July 25, 200618 yr Author From the 7/25/06 Newark Advocate: PHOTO: Construction work continues Monday afternoon on the new indoor water park at Cherry Valley Lodge. The 50,000 square-foot resort is on schedule to be completed by Christmas. Morgan Wonorski, The Advocate Cherry Valley water park will be open to public By JASON MCALISTER Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- Construction of the Cherry Valley Lodge's new water park is on schedule to be completed in time for Christmas, the lodge says. The 50,000 square-foot indoor water park, plus a new indoor spa and small restaurant, hopes to boost tourism for the lodge and for the county. It also will offer a new recreation option for area residents, as the lodge will sell day passes for those who want to visit the water park only, said Beth Kelly, director of marketing for Cherry Valley Lodge. Prices will be released next week. The water resort will bring about 100 jobs to the community, with lifeguards and management positions, she said. Management hiring has begun, and advertisements for lifeguard positions should be out soon. The lodge is naming the park Coco Key, "a tropical destination with constant sunshine, clear skies and a tropical environment," Kelly said. It will be one of four Coco Keys in the country, with locations in Chicago and Rockford, Ill., and Danvers, Mass., just outside of Boston, she said. More at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060725/NEWS01/607250305/1002/rss01
August 3, 200618 yr Author Pataskala wants to improve manufacturing district Newark Advocate, 7/19/06 Pataskala has intensified its efforts to lure industry and jobs to the city. Pataskala City Council voted Monday to support the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority's efforts to pursue a $5 million state grant to improve the city's manufacturing district. The district is located south of Broad Street, east of Mink Street and north of Refugee Road. It currently is empty. Despite the district's lack of tenants -- and the city's continuing need to attract industry to reduce the property tax burden on residents -- some residents expressed concern Monday about supporting the Port Authority's efforts. "I don't want to have the city of Pataskala spend one red cent for a road for a private development," said former Councilman Mike Fox, who ran for mayor in November.
August 7, 200618 yr Author From the 8/7/06 Newark Advocate: State accepts farmland into program By KENT MALLETT Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- The Ohio Department of Agriculture has approved a Licking County farmer's application to put 126 acres off Dayton Road into farmland preservation, forever removing the Madison Township land from future development. The farmland, just east of the city limits and north of Ohio 16 on both sides of Dayton Road, was an area Mayor Bruce Bain had hoped eventually would be annexed into the city and be used to attract new industry and higher-paying jobs to boost the financially-strapped city. The mayor, who grew up on a farm, said some have misinterpreted his comments about John Haluczik's decision to protect his land from development. Bain said he never has criticized the farmer, just the law. "The law is short-sighted," Bain said. "It's a manmade law that controls something in perpetuity. I just don't think you can permanently control land." Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060807/NEWS01/608070303/1002/rss01
August 10, 200618 yr Author From the 8/10/06 Newark Advocate: Granville voters to decide on open space levy Trustees agree to put 1-mill, 5-year replacement on November ballot By BRIAN MILLER Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- Voters will be asked Nov. 7 to continue and slightly upgrade a levy that helps preserve farmland and scenic vistas and prevents housing developments that are costly to the school district. At their meeting Wednesday, the Granville Township trustees voted to place a 1-mill, five-year replacement levy on the Nov. 7 ballot. By asking for a replacement, rather than a renewal, the trustees will be able to generate an additional $81,000. http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060810/NEWS01/608100335/1002/rss01
August 12, 200618 yr Author From the 8/12/06 Newark Advocate: Pataskala placing income tax on ballot By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- After a major strategy shift, City Council's latest income tax proposal would not cost most commuters a dime. With as many as 90 percent of Pataskala's working residents employed outside the city, leaders are proposing a 1.5-percent income tax with a 100-percent credit for income taxes paid elsewhere. Commuters would pay only Pataskala's income tax if the city where they work charges less than 1.5 percent. In addition, all residents would see the city's current 2.5-mill street levy drop off their tax bills in 2007, saving $59 per $100,000 of property value. Facing a growing budget crisis in the wake of Tuesday's replacement street levy failure, the city council met at 7 a.m. Friday to authorize a Nov. 7 ballot issue on the income tax. The new tax proposal would generate about $635,000 annually but may stand a better chance of passing. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060812/NEWS01/608120311/1002/rss01
August 18, 200618 yr Author From the 8/16/06 Dispatch: PLAN FOR FALL BALLOT Granville bond issue would pay for school Wednesday, August 16, 2006 DISPATCH STATE SERVICE GRANVILLE, Ohio — The Granville school board plans to place a 5.7-mill bond issue on the November ballot today to raise $35 million to build a new middle school. That would mean half of the 10 school districts in Licking County will be asking voters to approve tax issues this fall. Newark and Heath schools already filed issues with the county Board of Elections. Licking Heights and North Fork plan to by the Aug. 24 filing deadline. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/?story=dispatch/2006/08/16/20060816-B5-02.html Franklin Avenue condo proposal sparks debate ThisWeek Licking County, 8/13/06 Heath City Council held a public hearing Aug. 7 on two rezoning issues -- one with public backlash and another with no opposition. Tyler Triplett of commercial real estate company Anderson Layman Co. is seeking a zoning change from A-2 agricultural to R-3-C residential condominium development in order to construct 20 condominiums on the lot at 624 Franklin Ave., according to John Groff, Heath's chief zoning inspector. The request was met with a petition signed by 148 residents who live in the Franklin Avenue area and adjacent streets who oppose the development. Along with petitions were presentations by the residents and accompanying letters to planning commission and council members prior to the commission's decision against recommending the rezoning for approval in June. Groff: Lake Drive Road condos could create 'Horns Hill' in Heath ThisWeek Licking County, 8/13/06 "One way in, one way out" may sound familiar. The city of Newark has looked at the traffic flow into and out of the Horns Hill area for years. Likewise, the city of Heath has begun looking into a similar situation that could occur in the Lake Drive Road area, near Irving-Wick Drive East. About 117.785 acres were annexed into the city from Licking Township earlier this year, and a developer is proposing a combination of condos and apartments for the property. John Groff, Heath's chief zoning inspector, said that if zoning is approved for the property, Anderson Layman Co. could build up to 400 residences in the area, thus making the traffic untenable. Commission OKs Kyber Run condos Johnstown Independent, 8/10/06 The Johnstown Planning and Zoning Commission approved a development plan Aug. 2 for 72 condominiums on 12 acres adjacent to the Kyber Run Golf Course. Before approving the preliminary and final development plans, contingent on final landscape plans, the commission granted variances for curb cuts and pavement at the Kyber Run Condos. Village manager Sarah Phillips said Johnstown engineers reviewed the plans for possible traffic concerns. "They don't foresee a problem because it's condos," she said.
