U.S. Route 23 Corridor Strategic Guide

ROUTE TWENTY THREE

CORRIDOR S T R AT E G I C G U I D E DELAWARE NOW!

D E L A W A R E C O U N T Y, O H I O

08.16.2019

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS D E L AWA R E N O W We would like to thank Delaware Now and the Executive Steering Committee for their vision and guidance in developing this US Route 23 Corridor Strategic Guide.

T H E U S 2 3 CO RRI D O R S T RAT EG I C G U I D E I S G EN ERO U S LY S U P P O RT E D BY:

EXECUTIVE STEERING COMMITTEE Marlene Casini, Delaware County Foundation Steven Cuckler, Taft Stettinius & Hollister Franz Geiger, Polaris Centers of Commerce Jim Gill, Chesrown Don Hunter, SRE Group Jonathan Melchi, BIA of Central Ohio Frank Reinhard, First Commonwealth Bank Rob Sabatino, T&R Properties Joe Smiley, Land Strategies Bob Lamb, Delaware County Economic Development Skip Weiler, The Robert Weiler Company D E L AWA R E C O U N T Y We would like to thank the Delaware County Commissioners and County Staff for their time, direction, and support in the development of this study.

Jeff Benton Barb Lewis Gary Merrell D E L A W A R E C O U N T Y F O U N D AT I O N We would like to thank the Delaware County Foundation for their concern for future of the US 23 Corridor and supporting the creation of this study.

PLANNING TEAM

DELAWARE COUNTY FINANCE AUTHORITY FOSTERING ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGHOUT DELAWARE COUNTY

MKSK Chris Hermann, AICP, Principal Aaron Frazier, Associate Christopher Will, Planner Juliana Silveira, Planner

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US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide Draft

Watersedge Development Company and the George S. Hoster, Jr. Family also generously supported to help make this study possible.

Delaware now A B O U T D E L AWA R E N O W !

Delaware NOW! To Grow VISION & MISSION: DELAWARE NOW! actively engages with and supports the growth of Delaware County through robust economic development, visionary public policy, strong education and health care and enhanced quality of life.

WE ARE: Participants include more than 50 private sector interests, from within and around Delaware County, dedicated to making Delaware County an attractive, vibrant and healthy community by promoting and fostering economic development.

WE WILL: Promote Economic Development that includes the following characteristics Community-livability ** Predictability & Certainty ** Political Harmony ** Speed Delaware NOW! is a Fund of the Delaware County Foundation. As such, we have the benefit of a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.* All contributions to Delaware NOW! are tax deductible.

Contributions can be sent to: Delaware NOW c/o Delaware County Foundation 737 Enterprise Dr. Suite A Lewis Center, Ohio 43035

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what’s in the guide SIX STRATEGIES

| G UIDA NCE

p14

A bundle of objective-oriented strategies with tactics, tools, and mechanisms to guide the implementation of recommendations throughout the corridor and achieve common visions.

THREE PROJECTS

| P RIORIT IE S

p22

A collection of mutually beneficial infrastructure improvements which should be prioritized to improve corridor-wide mobility and support economic development.

THREE AREA PLANS | CATA LYST SITE S

p30

A set of visionary conceptual plans, crafted to guide land use and transportation improvements in the three catalytic areas identified through the corridor assessment.

FOUR NEXT STEPS

| ACT IO N ITEMS

A road map of steps which are more immediately necessary elements for the success and implementation of recommendations, including action steps with key players, and benchmark examples.

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ABOUT The guide OVERVIEW The US 23 Corridor Strategic Guide is a policy manual and inspirational guide to growing prosperity and promoting economic development within the US 23 corridor and Delaware County. This document is not a regulatory or legally binding document but rather a guide for decision makers, community leaders, residents, and the business community to help build consensus and take strategic action to improve the corridor.

The guide is visionary in that it reflects the long-term potential of the corridor. It is grounded by an analysis of current trends, future projections, and local knowledge.

The guide is achievable, as it defines clear, actionable objectives. And the guide is strategic, as it prioritizes how to use resources through the corridor in pursuit of growing economic opportunities and quality of life.

W H O C R E AT E D T H E G U I D E ?

This Strategic Guide was crafted by a team of planning consultants. Advised by an executive steering committee of Delaware Now members, the planning team met with more than 30 stakeholders who are representative of the residents, businesses, and government jurisdictions within the corridor.

Their input helped to shape the recommendations of the plan.

HOW WILL THE GUIDE BE USED? There are a number of opportunities for Delaware County, the respective Townships, property and business owners, and the residents of this area to improve the quality of life along this corridor — but it requires understanding, immediate attention, and cooperation. This guide helps to identify potential opportunities and action steps for consideration in the hopes that consensus is built around some or many of these so that proactive implementation can occur.

WHY THIS GUIDE? WHY NOW? Growth is Projected to Continue The steady population growth experienced over the past thirty-plus years is projected to continue.

Infrastructure is Outpaced Transportation infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with this growth and is now impacting the county’s economic potential.

Missed Opportunities When large employers look to locate or expand in the Central Ohio region, the US 23 corridor is often overlooked.

Plan Now to Protect Future Opportunities Well-planned and managed growth needs to occur now so as not to lock-out potential infrastructure improvements.

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study area COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PRIMARY STUDY AREA The Primary Study Area is the US Route 23 corridor from the southern Delaware County line north into the City of Delaware. This area has experienced rapid growth, and what was once a largely rural, free-flowing arterial (though not limited access) is now surrounded on both sides by existing or planned suburban commercial and residential development interrupted by traffic signals and increasingly heavy east-west traffic corridors. Points of interest along this corridor include Highbanks Metro Park, Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center, NorthPointe Plaza, Chiller North, Orange Point Commerce Park, North Orange Park, Mount Carmel Medical Center, Delaware County Library, the Orange Township Pedestrian Bridge, Olentangy Crossing, Olentangy High School, Heritage Elementary School, Shanahan Middle School, Shale Hollow Park, Greif Industrial Park, Columbus State Community College, Delaware Area Career Center South Campus, Seymour Nature Preserve, Camp Lazarus, Delaware Golf Club, Perkins Observatory, Methodist Theological School, and the Olentangy River bridge crossing, as it then extends north past the Delaware Community Plaza, Delaware Square Shopping Center, and around Downtown Delaware and Ohio Wesleyan University.

MOUNT CARMEL CLOSE-TO-HOME FACILITY

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AT EVANS FARM

SECONDARY STUDY AREA Many of the constraints and issues facing US Route 23 and the Primary Study Area are the result of the limited northsouth road routes through Delaware County and the northsouth river valley (Olentangy River) and body of water (Alum Creek), as well as railroad tracks (both Norfolk-Southern [double track] and CSX [single track]) that parallel it and act as a barrier. As a result it is important to understand the larger transportation system dynamics, particularly related to Interstate 71 and the crisscrossing state routes of 36, 37 and 42, as well as the surrounding development patterns and land uses. There are opportunities in this area that can improve conditions along the Route 23 Corridor. Furthermore, it is worth understanding how the current conditions in the Primary Study Area came to be so lessons learned can be applied in advance of rapid growth along the US 23 Corridor north of the City of Delaware.

