Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson met with county commissioners Thursday morning to highlight some of the latest developments in the city of Ontario.
One of the most notable discussion items tied in with Wednesday’s announcement of the establishment of a new Federal Express facility in the Industrial Park, across from where the General Motors plant stood.
He said that the city purchased the industrial park area years ago. FedEx bought 31 acres within the park, and three or four other small lots will be added into that area, possibly another company, said the mayor.
While plans for the General Motors site are yet to be determined, Hutchinson noted that there have been conversations about the plant’s future.
He stated, “It’s a prime piece a real estate.”
Another new development is the addition of a Marriott extended-stay motel on the east side of Ferguson road, close to US Route 30. “I think that area has a good chance for it to boom,” Hutchinson said.
The city is also planning some roadway reconstruction on Ferguson, Lexington-Springmill, and Walker-Lake roads. The mayor said the city is participating in traffic studies, considering re-timing the traffic lights on the aforementioned roads to help alleviate traffic.
As more businesses flock to the area, generating more growth, the city hopes that that will justify the widening out of Lexington-Springmill Road.
West Fourth Street is also slated to be repaved.
Commissioner Ed Olson noted the development that The Ohio State University at Mansfield and North Central State College campus are experiencing with the addition of the campus housing. Olson said that Ohio State Mansfield Dean Steve Gavazzi foresees the campus growing to about 5,000 students, which translates into 5,000 consumers in that area.
Hutchinson recognized the potential impact the campus growth has on the city, saying that Ontario is working on sidewalk engineering to facilitate the extra foot traffic.
Olson also highlighted Avita Health and its impact on the Ontario community. He said the facility’s addition will have the effect of drawing more doctors to the area, which will have an impact on the city’s income tax base.
“There are a lot of infrastructure changes going on in the next five years…And we have a lot of room for growth,” Hutchinson stated.
“There are a lot of infrastructure changes going on in the next five years…And we have a lot of room for growth,” Hutchinson stated.