August 19, 200618 yr Author From the 8/17/06 Newark Advocate: Levy would build new school for Granville Middle school could be in works if voters approve measure in fall By CHARLES A. PETERSON Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- Grades 6 through 8 will be able to stake out their own territories if a new middle school is built in Granville Township's northwest quadrant. Granville Board of Education officials took action Wednesday morning to place on the November ballot a $35 million bond issue that would finance the new building. By the numbers COST ESTIMATE: $34,794,012 NECESSARY MILLAGE: 5.7, with only 1.99 actually collected SQUARE FOOTAGE: 139,400 CAPACITY: 950 students GRADES: Sixth, seventh and eighth CLASSROOMS: 34 OTHER INSTRUCTION SPACES: Two art, one special education, one life skills, one lecture room with small stage MUSIC ROOMS: One each for instrumental, orchestra and vocal PHYSICAL EDUCATION: One full gymnasium with bleachers, auxiliary gym with practice courts and five outdoor playing surfaces in addition to track/football/soccer field and softball and baseball diamonds OTHER: Media center, technology center and applied technology lab Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060817/NEWS01/608170339/1002/rss01
August 19, 200618 yr Author From the 8/18/06 Newark Advocate: Etna voters may not see road, bridge levy Advocate staff report ETNA TOWNSHIP -- Etna Township voters apparently will not see a road and bridge levy on the November ballot, through the lack of a formal vote, a quorum and sufficient time to reach agreement. During a special meeting Thursday night, Township Trustee Dick Knapp declined to second the scheduled agenda, which included the levy, a proposed 5-year Transportation Improvement Plan and replacing a storm water drainage system in Jardin Manor, among other issues. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060818/NEWS01/608180313/1002/rss01
August 21, 200618 yr Author From the 8/21/06 Newark Advocate: Madison Township wary of Newark's growth City says it can provide sewer service to township By KENT MALLETT Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- A map, a mayor's comments and the rumor mill are the right ingredients to whip Madison Township residents concerned about Newark's growth into a frenzy. Ric Lahmers, a Madison Township trustee, met with the Licking County Commissioners last week to find out if the city of Newark really was preparing a takeover of township land. The city, like all municipalities in Licking County, submitted a map showing where it could provide sewer service in 20 years. The maps are part of the county's response to Ohio Environmental Protection Agency requirements. Newark's map shows its service area extended to include all of Madison Township north of Ohio 16 and all of Newark Township. Newark requires contiguous property owners to be annexed into the city to receive water and sewer service, and Mayor Bruce Bain has said the city plans to grow to the east. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060821/NEWS01/608210304/1002/rss01
August 21, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Licking County, 8/20/06: Heath, developer mull access to retail center Sunday, August 20, 2006 By BRIAN GADD ThisWeek Staff Writer Heath city officials are working with the developer of a proposed 700,000-square-foot shopping center to design several alternate access routes into the property, just to the west of the Indian Mound Mall. David Palchesko, vice president of acquisitions and development for Beachwood-based Chase Properties, met with officials and council members last week to discuss possible extensions of Central Parkway into the center of the retail development. Chase received approval this summer to rezone about 192 acres of the property from agricultural to business use to build a retail and office district. Palchesko said Chase would like to begin construction of the first buildings at the site next spring, pending further design of the access roads. "Hopefully, we can start the earthwork, moving the dirt and the utility work all in the spring," he said. "It's remotely possible that we could have a couple of our anchor stores open by the fall of 2007. But realistically, we're looking at the spring of 2008." FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=LickingCounty&story=thisweeknews/082006/LickingCounty/News/082006-News-209235.html
August 22, 200618 yr Author From the 8/22/06 Newark Advocate: Heath council nixes condo rezoning By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter HEATH -- A six-acre lot on Franklin Avenue won't be developed into condominiums after the Heath City Council voted Monday 4-3 against rezoning the property. The proposal to change the property's zoning from agricultural to residential/condominiums split nearby residents in two camps, resulting in months of debate. "How much condominium zoning is enough for Heath?" Councilman Ronald Krueger asked. Krueger, who voted against the rezoning, said he did not see any evidence against the planning and zoning commission's rejection of the request for 20 condominium units. He predicted a "slam dunk" if the rezoning proposal was changed to allow only the building of residential homes. Heath's planning and zoning commission voted 3-2 against the rezoning. Requests for small-lot residential and assisted living centers for the same property also have been rejected. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060822/NEWS01/608220314/1002/rss01
August 25, 200618 yr Author From the 8/24/06 Newark Advocate: Developer revamps Pataskala proposal Changes address neighbors' concerns of 310/Refugee traffic By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- A rezoning proposal that would bring new development and jobs to the northeast corner of Ohio 310 and Refugee Road in Pataskala suddenly changed Wednesday. Newark-based Southgate Corp., which previously applied to rezone 94 acres at the intersection from agricultural uses to general business ones, approached the Pataskala Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday night with a revised plan that takes into account the worries of neighbors and commission members. The new plan still includes two large commercial buildings, one covering 80,000 square feet and another covering 120,000 square feet, and outparcels that could be turned into restaurants on Ohio 310. However, several changes were made to the plans, including increased city control, a reduction in the number of apartment and condo units and the addition of an assisted-living facility for senior citizens. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060824/NEWS01/608240335/1002/rss01
August 28, 200618 yr Author From the 8/27/06 Newark Advocate: Pataskala considers road repair cuts By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- Pataskala officials contend they are not bluffing when they say they will have to cut back on road repairs and snow removal in the coming year. Voters on Aug. 8 defeated a 2.5-mill replacement levy for streets, and the city's Street Committee, which consists of City Council members Julie Eichorn, Larry Meade and Barbara Triplett, recently recommended the city save money by not plowing subdivisions until snowfall totals reach 3 inches or more. In addition, the committee recommended the city undertake just two planned road projects this year. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060827/NEWS01/608270311/1002/rss01