PERKINS OBSERVATORY

ORANGE TOWNSHIP MULTI PURPOSE TRAIL BRIDGE

6

US 23 CORRIDOR strategic guide draft WAREHOUSE/FLEX FACILITY

Delaware State Park

STUDY AREA 42

23

SECONDARY STUDY AREA

71 DELAWARE

36

E WILLIAM ST

Ohio Wesleyan University

36

Delaware Municipal Airport

Delaware Area Career Center South Campus

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

OhioHealth Facility

PEACHBLOW RD

ORANGE RD

23 750

Alum Creek State Park

S OLD STATE RD

OL

POWELL

CHESHIRE RD

LEWIS CENTER RD

River D angy R Olent NGY RIVER ENTA

DELAWARE UNION

Scioto River

Columbus State Community College

HOME RD

Tanger Outlets

PRIMARY STUDY AREA

Delaware Golf Club

GLENN PKWY

BUNTY STATION RD

LIBERTY RD

42

Alum Creek Lake

71

Highbanks Metro Park Polaris

DELAWARE FRANKLIN

DUBLIN WESTERVILLE

33

270

315

WORTHINGTON

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BUILDING ON PREVIOUS WORK PRIOR PLANNING A significant amount of focused plans and studies have been completed within the study area over the past twenty years. Most of them focused specifically on land use within a government jurisdiction or transportation along this corridor or other corridors within the Study Area. This study strives to provide strategic guidance in a more comprehensive manner across the communities around the corridor.

The plans listed below were identified by stakeholders and reviewed by the planning team to aid in identifying strengths, challenges, and opportunities for the primary and secondary planning areas of the corridor as well as to help understand existing conditions and future plans. In addition to these plans, more than 40 site plans and current and future development plans were compiled and reviewed. These include: ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

City of Delaware Comprehensive Plan (2019) Orange Township Comprehensive Plan (2018) Liberty Township Comprehensive Plan (2018) Home Road Extension Report (2018) DelCo Water Sewer Master Plan (2017) 2016-2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (2016) Delaware Co. Economic Development Action Plan (2016) Powell Comprehensive Plan (2015) US-42 Access Management (2015) Far North Area Plan (2014) Berlin Township Comprehensive Plan (2011) US-36/SR-37 Access Management Plan (2010) Troy Township Comprehensive Plan (2002) Delaware County Thoroughfare Plan (2001) US 23 Access Management (2000)

C O U N T Y Q U I C K FA C T S

+15% $95,000 >60% excellent 85,000+

Increase in Population since the 2000 Census

fa s t e s t growing cou nt y in ohio Average Household Income

H igh e s t e a rning cou nt y in ohio Workforce with Undergraduate Degree or Higher

mos t e d u cat e d cou nt y in ohio School District Ratings

high quality, desirable school districts Number of New Residents Expected by 2040

pop. growth expected to continue

SOURCE: DATA USA

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common issues and priorities W H O W A S I N V O LV E D At the direction of the Delaware Now Executive Steering Committee, the Planning Team held meetings with corridor stakeholders to organize the priorities of local government entities, districts, and businesses within the study area.

Representatives of the following organizations provided input and/or participated in focus group meetings: ++ Delaware County Commissioners, Regional Planning Commission, Economic Development, & Engineers Office ++ Delaware County Regional Sewer District ++ Delaware County Finance Authority ++ Ohio Department of Transportation ++ City of Delaware ++ Orange, Liberty, and Troy Townships ++ Olentangy Local, Delaware City, and Buckeye Valley Local School Districts ++ Delaware County Foundation & Delaware Now ++ Local Banks, Land Owners, Realtors, & Developers

What We Heard There was general consensus around a number of concerns.

One major concern expressed in these sessions was that the predominant land use of Southern Delaware County is a bedroom community. Single family residential is the predominant land use and outpaces all others with 5,500 units in the pipeline. Because there is not a balance of employment centers, this creates heavy commuting and traffic patterns — particularly to Franklin County. This is exacerbated by separated retail centers in the area that rely on US 23 for access. The heavy residential base also skews the tax burden toward individual residents and places stress on the schools.

Traffic was also a major concern. The County has a number of plans to address congestion, mainly new road extensions to provide desired alternate routes and relieve pressure. While projects have been identified, securing the necessary funding continues to be an issue and limits construction. At the State level, access management is the primary tool to preserve route capacity and jurisdictions need to help by enforcing these policies. Large-scale grade separation of US 23 is not planned, though the use of ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) and signal synchronization to improve efficiency of travel is being considered.

Despite the traffic concerns, there was also general consensus among the groups that the most appropriate place for increased density and more intense employmentbased development in this region is along the US 23 Corridor — and this potential should be explored and unlocked.

Representatives of the school districts also saw evidence that multi-family development can be designed in a way that does not attract families with children and positively adds to the tax base.

IMPEDIMENTS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Traffic Congestion and Bottlenecks Traffic congestion is a major concern on US 23.

Intersections with major east-west roads and popular shopping destinations create bottlenecks.

Limited Interstate Access There are currently only two interchanges with I-71 in the County. Traffic flows to these areas and/ or uses US 23 for major north-south travel.

Public Resistance Portions of the community are resistant to new development unless it is very low-density single family, despite the cost of service impacts.

Jobs/Housing Mismatch There is not a match of employment development to the residential growth to provide fiscal balance and local, proximate places for residents to work.

Zoning Continuity Multiple jurisdictions with varied zoning districts and standards along the US 23 corridor impede planned development.

Lack of Infrastructure Fixes

Plans do exist for a number of important road network improvements that would relieve pressure on the US 23 corridor, but there is limited funding.

Branding of US 23 and Delaware County The US 23 corridor lacks identity and character. Its destinations feel like random unrelated places, and it is not memorable or a sought-after address.

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corridor assessment - LAND USE E X I S T I N G L A N D U S E PAT T E R N S The primary study area, which encompasses nearly 11,400 acres, was predominately farmland a few short decades ago.

Today, however the corridor is the focus of Central Ohio’s rapid suburban expansion. Today nearly one-third of the corridor is medium to low density single family residential. Another onethird of the area is currently cultivated for agriculture use or undeveloped open space.

There are some regional institutions located in the corridor with frontage onto US 23. These include; the Delaware Area Career Center South Campus, Columbus State Community College, the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and OhioHealth and Mount Carmel close-to-home health facilities.

Additionally, the Olentangy School District has five schools in the primary planning area.

