WESTERVILLE, Ohio — The City of Westerville is considering the purchase of 88 acres of land in Delaware County, making plans for further economic development in the area.
The land in question sits east of Africa Road, between Polaris Parkway and County Line Road, right across the street from COPC Westerville.
The city is considering the authorization of $8.4 million for the purchase. The land will be transferred to the The Westerville Industry and Commerce Corporation for development.
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Growth is happening all around us, and Westerville is being intentional about creating opportunities for jobs and economic viability,” Jason Bechtold, Assistant City Manager, City of Westerville said in a news release. “We’ve shown this model works. Westerville has been successful in pairing thoughtful development with undeveloped land and public infrastructure while bolstering the workforce and creating amenities for residents and employees of Westerville businesses.”
Tuesday night, Westerville City Council will heard the first reading of the ordinances that will enable WICC’s acquisition of the properties. The City says it will recover the investment through land sales preceding development. The site is zoned Planned District for commercial development.
Since the land is near Westar, a previous WICC development, Bechtold calls the new acquisition a natural extension.
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“Westerville has a track record of adapting land for commercial use,” he said. “The 62-acre development at Westar Place illustrates that success. This is the next chapter in the City’s efforts to make strategic and intentional decisions about land use as Columbus Region grows in exponential ways.”
The purchase is expected to close in April, at which time development planning and marketing of the properties will begin. The City will initiate roadway and other infrastructure planning, including utility, stormwater and greenway design throughout the remainder of the year.