September 2, 200618 yr Cherry Valley Lodge sets opening date for tropical-themed water park Business First of Columbus - 12:33 PM EDT Friday The owners of Cherry Valley Lodge will provide Central Ohioans an escape from the cold weather this winter with plans to open a tropical-themed indoor water park, dubbed CoCo Key Water Resort, in December. Milwaukee-based WPH Cherry Valley LLC said Thursday the park will feature a motif of cabanas and palm trees to bring to mind sunny Key West. A parrot mascot will welcome guests into the water park, expected to open Dec. 21. Sage Hospitality Resources LLC, based in Denver, led the partnership that purchased the resort in October 2005 for $15.5 million. Sage tapped Milwaukee-based Wave Development LLC, which specializes in developing water park-anchored hotel resorts, to redevelop the 50,000-square-foot Newark property. More at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/08/28/daily32.html
September 9, 200618 yr Author From the 9/8/06 Newark Advocate: Land trust considers buying near Granville By BRIAN MILLER Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- The Licking Land Trust is considering the purchase of a 45-acre Spring Valley property with $1 million in public and private funds. The acquisition would ensure the protection of a mostly-wooded area in southern Granville Township that is rich in plant and animal species. The trust plans to apply to the state for a $500,000 grant to be matched with $250,000 from Granville Township and private funds, according to land trust board member Doug Spieles and Granville Township Trustee Jim Havens. The township contribution would be from funds raised from open space levies. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060908/NEWS01/609080303/1002/rss01
September 11, 200618 yr Author From the 9/8/06 Dispatch: New senior-citizen centers proposed Friday, September 08, 2006 Tom Sheehan THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH NEWARK, Ohio — Officials with the Licking County Aging Program want to build a new senior center in Newark and a smaller satellite center in Pataskala at a cost of about $7.1 million. A five-year bond issue of roughly 0.5 mill would be needed to fund the plan, Dave Bibler, executive director of the Aging Program, told county commissioners yesterday. The commissioners would have to agree to place such an issue on the November 2007 ballot. If an issue is put on the ballot and approved by voters, about $6.1 million would be spent on a new 30,000-squarefoot building in Newark. Two existing buildings on that 5-acre site would be torn down. Another $1 million would be used for an 8,000-square-foot facility in Pataskala to serve senior citizens in fast-growing western Licking County, Bibler told the commissioners. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/09/08/20060908-B3-00.html
September 15, 200618 yr Author From the 9/15/06 Newark Advocate: Granville medical office building OK'd By BRIAN MILLER Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- A proposed east-side medical office building given zoning approval Thursday will generate taxes for the Granville School District and allow a long-time Granville medical practice to stay in the community. The go-ahead was the result of the unanimous approval by the village's Board of Zoning and Building Appeals of variances for the size of the two-story building, to be located at Newark-Granville Road and South Galway Drive. It will house Cherry Westgate Family Practice on one floor and medical and other professionals on the other floor. Earlier this week, the Granville Planning Commission approved the architecture and site plan for the building, conditioned on the administrative approval of plans for landscaping, lighting, engineering and signage. Developer Jeffrey McInturf of Realty Options of Westerville said he hopes to break ground on the brick, residential-style building this fall. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060915/NEWS01/609150313/1002/rss01
September 19, 200618 yr Author From the 9/19/06 Newark Advocate: File downloads: * Pataskala Comprehensive Plan (PDF) Pataskala council OKs comprehensive plan Legislation passes as emergency, preventing public referendum By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- After years of deliberation, the Pataskala City Council approved its comprehensive plan Monday, giving the city a document it can use when making future-land use decisions. Pataskala resident Pete Nix, a former council member, supported the move. "It's time to get the city of Pataskala a plan," said Nix, speaking during the public comment portion of Monday's regular meeting. While the city now has a comprehensive plan, the vote to approve the plan was not without controversy. The final vote was 5-1, with Councilman Bernard Brush casting the lone dissenting vote. Brush cast his vote after decrying the city council's decision to pass the plan as emergency legislation. The move means residents cannot file a referendum to overturn the council's decision. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060919/NEWS01/609190313/1002/rss01
September 22, 200618 yr Author From the 9/20/06 Newark Advocate: Survey data sets path for Granville Community wants services to come alongside growth By BRIAN MILLER Advocate Reporter GRANVIlLLE -- If respondents to a recent phone survey have their way, Granville's future will include more parks and recreation facilities, a community center, a senior center and more housing options for senior citizens and young professionals. Providing that data and more, the recently completed Granville community survey and environmental and historical studies set a solid foundation toward creating a new community master plan, say members of the plan's steering committee. Their next step is to analyze the data, while consultants prepare to interview residents with knowledge about significant issues and to conduct workshops at which the public will consider alternative scenarios for development. At a session Tuesday, the steering committee heard presentations on the surveys and studies, which were performed under the overall direction of Poggemeyer Design Group, the consultant overseeing the plan. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060921/NEWS01/609210344/1002/rss01
October 1, 200618 yr Author From the 9/30/06 Newark Advocate: Newark Advocate: Kraner negotiating sale of farm to Granville Twp. (9/28/06) Deal reached for Kraner land Officials look to acquire 600 acres in Granville district, contingent on bond levy By CHARLES A. PETERSON Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- A 600-acre section of land in the Granville school district ripe for housing development instead could remain open space as a result of a deal struck Friday between landowner William Kraner and Granville Township. Township officials signed an agreement Friday to acquire about 600 acres in the northeast section of the Granville Exempted Village School District for $10 million, which amounts to nearly $16,700 per acre, township trustee Jim Havens estimated. Kraner would finance the deal for 20 years at interest rates of 5 percent in the first five years and 4.25 percent for the remaining 15 years. The acquisition is contingent, however, on passage of a bond levy during a special election in February 2007 that would raise the necessary funding for the purchase. If the acquisition goes through, it will prevent the construction of as many as 600 homes, Havens estimated, were the property developed. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/NEWS01/609300302/1002/rss01