37% of the nearly 11,400 acres within the primary planning area has yet to be developed. However, much of the undeveloped land has been identified for development.

This includes 3,500 acres of planned residential, including 5,500 single family and 2,100 condos and apartments in the development pipeline.

Though commercial and industrial uses are the predominant uses identified for undeveloped properties along US 23 in future land use plans of communities along the corridor, when properties are developed, they are often developed with low intensity residential instead. Of the 65,000 workers commuting out of the county, 62% are leaving for high-paying jobs (jobs paying 33% greater than average wages), most of which are commercial/office jobs in Franklin County. This has led to jobs/housing mismatch.

L A N D U S E Q U I C K FACT S Primary Study Area Existing Land Use 4% 29% 19%

4% 7% 37%

SOURCE: MID OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION Primary Study Area Current Future Land Use

5% 51%

23%

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE STUDY AREA There is an opportunity to pro-actively plan to channel this growth into more compact, mixed-use development along the corridor and transform it into a destination instead of somewhere to pass through.

17% 4%

<1%

New housing and commercial development will create an opportunity for more residents to get to commercial destinations by means other than driving and for residents to live closer to their place of employment. Both of these changes would help manage congestion.

SOURCE: MID OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION Agriculture

Denser, more walkable development would help increase the tax base and encourage new amenities close-by, without impinging on agricultural land and the natural amenities that make Delaware County unique.

Residential

Open Space Civic/ Institutional Commercial/Office Manufacturing/Flex

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36 COUGHLINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CROSSING

PLANNED DEVELOPMENT

THE PINES Delaware Golf Club

GLENN PKWY

GLENROSS

CHESHIRE RD

OhioHealth Facility Delaware Area Career Center South Campus

BUNTY STATION RD

HOWARD FARMS PEACHBLOW RD

Columbus State Community College

EVANS FARM HYATTS RD

23

oto

Sci HOME RD

angy

S OLD STATE RD

Olent

315

River

LIBERTY RD

er Riv

LEWIS CENTER RD

Alum Creek Lake

CREEKSIDE

LAND USE KEY

ORANGE RD

Open Space Civic/ Institutional 71

Residential Single-family Residential Multi-family Commercial/Office Mixed-Use

POWELL RD

Manufacturing/Flex SOURCE: MID OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Highbanks Metro Park

PRIMARY FOCUS AREA 750

Polaris

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corridor assessment - TRANSPORTATION E X I S T I N G T R A N S P O R TAT I O N N E T W O R K US 23 is experiencing increased congestion, but not because areas fronting the corridor itself are being developed. Lowdensity single family development throughout the county and the housing-jobs mismatch described on the previous page have resulted in longer commutes for residents. The vast majority of residents commute to jobs via single occupancy vehicle. These longer trips contribute to congestion along US 23. US 23 is also strained from county-wide population growth because the county lacks other viable north-south routes that could alleviate the increasing pressure on US 23.

Within the greater study area, from Coover Rd. in Troy Township to I-270 (18-miles) there are 35 signalized intersections at east-west roads crossing US 23. Though these east-west roads provide access to adjacent development, they reduce the efficiency of the roadway.

Today, the average annual daily traffic (AADT) on US 23 ranges from 36,000 to 88,000 vehicles. By 2040, the Ohio Department of Transportation projects AADT could rise to 100,000 on segments close to I-270. This will overwhelm US 23 and dramatically reduce the level of service (LOS) of the roadway, leading to increased travel delays and commutes.

Additionally, decreased LOS may have negative impacts on property values as well as harm businesses in the organization as they will have a more difficult time attracting patrons and getting goods to market.

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N Q U I C K FACT S

US 23 (2018)

36,000-88,000 VEHICLES

AVERAGE ANNUAL DAILY TRAFFIC US 23 (2040)

45,000-100,000 VEHICLES AVERAGE ANNUAL DAILY TRAFFIC SOURCE: URBAN FOOTPRINT

On some segments of US 23, 1 in every 9 vehicles is an 18-wheeler semi truck.

US 23 is also a main truck route in the region and as discussed previously, manufacturing is the dominant land use fronting the corridor. On some segments of US 23, 1 in every 9 vehicles is an eighteen wheeler semi truck.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE STUDY AREA There is an opportunity in Delaware County to channel countywide development momentum into denser development projects and more efficient land uses along US 23. Denser mixed-use development would encourage shorter trips and alternate modes of travel (non-motorized, bus). Investment in non-motorized transportation infrastructure would greatly increase the safety and viability of walking and biking to, from and between destinations along the corridor, and a larger share of non-motorized trips may help to manage congestion along the corridor.

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SOURCE: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - TIMS

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N I S S U E S 42

23

ELEVATED SECTION OF 23

71 DELAWARE

36

E WILLIAM ST

INTERSTATE ACCESS

36

Columbus State Community College

OL

HOME RD

CHESHIRE RD

PEACHBLOW RD

ORANGE RD

POWELL DELAY AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

750

LEVEL OF SERVICE KEY

Alum Creek Lake

LEWIS CENTER RD

River D angy R Olent NGY RIVER ENTA

DELAWARE UNION

Scioto River

LIBERTY RD

Delaware Golf Club

23

S OLD STATE RD

BUNTY STATION RD

42

GLENN PKWY

HIGH INTERSECTION DENSITY

71

INTERSTATE ACCESS

Highbanks Metro Park Polaris

DELAWARE FRANKLINA

B DUBLIN C

D

WESTERVILLE HIGH INTERSECTION DENSITY

E and F 33

SOURCE: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - TIMS *LOS is measured by degree of volume to capacity ratio.

Quality measure of A (best) to F (worst).

270

315

WORTHINGTON

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06 Strategies | G u i d a n c e

A bundle of objective-oriented strategies with tactics, tools, and mechanisms to guide the implementation of recommendations throughout the corridor and achieve common visions.

Strategies

O b j e c t i v e o r i e n t e d s t r at e g i e s OVERVIEW Through the organization of feedback from focus group meetings with stakeholders, review of existing plans, and corridor analysis of existing patterns and future trends the planning team crafted six objectives around major themes.

These objectives should be referenced for all decisions made throughout the corridor. Additionally, a bundle of objectiveoriented strategies with tactics, tools, and mechanisms to guide the implementation of recommendations throughout the corridor and achieve common visions were also developed. The following pages of this section identify each of the six strategies as they are matched to each of the six objectives. Each strategy includes sub strategies. Diagrams and other graphics are used in this section to conceptually illustrate each strategy.

O BJ E CT I V E S 1 | Make a Fresh Impression The 23 Corridor currently lacks a common identity. Efforts should be take to rebrand the corridor.

2 | Improve Corridor Mobility Existing development patterns and autodependence have resulted in congestion along the 23 Corridor, but the strategic investments put forth have the potential to improve travel times and multimodal options.

