From Bellville Mayor Darrell Banks:
BELLVILLE, Ohio — Bellville mayor Darrell Banks is optimistic his community will see a trend toward economic development in 2016.
In the latest installment of this RichlandSource.com series, here’s his future forecast for the year:
A $2.8 million project to widen Ohio 97 at I-71 will be the key to creating jobs and economic development for Bellville and southern Richland County. The growth will come because of a safer intersection, and recent changes in the Bellville Zoning Ordinance.
A turn lane will be tapered in at Alexander Road and run northwest under I-71 to Kochheiser Road, which is being moved further west so that Kochheiser Road will “T” into Ohio 97 at a 90-degree angle.
This project is being paid by a combination of an ODOT Safety Fund Grant, ODOT District 3 funds and District 16 (Issue II) funds. The latter was $500,000 obtained with the Richland County Regional Planning Commission voting this the number one project, and sending it to District 16 where it was approved.
The Safety Grant was made possible by a study, which was shared by the village and many of the property owners and local and corporate businesses located at this intersection.
After public hearings and a recommendation from the Planning Commission, council voted to amend the district known as B-3 Highway Business District. The B-3 District at the intersection of I-71 and Ohio 97 West will now permit retail business and light industry, both with restrictions.
The Bellville Planning Commission has been working with several companies that either have established a business in this area, or are planning to establish a business in this area. Those businesses that have revealed their plans to the Planning Commission will bring between 70 and 100 new jobs.
This intersect should continue to grow and bring jobs for the citizens of southern Richland County. Increases in revenue for our local governments should come from job creation, as well as new and expanding businesses in the area, not increases in taxes.
Bellville’s business community is strong, Main Street is full and the Strip Mall on Mill Run Road only has one empty store front.
In other news, the village has voted to pursue Utility Aggregation, and the Clear Fork Subdistrict of the MWCD continues to study the flooding issues through the USGS.