October 5, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Licking County, 10/1/06: MORPC planner: Licking Accord will shift focus to entire county Some officials were concerned that the group had disbanded Sunday, October 1, 2006 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer The fact that the Licking County Accord hasn't met for months has some local officials wondering if the planning group has disbanded. The accord, originally created to plan for commercial and industrial development along the state Route 161 corridor, is expected to continue work this year -- with a focus on the entire county. The planning group includes local landowners and representatives of the townships, villages and cities within the county, county commissioners and planners from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). The group first met last year to review potential goals for land use. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=lickingcounty&story=sites/thisweeknews/100106/LickingCounty/News/100106-News-233934.html
October 6, 200618 yr Author From the 10/3/06 Newark Advocate: Newark Advocate: Etna, Pataskala to discuss adopting TIF districts (10/2/06) Pataskala, Etna vote to go ahead on TIF process Money would fund improvements to deal with congestion on Ohio 310 By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- Officials appear to be listening to residents who have complained about the congestion on Ohio 310. On Monday, the Pataskala City Council and the Etna Township trustees met to discuss implementing a unique taxing mechanism to fund future improvements to Ohio 310. After the meeting, which lasted less than an hour, the city council voted to move ahead with formal proceedings to implement the taxing mechanism. The taxing mechanism the city council is considering is known as tax increment financing, or TIF. It works by allowing townships or cities to lock in the taxable worth of real property. Payments derived from the increased assessed value of any improvement to the property beyond the locked-in amount are directed toward a separate fund to finance the construction of public infrastructure, such as roads. TIFs do not levy additional taxes against residents. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061003/NEWS01/610030318/1002/rss01
October 7, 200618 yr Author From the 10/5/06 Newark Advocate: GRAPHIC: New use for lots of land? Commission recommends rezoning Despite objections, land at Ohio 310/Refugee Road could bring big business By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- Retail stores, restaurants and businesses could be headed to Pataskala, bringing with them jobs and an infusion of services. The Pataskala Planning and Zoning Commission voted Wednesday night to recommend the city council approve the rezoning of 94 acres on the northeast corner of Ohio 310 and Refugee Road. Newark-based Southgate Corp., the same company that developed Etna Corporate Park on U.S. 40, wants the property rezoned from agricultural uses to a Planned Development District. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061005/NEWS01/610050354/1002/rss01
October 13, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Licking County, 10/8/06: Task forces work to improve economic situation in county Sunday, October 8, 2006 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer Licking County officials will give a presentation Wednesday on the county's Retention and Expansion and Workenomics task forces to the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA). Both groups formed in 2005 to strengthen the climate for businesses in Licking County. The groups met Oct. 4 to hear what's been accomplished so far. Rob Klinger, Licking County's economic development manager, said task force members interviewed representatives from 27 Licking County companies on everything from their products and market/industry to challenges the companies face and any problems experienced while in Licking County. "Overall, the industries in Licking County are pleased with the safety forces and our services," Phelps said. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=lickingcounty&story=sites/thisweeknews/100806/LickingCounty/News/100806-News-238614.html
October 13, 200618 yr Author Both from the 10/13/06 Newark Advocate: Newark Advocate: Knapp not for Etna resolution against planning director (10/11/06) Townships differ about Brems' future Other areas don't share Etna's view calling for resignation By KENT MALLETT Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- Western Licking County township trustees don't plan to follow Etna Township in calling for county Planning Director Jerry Brems' resignation, but some trustees do share Etna's concerns. Two of the three Etna Township trustees approved a resolution last week calling for Brems to resign or be dismissed after a dispute about an access road to a new development in the township. A sampling of opinions from trustees in Monroe, Jersey and Harrison townships, all three county commissioners and a member of the Licking County Planning Commission found no support for Etna's resolution. Roy Bailey, a Jersey Township trustee for 28 years, said he's had disagreements with Brems during the years, but does not agree with Etna Township's approach to such problems. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061013/NEWS01/610130311/1002/rss01
October 14, 200618 yr Author From the 10/12/06 Johnstown Independent: Beazer drops Duncan Plains project Developer cites 'economic reasons' for withdrawal of purchase offer Thursday, October 12, 2006 By MARLA K. KUHLMAN Independent Staff Writer A closer look The village of Johnstown is hoping to attract another developer to pursue the Villages of Duncan Plains, after Beazer Homes withdrew its offer to purchase the property to build about 300 residences. Village Manager Sarah Phillips said Beazer cited "economic reasons" for the turnaround in its plans to purchase the property off Duncan Plains Road between U.S. Route 62 and Mink Street. Mike Benoit, director of land for Beazer Homes, had not returned four calls made to him by The Independent at press deadline. Approval of the development plan for Duncan Plains remains on the books -- including a developer's agreement that would deed 15 acres to the Johnstown-Monroe schools and establish a 7-mill Community Development Authority (CDA). Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=johnstown&story=sites/thisweeknews/101206/Johnstown/News/101206-News-239121.html
October 24, 200618 yr Author From the 10/18/06 Newark Advocate: Granville Twp. to vote on renewing land acquisition levy By CHARLES A. PETERSON Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- For nine years, Granville Township voters have approved tax levies that generate revenues to buy land in their school district to keep it undeveloped, thus slowing the school district's growing enrollment. On the Nov. 7 election ballot, voters in both the township and village will be asked to continue the acquisition program by approving a 1-mill replacement levy for open-space acquisition for five years. This levy first was approved in 1997 and was renewed in 2001. This time it's a "replacement" levy, meaning although the millage remains the same, passage will update the amount of dollars raised by the levy to current property values. Becky McCroskey, a Denison University employee with three children in Granville schools, can't vote on the issue because she lives in Newark's Park Trails Subdivision. If she could, she'd support it. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061018/NEWS01/610180312/1002/rss01
