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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/09/2005 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of SlJecial Meeth 19 of Dublill City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 Held May 9,2005 20 Vice Mayor Lecklider called the Special Meeting of Dublin City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2005 at the Dublin Municipal Building. Council members present were: Vice Mayor Lecklider, Mr. Keenan and Ms. Salay. Ms. Boring and Mr. Reiner arrived at 6: 1 0 p.m. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher and Mr. McCash were absent (excused). Staff members present were: Ms. Brautigam, Ms. Grigsby, Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Bird and Mr. Combs. Mr. McDaniel introduced the consultants: Jay Smith, Principal and Senior Landscape Architect, O'Brian Atkins Associates; Jim Nichols, Director of Business Development, O'Brian Atkins Associates. He noted that the City retained the firm of O'Brian Atkins Associates to assist City staff in planning the US 33/S.R. 161 Area Plan. Development. He noted that the purpose of tonight's meeting is to present a revised vision of the US 33/S. R. 161 Area Plan. The plan for this area was last updated for the 1997 Dublin Community Plan. This plan is based on the fundamentals of the 1997 plan, and it also sets the conditions for the next generation of industry and innovation. This translates into future job creation. The many segments of the current, strong economy in Dublin and Central Ohio will continue to thrive. However, it is essential to focus on job creation that is rooted in technological trends and stimulated by innovation and entrepreneurship. Jim Nichols. Director of Business Development. O'B'rian Atkins Associates, stated that . during their trips to this area over the past two years they have been impressed with the development within the region. They are particularly impressed with the fact that Dublin has a long-range vision in place for future growth; it has an existing base of over 450 technological companies; and it has infrastructure in place for future growth. Last year, Money Magazine designated Dublin as "one of the hottest cities for growth." Dublin also has a broad array of regional and state assets that can be beneficial in its creation of future jobs. As an example, Dublin has a company called Emeris, which has been at the forefront of propelling life sciences development in the state of Ohio. They have met with the director of that company, John Lewis. They have also met with Dr. Fred Sanfillipo, O.S.U. Medical College. Other bioscience companies, Battelle and Cardinal Health, provide a strong technology base for Dublin's development. Communities build wealth by creating jobs for the future, and technology is the key to that success. It either enhances existing products or services or creates new products and services. . Battelle, has identified strategic technologies for 2020 to enhance existing products/services: genetic based medical and health care; high power energy packets; integrated green technology; and worldwide inexpensive and safe drinking water. They have identified new technologies that will open up new fields of discovery. . Using new technologies and working together in a collaborative environment would lead to innovation and new jobs. Their focus is on how to create that collaborative environment here in Dublin. . Two high target areas for future jobs that have been identified by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce for this region are: (1) the fields of medical and biotechnology to address the needs of the aging "baby boomer generation;" and (2) the automotive industry, which is no longer centered in Detroit. The society of the future will be interested in making automobiles lighter, safer and more energy efficient - three areas of opportunity for the creation of future jobs within that industry. . The market for future job creation will have global competition. Dublin needs to draw the best and brightest minds to this area to make it more competitive. The traditional method has been to create research parks. Two highly successful and well-known research parks in the 1950's were: (1) the Stanford Industrial Park in Silicon Valley, and (2) the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. The majority of research parks have been created in the last decade, and they have met with modest success. The average number of companies in those parks is 40; the average employment is 3,400; the average investment is slightly less than $2 million; the average acreage is 532 acres. Dublin can do better. