saying this "We do not want to be behind the growth. I don’t know that we can get in front of the growth, but at least we want to keep pace so that’s what we’re going to be trying to do in relationship to this project"...get the heck outta here with that.  It is a FACT...a FACT...that Granville has been stonewalling housing divisions in West Newark City limits that are part of Granville Schools for years, specifically the River Rd developments.  IF..and that's a HUGE if...Granville wanted to be "In front of the growth"...then why were they showing up at Newark City Council meetings and crying to stop any project that came up in those areas?  What a ridiculous 180...simply put, Granville is about Granville and Granville only!! They were never serious about coming up with a plan for their schools.  The rest of Licking County has been preparing for this kind of growth for over a decade, without the cooperation of Granville...and now the Intel announcement happens and they FINALLY realize that they are in the wrong and need a plan?  Better late than never i suppose, as this should put Newark in the drivers seat when it comes to new housing developments in the west end of Newark. The city of Newark should immediately bring those housing division proposals back up for a vote.  Newark should look out for Newark!!

Yeah the quotes in that article are absolutely infuriating. Granville has been steadfastly against growth all because they did not want to have to invest more money into their schools (their high school is amazing by the way, nicest high school I've ever been in). This has been their stance for years and is the major component in NW Newark not having more housing right now. The local government in Granville is pretty slimy. Now that they see a lot of potential $$$ they're all of a sudden 'pro growth'? Okay...

1 hour ago, OhioFinest said:

It is a FACT...a FACT...that Granville has been stonewalling housing divisions in West Newark City limits that are part of Granville Schools for years, specifically the River Rd developments. 

 

1 hour ago, TIm said:

This has been their stance for years and is the major component in NW Newark not having more housing right now. The local government in Granville is pretty slimy. 

 

FWIW, the most vocal opposition I've seen against the River Road developments has been - ironically - from the Park Trails/Park Ridge people. The schools have noted they aren't in favor, but most of us here in the village pretty much realize there isn't much we could do about it anyway. It's only the Granville Schools/City of Newark people that Newark City Government has to listen to.

 

Regarding the change in philosophy, it's worth noting that two of three candidates who won village council in 2021 made the need for Granville to switch to a smart-growth (versus anti-development) strategy their key campaign issues. The candidate who lost was a long-time incumbent who promised more of the same. The appetite for growth has been steadily increasing among those of us in the village in the twelve or so years I've lived here. Granville Village is also actively looking for a Planning Director and Assistant (since before the announcement, though I'm sure they knew it was coming) - so that's at least something. 

 

Most of the remaining opposition to any growth is from township residents - primarily old money families, and wealthy retirees who moved here to "live in the country". They don't want anything to change, but mostly don't want to pay more in taxes - as shown by active opposition to recent school levies. A lot those people seem to be on their way out of the area for one reason or another, and their influence is waining. 

 

My kid starts kindergarten here in Granville in the fall, so I'm definitely paying close attention to where things are going. I do have concerns (that reach beyond just growth issues) and am not sure if we'll stay here long term...but it also sounds like there is finally some acceptance of reality. I do think one thing that will help shift acceptance is knowing there will be enough demand for housing to fill/pay for any new schools that get built - a big concern with the River Rd developments was they were enough to need a new building, but not big enough to fill it or pay for it.

 

1 hour ago, mrCharlie said:

 

 

FWIW, the most vocal opposition I've seen against the River Road developments has been - ironically - from the Park Trails/Park Ridge people. The schools have noted they aren't in favor, but most of us here in the village pretty much realize there isn't much we could do about it anyway. It's only the Granville Schools/City of Newark people that Newark City Government has to listen to.

 

Regarding the change in philosophy, it's worth noting that two of three candidates who won village council in 2021 made the need for Granville to switch to a smart-growth (versus anti-development) strategy their key campaign issues. The candidate who lost was a long-time incumbent who promised more of the same. The appetite for growth has been steadily increasing among those of us in the village in the twelve or so years I've lived here. Granville Village is also actively looking for a Planning Director and Assistant (since before the announcement, though I'm sure they knew it was coming) - so that's at least something. 