October 26, 200618 yr Author From the 10/20/06 Newark Advocate: Pataskala vying for job site grant City in competition with 51 other applicants By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- City officials will know early in November if they will receive a $5 million state grant for a planned manufacturing district. City officials presented their plans for the 305-acre site Monday to a panel of state officials. The presenter, Rick Platt of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority, answered the panel's questions about the site south of Broad Street, east of Mink Street and north of Refugee Road. The proposed Pataskala Corporate Park site is estimated to bring about 1,000 jobs to the area and have a $135 million regional impact on the area, he said. The development of the property also would open the surrounding 1,000 acres, which could be zoned for light industry/business, Platt said. "This is a very competitive grant process," Butcher said. "To make it to this level is pleasing in itself." Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061020/NEWS01/610200321/1002/rss01
October 26, 200618 yr Author From the 10/26/06 Newark Advocate: Columbus Dispatch: Newark growth hitch (10/25/06) Newark Advocate: Granville annexation ignites Newark's ire (10/25/06) File downloads: Granville annexation maps, documents (PDF) Newark suspects land grab by Granville Mayor says signers threatened with eminent domain claims By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- Newark Mayor Bruce Bain said Wednesday he thinks supporters of a proposed annexation by the village of Granville coaxed petition signers with false threats of eminent domain. Bain said he was told signature gatherers told potential signers they should support the 514-acre annexation unless they wanted Newark to grab the land through eminent domain. If approved, the annexation, which was filed Tuesday, would create a virtual wall preventing future westward growth by Newark. Bain said a trusted and respected source told him signature gatherers said Newark planned to grab land as far west as Ohio 37. Jim Eggenschwiler, a key proponent of the annexation, said he was not aware of any petitioners mentioning an eminent domain threat to potential signers. "I just wanted people to go to Granville, because they would rather be in Granville than Newark," he said. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS01/610260325/1002/rss01
October 27, 200618 yr Author Both from the 10/26/06 Newark Advocate: Expanded Wal-Mart uplifts Heath shopping area Supercenter part of rejuvenation By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter HEATH -- The future looks bright for Cross Creek Shopping Center in Heath with the Wednesday opening of the Wal-Mart Supercenter and ongoing improvements. The center's future wasn't as promising two years ago with its deteriorating facade and vacant stores. "They have rejuvenated the entire area because of the upgrades made," Heath Mayor Daniel Dupps said. Coinciding with the improvements made at the center is the unveiling of the expanded Wal-Mart store at 811 Hebron Road. The 222,000-square-foot store features a full grocery section and expanded toy, apparel and electronics departments, said Melissa O'Brien, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman. The 108,000-square-foot expansion has created a need for 140 new employees, according to a news release. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS01/610260328/1002/rss01
October 28, 200618 yr Author From the 10/18/06 Newark Advocate: Tourism key to Longaberger President plans to expand Homestead as a visitor destination with good-ol'-days feel By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- The president of The Longaberger Co. can't guarantee the monorail the company's founder hoped for, but he does envision an expanded tourist attraction. Jim Klein told Newark Rotary Club members Tuesday the expansion of Longaberger Homestead was part of the basket-making company's new strategy. He said he hopes the expanded attraction with theme stores, exhibition centers and an event lawn would attract 1 million visitors per year. About 300,000 people visit the homestead annually, Klein said. The entertainment and shopping destination in Frazeysburg already features tours of the original workshop, the Longaberger family home and the basket-making facility. Longaberger Homestead also contains restaurants, a gift shop and a store where visitors can make their own baskets. MORE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061018/NEWS01/610180301/1002/rss01
October 30, 200618 yr Author From the 10/19/06 Newark Advocate: No Heath shopping center deal City council to look at other developers' plans By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter HEATH -- Heath won't get its new outdoor shopping center after developers pulled out of the project this month, city officials said. The proposed multiple-store shopping center behind Indian Mound Mall would have brought hundreds of jobs in construction and retail to Heath. Chase Properties Ltd. previously presented the city with a tentative plan for a 700,000-square-foot shopping center, which included four anchor stores, seven retail stores, five small shop areas and a proposed cinema. "The Target store would have been the anchor, and they decided not to locate there," said John Groff, the city's zoning chief. Target decided to expand its existing store in Heath instead of building a new one, said Heath City Council President Jeff Crabill. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061019/NEWS01/610190332/1002/rss01
November 14, 200618 yr Author From the 11/2/06 Newark Advocate: The hub of industry Chamber impressed with industrial parks' contributions By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- Licking County's economic backbone is found at the end of private roads and in gigantic industrial parks. The employment of thousands and millions in tax dollars rest on the fate of the companies housed within the parks' confines. On Wednesday, about 30 members of the county's chamber of commerce took a better look at and gained a better appreciation for the area's industrial parks. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061102/NEWS01/611020328/1002/rss01 From the 10/29/06 Newark Advocate: Granville OK with annexation By CHARLES A. PETERSON Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- No one in Granville has expressed major concerns about the proposed annexation of 514 acres from Granville and Union townships. If it happens, the new village territory would require village services such as police and fire protection and road maintenance. But water and sewer services -- the most expensive by far -- aren't expected from the petitioners, one spokesman says. A group of 62 property owners in Granville Township's southeast quadrant and the northeastern corner of Union Township are seeking the annexation, sparked by plans in Newark to build a new water tower somewhere in their neighborhood. The move is welcome by many Granville leaders and residents because it would prevent Newark from expanding westward into the Granville School District, where the city has annexed property in recent years. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/NEWS01/610290309/1002/rss01