3 | Create a Shared Vision A shared vision is the key to maximizing the potential of the 23 Corridor and allowing it to become the center of the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population and economic growth.

4 | Increase Density Along US 23 Frontage The 23 Frontage is the appropriate area for increased density that will allow for a mix of uses that are desirable to residents.

5 | Protect Ecological Systems The protection of sensitive areas and the steam corridor is a key element, and public access should be preserved in these areas whenever possible.

6 | Improve Communication With so many municipalities along the 23 Corridor, improved and regular communication is critical for the area.

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Make a Fresh Impression 1

E STAB L I SH A C OMMO N I D E N T IT Y

S U B S T R AT E G Y 1. Designate locations for gateways at major thoroughfare entries into the study area.

2. Designate streetscape sections for US 23 with a multi-use trail behind berm/landscape and fence, as shown in the section diagrams. Additionally, designate streetscape for other thoroughfares. Update countywide thoroughfare plan to align with these recommended streetscapes.

Identify streetscape standards for: fencing (crossbuck), lighting, corners/intersections treatments, traffic control devices, and signage and wayfinding for vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic, as well as transit riders.

3. Create design guidelines to control architectural styles and identify building material and landscape palettes.

EXAMPLE GATEWAY MONUMENT SIGN

Typical Existing US 23 Section

Typical Preferred US 23 Section with Multi-use Path and Center Turn Lane

Typical Preferred US 23 Section with Multi-use Path

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Improve Corridor Mobility 2

KNI T T H E CO M M U N IT Y TOG E T H E R

NEIGHBORHOOD STREET SECTIONS

S U B S T R AT E G Y 1. Preserve rights of ways for future thoroughfares.

2. Require bike/pedestrian connections between residential neighborhoods, mixed use districts, and destinations such as parks and schools.

3. Reduce reliance on US 23 by requiring connections across and between developments, including development fronting US 23 and developments to the rear.

Typical Neighborhood Residential Street Section

4. Distribute Toledo-Columbus traffic by providing a bypass to connect I-71 with US 23 north of the city of Delaware.

5. Examine new potential access to I-71.

6. Create alternative north-south options to US 23. Roads including Green Meadows Drive, Piatt Road, and Glenn Parkway should continue to be expanded and linked.

7. Continue to create backage and frontage roads parallel to US 23.

Typical Neighborhood Commercial Street Section

8. Create mobility options by promoting alternatives to single occupancy vehicles. These alternatives include bus transit, shuttles, and carpools. Additionally, provide multi-use trails along major thoroughfares to promote non-motorized options.

9. Address intersection bottlenecks with signal integration technology.

10. Continue access management best practices to limit or exclude new traffic lights or direct access to/from US 23. However, intersections which facilitate a comfortable pedestrian environment, crossing east-west of US 23 should also be allowed.

11. Continue to pursue high capacity transit.

Typical Cross Street Section REQUIRE STREET CONNECTIVITY Grid Street Network

Cul-de-sac Street Network

x

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C r e at e a s h a r e d v i s i o n 3

BALAN CE G ROWT H

S U B S T R AT E G Y 1. Update land use to increase area for employment and mixed uses districts for development other than singlefamily housing.

2. Reserve Highway Frontage for higher uses (commercial, mixed use).

3. Strategically use infrastructure to guide growth.

4. Provide housing options to meet all age and income groups.

5. Preserve scenic Olentangy River Corridor.

6. Create an overlay zoning district.

E X PA N D T H E T R A N S E C T

CURRENT ALLOWABLE DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS

RECOMMENDED UPZONING

HIGH STREET (US 23) WITH FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

PROVIDE HOUSING OPTIONS

MISSING HOUSING OPTIONS

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Increase development intensity 4

R E I M AG I N E P L AC E S

INFILL SUBURBAN RETROFIT LARGE SURFACE PARKING LOTS

S U B S T R AT E G Y

EXISTING AUTO-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

1. Retrofit suburban development with infill development on underutilized land, primarily large surface parking lots in retail shopping centers.

2. The redevelopment strategy transforms an existing site, from often a; brownfield, vacated area, or deteriorated area into a new development.

3. Update zoning codes to allow for greater density along the corridor.

NEW COMPACT DEVELOPMENT

4. Expand the development transect and add mixed use development.

FORMER UNDERUTILIZED PARKING LOT

5. Identify corridors and nodes for high frequency transit to implement transit oriented development around.

REDEVELOPMENT STREET CONNECTIONS COMPACT DEVELOPMENT

ORGANIZED GREEN SPACES MIXED USE

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protect ecological systems 5

I N C O R P O R AT E G R E E N INFRASTRUCTURE

S U B S T R AT E G Y

I M P E R V I O U S S U R FA C E S

1. Use greenspace to organize development.

2. Integrate stormwater management.

3. Use bioswales in surface parking lots.* *Bioswales are a form of localized green stormwater infrastructure that capture and filter stormwater and delay the release of the captured water into the sewer system.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

P E R V I O U S S U R FA C E S

BIOSWALE IN PARKING LOT

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bioswale

I m p r o v e c o m m u n i c at i o n 6

C O O R D I N AT E R E G I O N A L LY A N D C O L L A B O R AT E LO C A L LY

S U B S T R AT E G Y 1. Foster jurisdictional collaboration by formalizing communication and protocols to keep jurisdictions in regular contact, share development news, and keep residents informed.

2. Advocate for projects and infrastructure in the jurisdictionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mutual interest, communicate benefits of quality development to educate residents and build support for recommended changes to development plans.

3. Control the story with meetings, social media, press releases, posters, and mailers. Talk to supporters first, mobilize supporters, focus on mutual priorities rather than conflicting values, correct misinformation, negotiate conflicts of interests, and dispel myths about density.

4. In order to spur the commercial development, we need for more jobs and stabilizing our school districts, certain economic development tools must be adopted and overlap with the 23 Corridor Zoning and required traffic improvements. The various tools will be, but not limited to, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Tax Abatements, Joint Economic Development Districts, New Community Authority, and State of Ohio grants. The burden to pay and plan for the necessary improvements cannot rest solely on the private sector, but must be a true Public-Private partnership whereby the public sector is also investing in new roads and incentivizing job creating investment.

CAPTION ME!

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1

3

2 projects | p r i o r i t i e s 3

A collection of mutually beneficial infrastructure improvements which should be prioritized to improve corridor-wide mobility and support economic development.

priority projects overview

OVERVIEW

42

The 23 Corridor is a state route controlled by ODOT, but influenced by other state routes, county roads, and township road traffic patterns. 23 Corridor is heavily travelled and is only increasing in traffic counts. There are too many lights, too many access points, and none of them are timed. The 23 Corridor must improve in order to attract job producing economic development investment.

Northeast Bypass

36

23

The transportation infrastructure projects described on the following pages are organized into three priority corridors.