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Special Meeting of Dublill City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 May 9,2005 Page 2 Held 20 Jav Smith. landscape architect. O'Brian Atkins Associates, presented the vision that has been created for an innovation center in Dublin. Innovation will transform technology, and the innovation center will bring different focuses together in one place. Author Richard Florida, in his book, The Creative Class states, "Smart people are drawn to a place that values education.. .arts, culture, and diversity." Some of those places are Seattle, San Diego, and Austin. Dublin can be listed in the same creative class. . Infrastructure: The "next generation" research park will contain the vital arteries. But, in addition to the physical infrastructure, it in important to consider the human needs and quality of life expectations. They have envisioned educational opportunities juxtaposed to businesses, operating hand-in-hand - Ohio State University and a high school altogether. The innovation center will provide an ideal place in which to work and create, eliminating the stress of commuting to childcare, recreation, cleaners, entertainment, and dining. The creative environment will value its human inhabitants. . The environment will address the physical needs, as well - ample and consistent power; ample sewer capacity; sufficient and convenient road systems; alternative energy sources; and high speed, broad-band capabilities. The selected area is within the City's exclusive water and sewer service area. A partnership between municipalities should be explored as this innovation center gains momentum and grows to its 1,500-acre capacity or beyond. It is critical that the interchange, as described in the concept plan, be controlled, as it will be the gateway or corridor to the innovation center. Establishing the footprint for the interchange at US 33/SR 161 is very important as it would help control the growth of the park. The proposed footprint for the interchange shows a cloverleaf design on counter-opposing sides, a widened roadway, and improved ramps. All thoroughfares and greenways will be cognizant of the overall picture of connectivity. In addition to the roads, a transit system is incorporated in the vision for the innovation center. Broadband is a critical infrastructure to support data transmission. The City now owns 96 optical fibers throughout the 100-mile route depicted on the drawing. This connects Dublin to the rest of the world. The innovation park will rely upon the strength of the region, which is blessed with persons of talent and assets. . The City already possesses 200 developable acres adjacent to the US 33/SR 161 interchange. It would serve as the nucleus of the anticipated 1 ,500-acre innovation park. Mr. McDaniel stated that due to their knowledge of the national industry trends, O'Brian Atkins Associates assisted the City in formulating a vision for this area plan cognizant of both those trends and the fundamentals of the 1997 Community Plan. The vision will identify and respond to the needs for the "next generation" trends - infrastructure, human quality of life, and capital. The fact that the City owns this land adjacent to this accessible, highly visible corridor gives the City the necessary leverage to pursue this plan. Mr. Combs will present the vision, which will be used in a marketing plan for Dublin. Mr. Combs stated that: . The vision creates a special place consisting of a mixed environment of businesses, residences, research and development facilities, and support facilities. The 1997 Community Plan acknowledged the important role of the US 33/SR 161 corridor in the economic development and quality of life for the City. This presentation visits the initial ideas for a unique vision. The selected site stretches along US 33, from the Avery-Muirfield interchange north to the Post Road/US 33/SR 161 interchange. Existing elements include: great accessibility and a front door appearance; the Ohio Health Hospital that will soon be under construction; and other existing buildings along U.S. 33. The corridor leading from all directions to the park will communicate that the destination is a special place. A boulevard highway will stretch north from SR 161 toward Plain City and Shier Rings Road will be extended to Darree Fields, providing the potential for a future transit center. . The center circle will be the core of the entire development. It will provide the ability for a mix of different uses - office, warehouse, research and development, all integrated in a pedestrian-friendly environment. It will provide the infrastructure and quality of life needs in the future. In keeping with Dublin's image, an open- space network will link all of this together in a campus environment. The existing natural amenities will be utilized and built upon, which include: the Ballantrae golf RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Special Meeting of Dublill City COUllcil Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 May 9, 2005 Page 3 Held 20 community, Glacier Ridge Metro park, Ohio Health Hospital, Darree Fields, Red Trabue, the Chiller, Sports Ohio, and other existing buildings, companies, recreational opportunities and linkages. . The selected site for the central campus is on the southwest corner of the U.S. 33/S.R. 161 interchange with Cosgray Road on the west. As mentioned, the innovation center will be built upon the concept of a circle. From that initial circle, future phases of development will grow. The work and play focus will exist in a natural environment, and the architecture of the buildings will complement that. The prairie-style architecture will be used, similar to that of the Cardinal Health and the proposed Ohio Health Hospital buildings. Mr. McDaniel summarized that this development will expand the area and continue Dublin's economic development momentum despite the downward trend in other parts of the country. Dublin's legacy of vision followed by practice is the reason the City enjoys a vibrant economy and quality of life environment. Its present success is due to past and present City Councils and administration. It has been a partnership