 

Most of the remaining opposition to any growth is from township residents - primarily old money families, and wealthy retirees who moved here to "live in the country". They don't want anything to change, but mostly don't want to pay more in taxes - as shown by active opposition to recent school levies. A lot those people seem to be on their way out of the area for one reason or another, and their influence is waining. 

 

My kid starts kindergarten here in Granville in the fall, so I'm definitely paying close attention to where things are going. I do have concerns (that reach beyond just growth issues) and am not sure if we'll stay here long term...but it also sounds like there is finally some acceptance of reality. I do think one thing that will help shift acceptance is knowing there will be enough demand for housing to fill/pay for any new schools that get built - a big concern with the River Rd developments was they were enough to need a new building, but not big enough to fill it or pay for it.

 

 

Very Interesting...thanks for that info!  I know it may seem like i am "anti-Granville"...but i am actually not at all.  In fact, i think they are in a unique position to help be the leader of the growth because of their schools.  I am actually glad to see the 180 in thinking...it will benefit everyone...which ironically is what everyone has been saying for a long time.  Granville should look at Dublin and Olentangy...and see how the major growth in those communities didn't hurt their schools.  I trust Granville is responsible enough to figure this out.  Granville being on board is key for the Newark/Heath/Garnville area. 

46 minutes ago, OhioFinest said:

 

Granville being on board is key for the Newark/Heath/Garnville area. 

This right here has always been the biggest factor in my eyes. Granville's historic anti-development sentiment only hindered the general greater Newark region, but a change in local government to a pro-development mindset will be a great benefit to the region as a whole. I don't think anyone expects Granville to start building 10 story apartment buildings and strip malls anchored by places like Target, but anything that's actually progressive and planning for future change will be an immense improvement. This Intel development was hopefully the straw that broke the camels back for a lot of development opposers. Change is a-coming and it's best to be prepared than to sit idly by!

You're going to start seeing talks from surrounding communities soon about village and townships mergers. I have heard that Granville Village and Granville township may be considering it and I know that talk is open about St. Albans township possibly merging with Alexandria. I really think Granville will have a harder time convincing the township residents that it is a good idea. This would be similar to what Pataskala did with Lima township back in the 90s.

1 hour ago, Airsup said:

You're going to start seeing talks from surrounding communities soon about village and townships mergers. I have heard that Granville Village and Granville township may be considering it and I know that talk is open about St. Albans township possibly merging with Alexandria. I really think Granville will have a harder time convincing the township residents that it is a good idea. This would be similar to what Pataskala did with Lima township back in the 90s.

I'd imagine just about every township, for the most part, will be fighting that tooth and nail. It insults their rural sensibilities! Plus the local township government people would lose the tiny bit of power they have and they won't like that.

9 hours ago, OhioFinest said:

Very Interesting...thanks for that info!  I know it may seem like i am "anti-Granville"...but i am actually not at all. 

 

All good, I think a lot of the points you make are spot-on, or at least represent the reputation Granville earned over the years. I like doing my part to change those perceptions, much as I know you do for Newark.

 

8 hours ago, TIm said:

Granville's historic anti-development sentiment only hindered the general greater Newark region, but a change in local government to a pro-development mindset will be a great benefit to the region as a whole. I don't think anyone expects Granville to start building 10 story apartment buildings and strip malls anchored by places like Target, but anything that's actually progressive and planning for future change will be an immense improvement.

 

It was annoyingly taken to extremes, but I'll give Granville some credit for resisting the lure of commercial sprawl that most communities have embraced. It's certainly protectionist (not sure if by design), but from what I can tell downtown has always been strong compared to most communities this size. We do happen to have a few extra vacancies around town at the moment for various reasons, but they probably won't be vacant for long. (The Donato's space might be open for a while since its huge, it apparently only closed because the building owner - ex Brews owner, I think - raised the rent to $13,000 per month and wanted a 5-year commitment.)