These projects will improve safety, traffic flow and overall mobility for all modes of transport, help catalyze economic development in the Study Area, and better-connect Delaware County residents and businesses to US 23 and to each other.

They include:

US 23/North-South Improvements

1. Southern Delaware County East-West Connector This set of improvements will connect existing roads in already-developed areas and leverage funding from new development to connect US 23 with Old State Road.

2. Northeast Bypass This bundle of improvements will create new connections to Route 36 and augment existing ones.

These projects include building out the network of multiuse paths to enhance walkability and bikeability along the targeted corridors.

Southern Delaware County East-West Connector

3. US 23/North-South Improvements Traffic light synchonization and proactive access management and circulation planning will mitigate future congestion caused by projected development along US 23. Additionally, extending Glenn Parkway to US 36 will alleviate pressure on US 23.

23 71

750

315

270

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s o u t h c o u n t y e a s t- w e s t c o n n e c t o r p r o j e c t S 1

SOUTH COUNTY E A S T- W E S T C O N N E C T O R

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS*

The East-West Connector Corridor follows Home, Lewis Center, and Big Walnut Roads from Union County through Southern Delaware County. This multi-phase project includes extending Home Road from US 23 through the Slate Ridge Development to connect with Lewis Center Road and widening Lewis Center Road from the CSX railroad to Africa Road.

Shared use paths will be installed on the new and widened sections.

1. Home Road Extension Connection to US -42 Home Road extension pass Jerome Road to US42 with a new signalized intersection at US-42.

WHY THIS IS A PRIORITY ++ Maintains competitive infrastructure by creating an east to west route in Southern Delaware County, relieving congestion on Polaris and Powell Roads. ++ Adds value to the transportation system by providing connections between Eastern Delaware County and growth areas in Southeast Union County. ++ Maximizes resource efficiency by utilizing existing roads in already-developed corridors. ++ Promotes active transportation by connecting neighborhoods within the project area through the construction of shared use paths. ++ Leverages contributions and revenues from the Slate Ridge and Evans Farms developments to complete components between US 23 and Old State Road.

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES Liberty Township, Orange Township, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Delaware County Engineers, Ohio Department of Transportation, partnerships with private developers

REFERENCE PLANS MORPC Competitive Advantage I-71 and Big Walnut Interchange Feasibility Study.

2016-2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan

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US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide Draft

2. Home Road Widening/Improvements Minor widening of shoulders and additions of turn lanes intersection on Home Road from Jerome Road to US 23.

3. Home Road Extension/New Roadway Extend Home Road east of US 23 to Lewis Center Road east of railroad. This will include a grade separated crossing over the railroad.

4. New Roundabout New roundabout at the extension of both Home Road and the Piatt Road and existing Lewis Center Road. This roundabout should provide seamless east-west travel.

5. New Interchange - Big Walnut/I-71 New Interchange - Big Walnut/I-71. This interchange has already been studied by ODOT.

*Potential Improvements numbering reference numbering on map, page opposite.

SOUTH COUNTY E A S T- W E S T C O N N E C T O R 23

DELAWARE

E WILLIAM ST

36

36

BUNTY STATION RD

71

Delaware Golf Club

CHESHIRE RD LIBERTY RD

42 Scioto River

Roadway Extension

Columbus State Community College

OhioHealth Facility

PEACHBLOW RD

New Roundabout

Minor Widening

angy

3

River

2 Lanes at Bridge POWELL Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

4

S OLD STATE RD

2

Olent

HOME RD

1

Delaware Area Career Center South Campus

ORANGE RD

Alum Creek Lake

New Interchange

LEWIS CENTER RD

5

New Roadway

315 750 Highbanks Metro Park

Polaris

23 DUBLIN

270 33

US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide

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northeast bypass PROJECTS 2

N O R T H E A S T B Y PA S S

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS*

US 23 is a critical segment for Toledo-Columbus freight trips.

On some segments of US 23, 1 in every 9 vehicles is a semi truck. The Ohio Statewide Freight Study Report identifies the segment of US 23 through southern Delaware County as congested and an impedance to the freight network. The Northeast Bypass would improvement north-south travel for both commuters and freight from US 23 at Hudson Road north of the city of Delaware to I-71 at I-270 in Franklin County. See Potential Improvements for specific project details.

1. Add Lane to I-71 A new southbound lane on I-71 from Polaris to I-270 interchange will help facilitate travel with increased truck traffic from bypass project.

WHY ITS A PRIORITY ++ Increased access to I-71 will improve mobility in Delaware County and open land for development. ++ Project will alleviate congestion on US 23 which is now an important commuter connection. ++ Project will improve state-wide freight travel.

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Delaware County Engineers, Ohio Department of Transportation

REFERENCE PLANS MORPC Competitive Advantage 2016-2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Delaware Thoroughfare Plan Ohio Statewide Freight Study Report

2. New Interchange Sunbury Parkway/I-71 New interchange at I-71 with new Sunbury Parkway with a new tie-in connection with US 36 west of the interstate.

3. Sunbury Parkway New Sunbury Parkway with a new tie-in connection with US 36 west of the interstate and with the new interchange south of the existing US 36 interchange.

This interchange should have shared access to 71 with the existing interchange at US 36 similarly to the Polaris Pkwy and Gemini Place interchanges. This will limit lane braiding.

4. 36 Access Management Continue access management along US 36 between the city of Delaware and I-71, limiting new curb cuts and signalized intersections.

5. Delaware City Bypass New roadway from US 36 at Glenn Road to US 23, using the Hudson Road bridge. Roadway may be 2 to 4 lanes with potential grade separation or access management at cross streets and rail crossings.

6. Bridge Improvements Potential bridge improvements on Hudson Road over Olentangy River between US 23 and Panhandle Road to accommodate increase traffic for bypass.

*Potential Improvements numbering reference numbering on map, page opposite.

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US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide Draft

7

N O R T H E A S T B Y PA S S

Bridge Improvements

New Roadway

6

36

DELAWARE

E WILLIAM ST

New Roadway

5 36 New Interchange

POWELL

Delaware Area Career Center South Campus

Columbus State Community College

New Roadway CHESHIRE RD

750

71

PEACHBLOW RD

3

LEWIS CENTER RD

ORANGE RD

Alum Creek Lake

23 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

3

OhioHealth Facility

River D angy ER R Olent Y RIV TANG OLEN

Scioto River HOME RD

Delaware Golf Club

S OLD STATE RD

LIBERTY RD

42

BUNTY STATION RD

GLENN PKWY

4

Potential New Interchange

Highbanks Metro Park Polaris

Add Lane

DUBLIN

1

US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide

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us 23/north-south improvement PROJECTS 3

US 23/NORTH-SOUTH IMPROVEMENTS

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS*

The projects in this set of transportation improvements would improve north-south travel and mobility through Delaware County from Troy Township to I-270. A primary objective of these projects is to provide alternative north-south roadway options to reduce the reliance on US 23, as major capacity improvements are unlikely on the highway. Likewise, operational improvements to US 23 such as Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and access management are low cost strategies which can offer real benefits to reduce congestion on 23. In addition to roadway projects, high capacity transit should continue to be studied to provide commuter options from Delaware and southern Delaware County to employment centers in Franklin County.