with the City's businesses, residents and development community that has created and sustained the dynamic economy Dublin enjoys today. If a vision is created and held in view, the community will tend to migrate in that direction. This vision continues that legacy. Mr. McDaniel then presented a PowerPoint of the vision for the Central Ohio Innovation Center. Mr. Lecklider thanked Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Combs and other staff members who developed this vision. He also thanked Mr. Nichols and Mr. Smith for their valuable contributions to the effort. Mr. Reiner stated that he is impressed with the extent to which the concept plan has been developed within the past 3 months. Mr. Lecklider stated that previous City Councils and administrations had the vision to capitalize upon the construction of 1-270 and to develop Emerald Parkway. That is a significant reason for the City's present-day success. Looking forward, the proposed innovation center will be the next step toward ensuring the City's economic vitality and success into the future. This presentation makes the public aware of the City's plans for a technological park. Bob Fathman, 5805 Tartan Circle North stated that it is important that Dublin's tax base keep pace with residential development in the City. He is impressed with the proposed innovation center. He inquired if parking was addressed in the concept plan. Mr. McDaniel responded that there were two conceptual parking structures in the plan. However, it is only a vision at this point. Mr. Fathman inquired if Dublink is in that area? Mr. McDaniel stated that it presently is not. It is anticipated that would occur with the infrastructure buildout. Mr. Fathman inquired about a marketing plan for the innovation center. Mr. McDaniel responded that the first step in marketing would be to show the vision to development site selectors as a very desirable, potential site. This will be incorporated into the visioning of that area in the Community Plan process. The City will build the infrastructure and build in incentives and other initiatives to attract future "next generation" businesses to that area. But the actual building on the site will be done by future "next generation" businesses. Mr. Keenan inquired if related zoning issues would be addressed in the Community Plan. Mr. McDaniel responded that the zoning needs would be addressed in the Community Plan process. Mr. Fathman inquired if the proposed development is within the City corporation limits, or if some land lies outside of Dublin? Mr. McDaniel responded that other than one corner of the site, the 1,500-acre site is within City limits. The entire site is within the City's exclusive water and sewer service area. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Special Meeting of Dublill City Coullcil Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK, INC.. FORM NO. 10148 May 9,2005 Page 4 Held 20 Mr. Fathman inquired the anticipated timeframe for achievement of the critical mass. Mr. McDaniel responded that it would depend upon how soon development interest occurs. It could happen anytime, but it may take up to 20 years to build out. Mr. Fathman inquired if the City would offer financial incentives to encourage the right type of development on that site. Mr. McDaniel responded that the City would do so. In addition, Council approved his request to secure expert advice in identifying state and federal grants available for this type of project. Emily Turner, Ohio Department of Development, is present tonight. Ms. Turner has been identifying various opportunities, such as grants, low-interest loans, and incentive programs at the state and federal levels. . Mr. Lecklider referred to the earlier comment that the majority of existing research parks have achieved only modest success. What are the assets of this region that indicate a research park would achieve greater success here? Mr. Nichols responded that there are a number of factors that would contribute to success: the presence of a significant research university; a well-educated workforce; a cluster of successful companies; supporting community amenities and services; community colleges and technical schools to provide the necessary technical workforce; a high quality of life community - good schools, reasonable housing, good job market. Dublin scores well in the "creative class" arena, but will score even higher if it is successful in building an innovation center. Mr. Reiner inquired if research parks include technical schools within their campuses. Mr. Nichols responded that, except for one case in North Carolina, he is not aware of any other research park that includes a community college presence. However, that is part of this vision - a magnet high school or community college with evening classes could be located in this area. It is anticipated that the concept of life-long learning will become even more popular. A large number of the O,S.U. faculty resides in Dublin, many of whom would be interested and supportive of that effort. In the future, continuous education will be built into many jobs, and providing those educational services within this setting will give Dublin a unique advantage - one which other technological parks currently do not enjoy. Vice Mayor Lecklider thanked the developer and staff for the exciting and informative presentation. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m. ~ ~~ Clerk of Council