November 15, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Licking County, 11/5/06: 'Windermere' subdivision planned for Thornwood Plans call for single-family homes, condos, commercial development on 60-plus acres Sunday, November 5, 2006 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer A Granville resident is considering developing more than 200 single-family homes in Heath. David Sellers said he has owned more than 60 acres on the southern end of Thornwood Drive, near Seminary Road, for the past nine years. "Within the next year, I plan to pursue rezoning the property to a PUD (planned unit development) with (Heath) City Council," Sellers said. He said the property currently is zoned residential, but he wants to change it to PUD for a mixed use, for a development he is calling Windermere. He is considering building 203 single-family homes on 55 acres, condominiums on three acres and commercial development on two acres. Sellers said he'd like to offer two different lot sizes for the single-family homes: one-fourth acre and one-third acre. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=lickingcounty&story=sites/thisweeknews/110506/LickingCounty/News/110506-News-255232.html From the 11/3/06 Newark Advocate: Company's expansion will bring more jobs High product demand has Atrium spreading its wings By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter JOHNSTOWN -- The Victoria's Secret angel wings in display windows don't come from heaven but from Atrium, a Johnstown-based company. Atrium's owners, David Hirsh and Douglas Hu, have tapped a rich niche market in the specialty retail business that has spurred a building expansion and new hires. Increased demand for their products spurred Atrium to expand its operation in October into a 160,000-square-foot building at 188 Commerce Blvd., Hirsh said. The company will continue to occupy its original 80,000-square-foot building at 495 E. Coshocton St. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061103/NEWS01/611030304/1002/rss01
November 15, 200618 yr Author From the 11/9/06 Newark Advocate: Columbus Dispatch: Pataskala voters turn down 2 issues (11/8/06) Pataskala facing uncertain future By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- Paul Meadows is one of an increasing number of Pataskala residents who think the city needs to find a new way to fund its street department. "With all the property taxes in Licking County, I think the majority of the people are just saying, 'No way!'" Meadows said. He spoke Wednesday, less than 24 hours after voters defeated a 1.5 percent income tax with a 1.5 percent credit by an unofficial count of 2,624 to 1,461, 64 percent to 36 percent, according to the Licking County Board of Elections. The defeat means the growing city needs to make due with less funding for its street department. City officials had hoped to use the tax to replace Pataskala's 2.5-mill road and bridge levy, which expires at the end of 2006. Without the levy, the city will see $604,000 vanish from its street department budget next year. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061109/NEWS01/611090335/1002/rss01 From the 11/10/06 Newark Advocate: Granville trustees take first step to get Kraner land issue on ballot By CHARLES A. PETERSON Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- The first step was taken Wednesday night to place a $10 million, 20-year bond issue on a February Granville special election ballot to buy the William Kraner property. Granville Township Trustees approved a resolution to be sent to the Licking County auditor for certification of the amount of millage necessary for the bond issue. The auditor will determine the amount of millage for the issue that will appear in language on the ballot. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061110/NEWS01/611100315/1002/rss01
November 17, 200618 yr Author From the 11/15/06 Newark Advocate: Group to help guide Granville growth By CHARLES A. PETERSON Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- A new independent Granville "think tank" is organizing to study the forces shaping Granville's future and make recommendations to address them. Calling itself Commonweal By Design, the new not-for-profit organization plans to "inspire, promote and facilitate the welfare of the general public for the betterment of all." Commonweal will be co-chaired by Steve Larsen, who is its executive director, and Charly Metzger, who has been active in school planning initiatives and an update of the Granville Comprehensive Plan. In a statement issued Monday, the group said its first initiative will be "The Granville School Project" -- a comprehensive and holistic review of the Granville Exempted Village School District. "The future of our village and township and the future of the Granville school district are one and the same," Larsen said in a press release, "and we feel that the time is right for a comprehensive review of the system's past and present so that we can best plan for the future." Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061115/NEWS01/611150310/1002/rss01
November 29, 200618 yr Author From Business First of Columbus, 11/10/06: Newark water resort to open ahead of schedule Business First of Columbus - November 10, 2006 CoCo Key Water Resort, a tropical-themed indoor water park in Newark, will open a week earlier than scheduled. Milwaukee-based WPH Cherry Valley LLC said the 50,000-square-foot resort, an addition to its Cherry Valley Lodge, will open Dec. 14. Reservations are being accepted for next month at www.cocokeywaterresort.com. The water park will be open to hotel guests and may open to other visitors, although plans have not been finalized. The company also said it plans to open a 1,500-square-foot spa named Banyan Leaf Spa in January. Sage Hospitality Resources LLC, based in Denver, led the partnership that purchased the resort in October 2005 for $15.5 million. Sage tapped Milwaukee-based Wave Development LLC, which specializes in developing water park-anchored hotel resorts, to redevelop the Newark property. More at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/11/06/daily28.html?surround=lfn
December 15, 200618 yr Author From the 12/7/06 Newark Advocate: Newark Advocate: Granville annexation expected to raise issues (12/4/06) Newark Advocate: Granville officials deciding on road maintenance (11/23/06) Granville takes step toward annexation GRANVILLE -- Granville Village Council took a legal step Wednesday toward the annexation of 514 acres in Granville Township by agreeing to take charge of maintenance of two sections of road. Council voted unanimously to take responsibility for snow removal and road repair and resurfacing for about a mile of James Road and 750 feet of River Road. Because the sections are about two miles and a mile, respectively, from the village boundary, and one of the sections is short, the village and township will work out a deal by which the township would continue maintaining the sections, possibly in exchange for some work the village could perform on behalf of the township, said Village Manager Don Holycross and Wes Sargent, chairman of the township trustees. Read more at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/NEWS01/612070338/1002/rss01
December 17, 200618 yr Author From the 12/12/06 Newark Advocate: ThisWeek Licking County: Pataskala, Etna working on details of TIF deal (12/10/06) ThisWeek Licking County: Thorough study planned for 310 corridor (11/26/06) Pataskala hopes TIF districts can help Ohio 310 By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- Pataskala hopes to curb future congestion woes on Ohio 310 by adopting a novel tax mechanism. The city council listened Monday to the second reading of separate ordinances implementing two Tax Increment Finance districts on the heavily-traveled corridor. Not everyone views the TIF districts as advantageous to the city. Former councilman Mike Fox said Monday the taxing mechanism would siphon off property taxes normally directed to the city's police levy, Southwest Licking schools, and others. "The developers should be paying for these infrastructure improvements," Fox said. Despite Fox's arguments, the city council voted 5-0 to listen to the second readings. Council members Pat Sagar and Bernard Brush were not present during the vote. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061212/NEWS01/612120314/1002/rss01