1. US 23 Access Management Continue access management along US 23 between the city of Delaware and I-270, limiting new curb cuts and signalized intersections.

WHY ITS A PRIORITY ++ Maintains competitive infrastructure by providing a new connection between US 23 and US 36/SR 37 on the southeast side of the City of Delaware. ++ Increases safety by eliminating an at-grade railroad crossing on Berlin-Station Road. ++ Promotes active transportation through the construction of shared use paths along the boulevard. ++ Aligns with prior planning documents, including the City of Delawareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2001 Thoroughfare Plan. ++ Project will alleviate congestion on US 23 which is now an important commuter connection.

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCE Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Delaware County Engineers, Ohio Department of Transportation, Private Development, Townships

REFERENCE PLANS MORPC Competitive Advantage 2016-2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Delaware Thoroughfare Plan

2. US 23 Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Implement ITS along US 23 to improve efficiencies and safety of the roadway. This may include smart intersections and highway message boards.

3. Glenn Parkway Extension The Glenn Parkway project includes multiple phases that will complete the final three miles of the partially-completed parkway. The project includes a four-lane divided boulevard with multi-use paths and a grade separated railroad crossing at the existing railroad line.

4. Piatt Road Extension Extend Piatt Road where gaps are present to provide seamless north-south travel from US-36 to Lewis Center Road/Home Road.

5. Green Meadows Drive/North Road Extension Extend Green Meadows Drive/North Road where gaps are present to provide seamless northsouth travel from Cheshire Road to SR-750.

6. Parallel Backage Roads Create backage roads which parallel US 23 and provide access to adjacent development. These roads should be at least 500 feet away from US 23 to improve circulation and limit backups onto 23.

7. Grade Separated Interchange US 23/SR 750 Potential to provide a grade separated interchange at US 23/SR 750.

8. High Capacity Transit High capacity transit such as commuter rail should be studies in southern Delaware County.

Alignments from the Polaris area to Downtown Columbus are already being studies. *Potential Improvements numbering reference numbering on map, page opposite.

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US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide Draft

US 23/NORTH-SOUTH IMPROVEMENTS

High Capacity Transit

8

36

DELAWARE

E WILLIAM ST

Glenn Pkwy Extension

36

3 Piatt Extension BUNTY STATION RD

Delaware Golf Club

4

Delaware Area Career Center South Campus

GLENN

LIBERTY RD

42

Columbus State Community College

71

CHESHIRE RD OhioHealth Facility

PEACHBLOW RD

US 23 Access Management

Alum Creek Green Meadows Extension Lake

HOME RD

angy

Intelligent Transportation System

River

6 5

2 POWELL Parallel Backage Roads Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

750

S OLD STATE RD

LEWIS CENTER RD

Olent

Scioto River

1

ORANGE RD

23 Highbanks Metro Park

7 Polaris

DUBLIN

Potential Grade Seperation

US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide

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3 area plans | C ata ly s t A set of visionary conceptual plans, crafted to guide land use and transportation improvements in the three catalytic areas identified through the corridor assessment.

area plans GLENN PKWY

overview #3 Cheshire OVERVIEW

Three Catalyst Areas were selected to demonstrate their development potential. Each of these areas was selected for their strategic importance to the success of the corridor and their ability to be a catalyst of change and development. These areas were selected to show a range of different conditions along the 23 corridor. These Catalyst Areas were as follows:

CHESHIRE RD

1. Northpointe 2. Orange Point PEACHBLOW RD

23

3. Cheshire

#2 Orange Point

1 | NORTHPOINTE HOME RD

315

#1 Northpointe

ORANGE RD

2 | ORANGE POINT

POWELL RD

750

3 | CHESHIRE

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DEVELOPMENT TYPOLOGIES

area plan #1 1

NORTHPOINTE

W H Y I S T H I S A C ATA LY S T A R E A

MIXED-USE

The Northpointe Catalyst Area is a prime area to focus redevelopment efforts. Northpointe is one of the oldest areas along the corridor and therefore has many buildings that are nearing the end of their life span. This area also benefits from its proximity to Polaris commercial area.

Future development in this area should take advantage of and respond to Highbanks Metro Park.

RECOMMENDED DEVELOPMENT ELEMENTS ++ Commercial uses and higher-density development should be focused along the 23 Corridor ++ Adaptive reuse of big box stores ++ Redevelopment of big box stores ++ Suburban retrofit, using underutilized surface parking lots to support infill development ++ Residential infill between commercial areas and existing neighborhoods ++ Reinvestment in existing industrial area ++ Capitalize on Nationwide Conference Center ++ Create a secondary street network ++ Connect proposed street network to existing road network

COMMERCIAL/OFFICE

MANUFACTURING/FLEX

PROPOSED LAND USE PROGRAM Proposed Land Use Open Space

Acres 330

Civic/Institutional

-

Residential Single-family

-

Residential Multi-family

430

Commercial/Office

340

Mixed-Use

280

Manufacturing/Flex

640

RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY

OPEN SPACE

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US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide Draft

AREA PLAN #1

ORANGE RD

Kingwood Memorial Park

Preserve Riparian Stream Corridor

Preserve Riparian Stream Corridor

Windbrush Extension

S DR

Organize Development Around Open Space

Big Box Store Redevelopment Overtime

EADOW GREEN M

Infill Surface Parking Lots

Owenfield Realignment

Mixed Use/Office Redevelopment Highbanks/Polaris Multi-use Trail Connection

Gateway Feature

750

LAND USE KEY Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center

Open Space Civic/ Institutional Residential Single-family

23

Residential Multi-family Commercial/Office Mixed-Use Manufacturing/Flex

Resurrection Cemetery Highbanks Metro Park

US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide

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DEVELOPMENT TYPOLOGIES

area plan #2 2

ORANGE POINT

W H Y I S T H I S A C ATA LY S T A R E A

MIXED-USE

The proposed Home Road and Green Meadows extensions make this area is ideal for capitalizing on road infrastructure investment to maximize development in the Orange Point Catalyst Area. One of the most significant natural features in the 23 corridor area is Slate Run, which runs east/west just south of Lewis Center Road. This greenway should be preserved wherever possible and leveraged as an amenity for residents and employees of this area. There is also an opportunity to connect the greenway to the greater trail network. Plans should be made to connect the 23 Corridor to the Olentangy River and Greenway.

