Groveport Messenger - September 5th, 2021

www.columbusmessenger.com
Where to go next for development?
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
Land in and near Groveport that could
be developed is gradually being used up.
“South is the only direction readily
available for development,” said Groveport
Economic Development Director Jeff
Green. “We’re blocked to the north, west,
and east (by other municipalities).”
According to Groveport Mayor Lance
Westcamp, “We need to concentrate on the
businesses we have and keep them here.”
Added Groveport City Councilman Ed
Dildine, “We’ll eventually come to the point
where growth won’t happen any more as
the area fills up. Most of our commercial
growth is away from residential areas,
unlike in other communities.”
Green told Groveport City Council that
a feasibility study should be pursued to
review the potential development of a large
amount of acreage, known as “Area C,” at
the city’s southern border. He said Area C,
an area located along Pontius Road south
of Hayes Road and extending south to the
county line at London-Lancaster Road,
consists of “thousands of acres,” of which
500 acres could be developed.
Green said the feasibility study of Area
C could review: potential revenue that
could be generated, expenses to open the
sites for development, and what could be
developed there. He noted it could cost $20
million just to extend a sewer line to the
area.
“I know there is warehouse fatigue in
the community, but the warehouses pay
our bills,” said Green. “We look at economic
development, but not just development for
the sake of development.”
Green said any development in Area C
must adhere to water and sewer agreements
with the city of Columbus as well as
income tax revenue sharing between
Groveport, Groveport Madison Schools,
and Columbus.
Dildine and Councilwoman Jean Ann
Hilbert both noted that if Area C is eliminated
from development by Groveport,
there are not a lot of areas left for growth.
“We need to look at all the angles,” said
Dildine, adding that if Groveport does not
develop the area, other communities will
come in and do it and then those communities
will receive the revenue and the control
about what is built there. “We have to
explore all possibilities.”
Green said the warehouse vacancy rate
in Groveport is less than five percent.
“The market is so hot right now,” said
Green. “Developers approach us every
week about coming here.”
He said, because of Groveport’s location
and the area’s transportation system, companies
can reach two-thirds of the United
States’ population and a large part of
Canada by locating in Groveport.
Green said it is a myth that companies
in the warehouses leave Groveport after
their 15-year property tax abatements run
out.
“In my 20 years of working here in
Groveport, only one company left town
after their abatement expired,” said Green.
“And when they did another company
moved in to fill that space. It’s not easy for
companies to pick up and move and to
chase tax abatements in other communities.
Abatements initially get them here
and they stay because they like it here in
Groveport.”
According to Green, there are about
5,500 jobs in the currently tax abated businesses
in town and that does not include
the 1,700 jobs provided by The Gap and
others whose tax abatements have run out.
“After their abatement expired, The
Gap built a 400,000 square foot addition to
their property,” said Green.
By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
A Madison Township Police officer was
injured during a recent incident at
Groveport Madison High School.
According to Madison Township Police
Chief Gary York, Keith Mallory, the School
Resource Officer since 2018 and a 17-year
veteran with the Madison Township Police,
sustained injuries to his head, elbow, and
knee on Aug. 19. Mallory reported back to
full-duty status on Aug. 23.
“Officer Mallory was in the cafeteria at
Groveport Madison High School having
lunch with a group of students when two
other female students, who apparently did
not know each other, began having a verbal
argument,” said York. “Officer Mallory
intervened, attempting to separate the two
students and de-escalate the situation. The
two students, while physically separated
by Officer Mallory, continued to argue and
began to physically go after one another,
completely disregarding Officer Mallory,
fighting through him to get to one another.”
York said that, during Mallory’s
attempts to de-escalate the situation, he
was bumped by one of the females and lost
his balance due to a chair that had been
knocked over and fell to the floor.
Police officials were told the students
September 5, 2021 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 3
Township police officer injured
were fighting because of rumors about
comments being made.
“The initial incident lasted only a couple
of minutes,” said York. “Three school security
guards broke up the fight after Mallory
was bumped.”
York said both students were charged
criminally with disorderly conduct for
fighting on school grounds, a misdemeanor
of the fourth degree.
“In speaking with school officials, additionally,
both students will be facing an
expulsion hearing by the school district,”
said York.
York said fights at the school happen
from time to time.
“It comes down to choices and consequences,”
said York. “Sometimes the best
choices aren’t being made.”
AUTO HOME
Beplerinsurance.com
614.837.4379
staff@beplerinsurance.com
3246 Noe Bixby Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43232
FAYETTE COUNTY
DRUG EDUCATION
CAR SHOW
REGISTRATION
10AM - 12PM
AWARDS AT 2 2PM
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY
FOR GOOD FOOD, COOL CARS
AND BIG SAVINGS!
8000 Factory Shops Blvd
Jeffersonville, fersonville, OH 43128
Parking Lot Facing 71