Jerome Township Trustees recently initiated the process to create a zoning overlay district for a new Innovation District, depicted above. The proposed zoning district will cover approximately 741 acres designated as a master planned business park. The zoning amendment will now go before the zoning commission to render a recommendation before appearing in front of the trustees to make a final decision. (Graphic submitted)
It took Jerome Township trustees only four minutes to initiate zoning changes that will lay the groundwork for a new Innovation District.
The Jerome Township Innovation District will be a “pre-zoned, master planned business park” intended to attract clean, high-tech uses; advanced manufacturing and research and development.
The board voted 2-0 during a special meeting Monday, as Trustee C.J. Lovejoy was absent, to initiate an amendment to the zoning resolution that would create an overlay zoning district encompassing 741 acres in the southwest area of Jerome Township.
Officials have previously said that the overlay zoning district refines existing zoning in an area that is already slated for commercial development.
“This overlay district does not change the underlying zoning of the property,” said Trustee Chair Megan Sloat.
The Innovation District will be located south of Warner Road and north of the Union County/Franklin County line, between the CSX railroad tracks and Industrial Parkway.
The zoning map will define this area, Sloat said, while the zoning text will establish a list of permitted uses. The map is divided into subareas where each use can be implemented, with specific regulations.
Sloat also explained the specific process for potential businesses to be established in the Innovation District.
She said applicants within the overlay district will need to provide a development plan for the property and obtain approval from the township. Then, they will be subject to the district’s regulations.
Sloat noted that the township has been working with the City of Marysville and Union County to bring plans for a master-planned business park to fruition.
“Earlier this year, the trustees and some of our community partners introduced a multi-point plan for the township to chart its course forward through economic development initiatives, coordinated infrastructure and forward-looking zoning…” Sloat said.
She listed four key goals officials have for the development of the Innovation District.
First, she said it will provide critical infrastructure, including roadway improvements.
Sloat said the Innovation District will also allow the township to determine its own future, with respect to its borders.
Additionally, she said officials want to “preserve the rural character of the township” by facilitating thoughtful growth in commercial areas, close to major roadways.
The new district will also serve to generate commercial tax revenue, Sloat said, which will be used to increase the quality of township services.
An economic impact study by Schottenstein Real Estate Group indicates that, at full build-out, over 20 years, the Innovation District is expected to create between $633 million and $760 million in tax revenue for the area.
The revenue would be generated between water and sanitary sewer costs paid directly to the City of Marysville; the Jerome Township Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) District, which encompasses the proposed Innovation District; and earnings tax within the Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) between the township and Marysville.
“Along with smart economic development and coordinated infrastructure, the establishment of this zoning overlay is part of a big-picture effort to accomplish these goals,” Sloat said.
The proposed amendment to the zoning resolution will now go before the township’s zoning commission for a public hearing.
Once the zoning commission provides a recommendation to approve or reject the amendment, it will go before the trustees to render their final decision.