COMMERCIAL

RECOMMENDED DEVELOPMENT ELEMENTS ++ Focus commercial density along the 23 corridor ++ Preserve natural features and publicize as amenities ++ Create a network of parks and open space ++ Capitalize on proposed future road connectors ++ Create a secondary road network ++ Expand and reinvest in industrial areas MANUFACTURING/FLEX

PROPOSED LAND USE PROGRAM Proposed Land Use Open Space

Acres 340

Civic/Institutional

5

Residential Single-family

20

Residential Multi-family

120

Commercial/Office

255

Mixed-Use

50

Manufacturing/Flex

290

RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY

OPEN SPACE

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US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide Draft

AREA PLAN #2 Multi-use Trails Parallel to US 23

LE WI S CE NT ER RD Green Meadows Extension

Lewis Center

Preserve Riparian Stream Corridor

Conservation Development

HO Gooding Extension

ME

Gateway Feature

RD

Connect Uses

n Slate Ru

Home Road Extension

Orient Development Toward Open Space

Ex. Bike/Ped Bridge

Library

Connect Multi-use Trail to Adjacent Development

Connection to Existing Trail

Mt Carmel Lewis Center

Existing Bike/Ped Bridge

CO RD UR OY RD

Cordurgy Extension

Multi-use Trails Parallel to Green Meadows Dr.

North Orange Park

OR AN GE PO IN T DR

AEP Substation

Nationwide Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lewis Center

23

Open Space Civic/ Institutional Residential Single-family Residential Multi-family

ORANGE RD

Commercial/Office

DR G R E E N M E A D O WS

LAND USE KEY

Mixed-Use Manufacturing/Flex

Kingwood Memorial Park

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DEVELOPMENT TYPOLOGIES

area plan #3 3

CHESHIRE

W H Y I S T H I S A C ATA LY S T A R E A

MIXED-USE

This area was selected as a Catalyst Area because of its proximity to major institutions, including Columbus State Community Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Delaware County satellite campus, Delaware Area Career Center, and an OhioHealth close-tohome facility. Cheshire Road is a major east-west connector with many large undeveloped parcels along it. With less development having occurred in this area This area of the 23 Corridor has the most potential to channel future development interest, as less development has occurred in this area than the other two Catalyst Areas to date.

COMMERCIAL

RECOMMENDED DEVELOPMENT ELEMENTS ++ Focus highest densities and commercial uses on the 23 frontage ++ Focus commercial density along the 23 corridor ++ Preserve natural features and publicize as amenities ++ Create a secondary road network ++ Expand and reinvest industrial areas ++ Capitalize on the proximity of the Seymour Nature Preserve ++ Capitalize on existing civic and institutional uses ++ Infill residential development between new commercial uses and existing residential development ++ Strategically locate and organize greenspaces

MANUFACTURING/FLEX

PROPOSED LAND USE PROGRAM Proposed Land Use

Acres

Open Space

360

Civic/Institutional

230

Residential Single-family

760

Residential Multi-family

435

Commercial/Office

120

Mixed-Use

275

Manufacturing/Flex

180

CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL

RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY

36

US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide Draft

RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY

GLENN

AREA PLAN #3

CHESHIRE Glenross Golf Club

New Signalized Intersection

OhioHealth Facility Camp Lazarus

Delaware Area Career Center South Campus

Cheshire/BeanOller Connector Seymour Nature Preserve

Gateway Feature Extension of Cornerstone Dr

PEACHBLOW

CCSC Columbus State Community College (CSCC)

Greif

Fairview Memorial Park

23

Worthington Arms Redevelopment Potential

H YA T T S Self Storage Facilities Redevelopment Potential

LAND USE KEY Open Space Civic/ Institutional Residential Single-family Residential Multi-family Commercial/Office Mixed-Use Manufacturing/Flex

US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide

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4

*

next steps | a c t i o n i t e m s A road map of steps which are more immediately necessary elements to the success and implementation of recommendations, including action steps with key players, and benchmark examples.

next steps OVERVIEW The initiatives listed here and articulated on the following pages describe next steps more immediately necessary to the success of the implementation of this plan. They include actionable steps for implementation and identify actors and potential funding options where applicable. It is critical for the successful implementation of this plan for stakeholders and organizations to take ownership of action steps to coordinate implementation.

In addition to the elements described above, each of the four next steps include examples of best practices which should be referenced throughout the implementation of the actions outlined in this section of the plan.

C R E AT E A G R O W T H M A N A G E M E N T AND LAND USE ACCORD

U P D AT E T H E C O U N T Y W I D E T H O R O U G H FA R E P L A N

O R G A N I Z E A U N I F I E D I N T E R N AT I O N A L B U S I N E S S PA R K

CRAFT A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT C O M M U N I C AT I O N T O O L K I T

US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide

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next step # 1 1

GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND LAND USE ACCORD

OVERVIEW Adopting a land use accord is critical to managing growth and overcoming the challenge of multiple jurisdictions having varied land use controls along the study area corridor. An accord would plan the future land uses and development pattern along US 23, identify areas for preservation, act as a guiding document for each jurisdiction to align their future land use maps, zoning codes and thoroughfare plans, and be a basis for multi-jurisdictional communication and community engagement. One potential outcome of a land use accord is the creation of an overlay zoning district for US 23 that is adopted by each municipality along the corridor.

ACTION STEPS

1

Build consensus for an accord with leadership in jurisdictions along the corridor.

2

Identify funding.

3

Contract a planning team of consultants to lead the process and a steering committee of stakeholders.

4

Conduct a public process with robust stakeholder engagement.

5

Adopt accord across all jurisdictions.

6

Per jurisdiction, update future land use map, zoning code and thorough plans to align with accord.

7

Maintain coordination through regular meetings or formalized accord board of directors.

A Public Process This process of building consensus for, drafting and adopting an accord is a meeting intensive, public process that can take up to two years. Because there are so many moving parts and key stakeholders, a planning team must continuously engage all parties to build consensus and draft language for adoption that benefits all parties. Both land use planning and public affairs firms can benefit this type of process and help ensure its success. The process should include public meetings at plan milestones. Public meeting materials should include various educational components that help the community to understand the costs and benefits of different types of land use and infrastructure decisions, and how they could take shape along US 23.

Key Components Key components of a land use accord for US 23 may include: ++ Participation from leadership of all municipalities and townships along the corridor. ++ Milestone engagement with county commissioners and other regional stakeholders such as DelCo water. ++ A public process including meetings, surveys, press releases, and online engagement. ++ Analysis that builds on the data compiled for this document such as demographics, employment, and utilities infrastructure. ++ Coordinated future land use map. ++ An aspirational vision, guiding objectives and actionable strategies. ++ Corridor design standards. ++ Text for an overlay zoning district for US 23. ++ A process for adoption and implementation.

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US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide Draft

K E Y P L AY E R S Township and community members from Orange, Liberty, Berlin, the City of Delaware. DelCo Water.