December 18, 200618 yr Author From the 12/15/06 Newark Advocate: Grant recommended for Pataskala business park Money wouldn't go to road, traffic light improvements By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate reporter PATASKALA -- A planned Pataskala business park came a step closer to becoming a reality Thursday when a $3.4 million grant for the site was recommended by the state's department of development. The recommendation is expected to receive final approval Monday by the State Controlling Board, said Rick Platt, executive director of Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority. The proposed Pataskala Corporate Park could bring about 1,000 jobs to the area and have a $135 million regional impact, Pataskala Mayor Stephen Butcher said. The 305-acre site, which is south of Broad Street, east of Mink Street and north of Refugee Road, will open up the surrounding 1,000 acres if developed, Platt said. The state grant is $1.6 million short of the request made to the Job Ready Site Program by Savage, Pataskala and the Port Authority, Platt said. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061215/NEWS01/612150316/1002
January 11, 200718 yr Author From the 12/10/06 Newark Advocate: CoCo Key poised to make economic splash Cherry Valley Lodge's new water park will be key to lodge's, area's growth By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- Sarah Cooper's laughter as she splashes with her friends isn't the only indication Cherry Valley Lodge's new indoor water park is set to be a rushing success. Nor is it just the CoCo Key Water Resort's location adjacent to a proposed interchange at Ohio 16 and Cherry Valley Road, which will bring a steady stream of traffic to Newark. The current of potential success also flows strongly because of the growing national success of northern water parks combined with the lodge's solid reputation and strong tourism pull. These things don't matter to Cooper, the Zanesville 12-year-old who attended a Saturday fundraiser for The Woodlands at the water park. But they will to Licking County as the water park will bring more tourism dollars to the county and brings more outsiders into the area. What to expect * Three large slides --Barracuda's Blast, 344 feet; Shark's Slam, 299 feet; and Gator Gush, 275 feet. * Parrot's Perch -- Interactive play area with slides for smaller children, water cannons and zero-depth entry for toddlers and small children. * Coconut Grove Adventure -- A 274-foot river meandering through the resort. * Coral Reef Cavern -- An activity pool that features lily pads, water basketball and an animated backdrop. * Dip-In Theatre Children's Pool --Shallow water to float in while enjoying movies and animation on a projection screen. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/NEWS01/612100302/1002/rss01
January 28, 200718 yr Author From ThisWeek Licking County, 12/24/06: River Road Granville wants revenue estimates on annexation Sunday, December 24, 2006 By LORI WINCE, [email protected] ThisWeek Staff Writer Granville Village officials are trying to determine how much the village would have to pay to extend services to 85 acres on River Road that could be annexed from Granville Township into the village. During a joint meeting of the village's planning and zoning committee and the economic, finance and personnel committee Dec. 19, village officials also requested figures on the amount of revenue that development could produce for the village. Several property owners are requesting the village split the cost of extending utilities to the land and help building a road that would connect the area to state Route 37 farther north of the existing intersection of River Road and 37. Rodger Kessler of the Kessler Sign Co. of Zanesville, is one of the property owners' representatives. He said Dec. 19 that the total estimated cost of extending water and sewer lines and building the road could be $2-million. He said property owners are requesting the village pay $1.4-million of that. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/NEWS01/612200314/1002/rss01
January 29, 200718 yr Author From the 12/30/06 Newark Advocate: New official: Pataskala has potential Administrator says city must find balance between new, old By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- Pataskala's new city administrator thinks the western Licking County community is poised for great things. Tim Boland, who starts his job Tuesday, said Pataskala has "tremendous potential." "I think the community is at a great point in its development," Boland said. "I guess the challenge we have is to manage the growth." The Pataskala City Council voted in early December to hire Boland. At the time, he was working as economic development director of Delaware County. Boland replaces Jim Koshmider, who resigned in June. Aside from overseeing economic development strategies in Delaware County for eight years, Boland previously served as planning and zoning administrator of Perrysburg. He also spent time as Powell's planning and zoning administrator. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061230/NEWS01/612300317/1002/rss01
January 29, 200718 yr Author From the 1/11/07 Newark Advocate: Local real estate market may defy national trend Agents predict strong 2007 sales By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- Low interest rates, more realistic pricing by sellers and numerous homes on the market are expected to spur strong housing sales in 2007 in Licking County, local real estate agents predict. Their optimism is in sharp contrast to national predictions of a foundering housing market, partly because of a gap between buyers' expectations of bargains and sellers' unrealistic asking prices. Low interest rates were a factor in Connie Zang's decision to buy a house and move out of her apartment, but the large number of homes for sale in Newark was the deciding factor. "I decided that I wasn't interested in apartment living anymore," said Zang, who found a moderately priced ranch house in Newark. "I had a very nice selection of homes to choose from." Patrick Guanciale, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker King Thompson, said 1,037 single-family homes are available in Licking County. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070111/NEWS01/701110328/1002/rss01 From ThisWeek Reynoldsburg, 1/11/07: ThisWeek Licking County: Judge likely to determine connector's fate this week (1/14/07) ThisWeek Reynoldsburg: Etna trustees concerned about Route 310 traffic (1/11/07) ThisWeek Licking County: Trail East Road access debate escalating (12/24/06) ThisWeek Licking County: Etna Township to consider closing Trail East at 310 (12/17/06 Court hearing could decide fate of connector road Thursday, January 11, 2007 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer Etna Township trustees plan to speak at a hearing in Licking County Common Pleas Court today, Jan. 11, regarding the Pataskala Banking Co.'s request to connect a road from the bank to an Etna Township subdivision. The Pataskala Banking Co. has built at the corner of state Route 310 and Trail East Road, which is an entrance to the Cumberland Trail subdivision. Work was started to connect an access road from the bank parking lot to Trail East but was blocked by a stop-work order issued Sept. 21 by Etna Township zoning inspector Stan Harris. Harris said the road would cross land reserved as green space in the Cumberland Trail subdivision. His ruling was upheld by the Etna Township Board of Zoning Appeals. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=reynoldsburg&story=sites/thisweeknews/011107/Reynoldsburg/News/011107-News-289801.html