BEST PRACTICES EXAMPLES ++ Big Darby Accord ++ Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord ++ Western Licking County Accord

next step # 2 2

U P D AT E T H E C O U N T Y W I D E T H O R O U G H FA R E P L A N

OVERVIEW To ensure alignment in planning efforts, ease the transportation issues outlined in this document, and prevent increased traffic issues in the future, the countywide thoroughfare plan should be updated. Ideally this should happen along with, or slightly behind, the land use accord process, to ensure alignment. However, the accord process can take up to two years to build consensus, so if the momentum is strong for updating the thoroughfare plan as soon as possible, it should not be stalled.

It is essential that as Delaware County grows, the county is able to preserve enough right of way (ROW) for a robust, connected transportation system. Wide ROW that could accommodate dedicated transit lanes or commuter rail in the future should also be considered. Then, as development occurs, the county can require developers to dedicate that right of way as a standard part of their development process.

Without a thoroughfare plan that reflects the growth expected to continue across the county, the land is at risk of being developed in disconnected patterns of subdivisions that, in turn, put the burden of traffic primarily onto arterial corridors such as US 23. If a robust network of ROW is preserved, traffic will be dispersed broadly, thus alleviating much of the burden from primary corridors. Further, a connected network supports multimodal transportation including walking and biking.

Key Components Key components of an updated thoroughfare plan may include: ++ Generous ROW preservation for a future connected system. ++ East/west and US 23 alternative corridors as described in the transportation improvements recommended in this plan. ++ Connection to open space and recreation. ++ Multimodal improvements including biking and walking safety. ++ Consideration of transit such as dedicated lanes for buses and potential future commuter rail. ++ Future land use and growth expectations of Delaware County and Columbus Region.

ACTION STEPS

1

Align thoroughfare planning process with land use accord process.

2

Consider expected Delaware County and Columbus regional growth.

3

Preserve ROW for a robust, connected road network.

4

Include safety improvements and considerations for walking and biking viable modes of transportation.

5

Consider potential future public transportation infrastructure needs.

6

Prioritize projects in short, medium and long term.

7

Adopt thoroughfare plan.

8

Secure ODOT and matching funds with the Transportation Improvement District to advance the recommended projects.

K E Y P L AY E R S Township and community members from Orange, Liberty, Berlin, the City of Delaware, Delaware County Engineering Office, MORPC, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

BEST PRACTICES EXAMPLES ++ Eastern Union County Transportation and Thoroughfare Plan ++ Marysville Thoroughfare Plan ++ New Albany 2014 Strategic Plan - Transportation Plan ++ Warren County Thoroughfare Plan

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next step # 3 3

ORGANIZE A UNIFIED B U S I N E S S PA R K

OVERVIEW Create a vision, brand, and marketing structure for a specific amount of acreage along the corridor as a unified business park to attract industry to the area. Work with land owners to align properties and identify the boundaries of the area.

Master plan the business park to include multiple campuses of shovel ready sites, employee amenities such as open space and trails, and business attractions such as redundant fiber optics network and electric capacity, water and sewer connections. Identify target industries, plan campuses to respond to known needs per industry and attract congruent neighboring uses, and craft marketing messaging specific to each. Identify economic development points of contact in the county, township or municipalities to act as concierge to potential new businesses.

Key Components Key components of a unified business park may include: ++ Aligned properties in a contiguous, identified area. ++ Multiple campuses targeted toward various markets. ++ Key messages for marketing and communications including business park brand. ++ Amenities for future employees such as connected open space, naturalized stormwater ponds, and walking trail loops. ++ Attractions for industry such as redundant electric and fiber optics networks, water and sewer connection. ++ Coordination with economic development agencies such as JobsOhio and the Columbus Partnership.

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US-23 CORRIDOR strategic guide Draft

ACTION STEPS

1

Identify acreage, boundaries and target markets.

2

Brand the area with name, graphic identity, website and print collateral.

3

Articulate key messages for the park as a whole, as well as messaging to attract target markets.

4

Identify concierge points-of-contact for communications and site visits.

5

Work with JobsOhio and regional stakeholders such as the Columbus Partnership to market sites and identify potential users.

K E Y P L AY E R S Delaware County Economic Development, local land owners, developers, JobsOhio, Columbus Partnership, existing industry and business owners.

BEST PRACTICES EXAMPLES ++ New Albany International Business Park

next step # 4 4

CRAFT A COMMUNITY C O M M U N I C AT I O N T O O L K I T

OVERVIEW In any area that experiences rapid growth and change, miscommunication, misinformation, and community discontent can arise and take root. Further, communication is difficult in an area such as the US 23 corridor that is within the jurisdiction of multiple types of agencies with various degrees of power over development quality and land use.

A central resource for community communication would benefit nearly all of the recommendations and next steps in this document.

The community toolkit may take shape as a static vision booklet that establishes its vision and purpose, contains base information about the corridor, and answers community questions. Then, a website and/or email newsletter component could be updated frequently to provide up-to-date information. It could be held by a non-profit, neutral party or a regional entity such as Delaware Now and be a key point of coordination across jurisdictions.

ACTION STEPS

1

Establish a planning and/or public affairs team to guide process along with a steering committee of jurisdiction communications and/or leadership representatives. Could be coordinated into part of a Land Use Accord process and documentation.

2

Conduct a series of public, focus group listening sessions to identify community concerns, opportunities for community education, and build consensus and vision.

3

Draft vision, purpose, FAQs, and other content.

4

Conduct second round of public engagement to share what was heard in the first round, the draft content that is based on those findings, and confirm its accuracy. Refine and finalize based on feedback.

5

Repeat step 4 if needed to build consensus.

6

Document vision and findings and distribute to all jurisdictions for use in community affairs.

7

If a neutral party is identified to manage a website, post content and update regularly.

Purpose The toolkit will provide a neutral, central resource to help the US 23 corridor jurisdictions and stakeholders: ++ Answer community questions. ++ Dispel myths or misinformation that come up in community engagement or online forums and social media (i.e. property rights, economics and tax base, land use planning, annexation, development process).

An online component could live on after the creation of the toolkit and provide the following: ++ Public meeting invitations and “what we heard” results. ++ Development and other news from the corridor. ++ Celebrate successes such as new businesses, local entrepreneurs, community events, planning efforts, open space preservation accomplishments, local election results, and more.

K E Y P L AY E R S Township and community members from Orange, Liberty, Berlin, the City of Delaware, US 23 Land Use Accord process team and/or committee(s).

Key Components Key components for the communication toolkit include: ++ Vision and Purpose – with consensus across the corridor. ++ Community FAQs – identified in a public process. ++ Corridor statistics – demographics, employment, projected growth. ++ Highly graphic, easily digestible content and infographics.

BEST PRACTICES EXAMPLES ++ Fort Collins Community Vision ++ Licking County Accord

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