January 31, 200718 yr Author From the 1/11/07 Johnstown Independent: Raccoon Creek Preliminary plat OK'd for The Shoppes Thursday, January 11, 2007 By MARLA K. KUHLMAN Independent Staff Writer The Johnstown Planning and Zoning Commission approved a new preliminary plat Jan. 3 for The Shoppes at Raccoon Creek being developed by L&P Properties, of Columbus. Larry Greenberg, representing L&P, said he purchased the property along U.S. Route 62 across from Westview Drive about four weeks ago. A previous preliminary plan for The Shoppes by Goldspike Investments LLC was approved by the commission in 2005 but expired. At last week's meeting, the approved preliminary plat included three lots on 10.66 acres that are zoned general community commercial district. Two lots front the property. The first proposed building would be 6,781 square feet on 0.95 acre and the other would be 12,900 square feet on 1.8 acres. The third lot, a strip center, is behind the property on 2.6 acres. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=johnstown&story=sites/thisweeknews/011107/Johnstown/News/011107-News-288662.html
February 3, 200718 yr Author From the 1/15/06 Newark Advocate: ThisWeek Licking County: Pataskala, Southgate to chat about project (1/7/07) Officials, residents offer insight on Southgate By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- People familiar with Southgate Corp.'s projects in other central Ohio communities speak highly of the Newark-based developer, but they also acknowledge some of the company's developments increased traffic in their neighborhoods. The feedback is important because Southgate wants to build a large-scale development on the northeast corner of Ohio 310 and Refugee Road in Pataskala. The company approached the city last year about rezoning about 95 acres on the corner from agricultural uses to a Planned Development District. The district, according to Southgate's plans, would feature condominiums, apartments, retail establishments, a senior citizen assisted-living facility and two large commercial buildings, one covering 80,000 square feet and another covering 120,000 square feet. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070115/NEWS01/701150306/1002/rss01
February 6, 200718 yr Author From ThisWeek Licking County, 1/21/07: Etna Business & Retail Center Office-retail complex coming to Rt. 310 Sunday, January 21, 2007 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer Construction of an office and retail complex at state Route 310 and Cameron Drive in Etna Township is being pursued by the Anchor Cos. Joel Sigler of Joel Sigler Designs said the Etna Business and Retail Center would be a mixed-use development with five buildings: two 7,600-square-foot office buildings, a 9,042-square-foot retail building, an 8,548-square-foot retail building and a separate 2,775-square-foot restaurant. Jason Gunsorek, owner of the Anchor Cos., said tenants are being sought and construction could begin on one retail building and one office, as there is a demand. He said the office buildings will be sold as office condominiums. Gunsorek suggested the offices could house medical users, saying a dentist is interested in one of the buildings. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/012107/LickingCounty/News/012107-News-294047.html
February 7, 200718 yr Author There have been a ton of stories about the proposed annexation of 514 acres from Granville Twp into Granville. Here are the links. The most recent story is below. Newark Advocate: Dispute with Granville costs Newark (1/23/07) Newark Advocate: Granville says it can serve a wider area (1/22/07) ThisWeek Licking County: Residents say they'd rather keep well water (1/21/07) Newark Advocate: Preserving farmland motivated couple to join annexation petition (1/19/07) Newark Advocate: Granville annexation proponents, objectors make cases (1/19/07) Columbus Dispatch: Newark, Granville mayors ease annexation rhetoric (1/19/07) Granville Sentinel: Official: Granville should drop gag order (1/13/07) Newark Advocate: Township man opposes annexation (1/12/07) Newark Advocate: Newark council rescinds support of Granville deal (1/11/07) Columbus Dispatch: Newark to speak up against Granville annexation (1/11/07) Newark Advocate: For Granville, annexation would help keep country feel (1/7/07) Newark Advocate: Annexation would affect Newark water sales, commercial development (1/7/07) Newark Advocate: Bain decides Granville annexation deal needs change (1/6/07) Columbus Dispatch: Newark may yet oppose Granville annexation (1/6/07) Newark Advocate: Granville council sees annex deal in different light (1/4/07) Newark Advocate: Bain ponders veto of Granville agreement (1/4/07) Newark Advocate: Council blasts Granville but OKs agreement (1/3/07) Columbus Dispatch: Newark council reluctantly adopts annexation plan (1/3/07) Newark Advocate: School districts pose special concerns (12/29/06) Newark Advocate: Questions abound about Granville-Newark annexation issue (12/29/06) Newark Advocate: Newark council considers deal for water lines (12/28/06) Newark Advocate: Granville wants Newark to drop its opposition to annexation (12/22/06) Columbus Dispatch: County to consider annexation to Granville (12/22/06) From the 1/26/07 Newark Advocate: Prosecutor: Annexation deliberations can be in private Two county commissioners don't plan to conduct meetings that way By KENT MALLETT Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- The Licking County Commissioners could deliberate in closed sessions on the proposed 514-acre annexation from Granville Township to Granville, but two of three commissioners said that's not their plan. Licking County Assistant Prosecutor Ken Oswalt advised the commissioners Thursday they could discuss the annexation in executive session before making a decision, which they are scheduled to do Feb. 20. Oswalt said his advice is based on Ohio Supreme Court and Franklin County Court of Appeals opinions, which consider such deliberations as part of a hearing, not a meeting, and therefore not covered by Ohio open meetings laws. The annexation area, which includes land in Granville and Union townships, extends about 2.5 miles from east of Maple Grove Cemetery through Granville Township into Union Township. It includes 63 property owners, 44 of whom signed the annexation petition. http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070126/NEWS01/701260310/1002/rss01
February 8, 200718 yr Author From ThisWeek Licking County, 2/3/07: Southgate pledges more Rt. 310 upgrades $125K-$150K in 'unexpected cost' added; Pataskala's Triplett praises O'Neill, company Saturday, February 3, 2007 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer Pataskala City Council on Monday is expected to revisit the Southgate development at state Route 310 and Refugee Road. The Southgate Corp. is requesting that council change the zoning of the 90-plus acres from agricultural to general business and multifamily residential within a planned development district. Council tabled the zoning application in December at the request of Southgate president Robert O'Neill. O'Neill said he wanted the new city administrator, Tim Boland, to review the project when he started work in January. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/020307/LickingCounty/News/020307-News-300681.html
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