A new multi-use development project is moving forward in Delaware County.
The “Kerbler Project” is sited on nearly 300 acres, adjacent to Mount Carmel Lewis Center (7100 Graphics Way) and the newly formed Creekside Industrial Park, just to the east of U.S. Route 23. Located in Orange Township, the project will combine 300 units of multi-family housing with single-family housing, a senior-care facility and retail, light office and industrial development.
Last Thursday, the Delaware County Commissioners approved a development agreement with the Schottenstein Real Estate Group and the Kerbler family, who are the landowners. The agreement set terms for the construction and financing of extensions to Home Road, Green Meadows Drive and Graphics Way. Last night, the Orange Township Board of Trustees approved a zoning request that will enable construction to begin.
“This was a true team effort and a great example of successful public-private partnership,” said Don Hunter, senior vice president at the Schottenstein Real Estate Group. “Thanks to the leadership of Delaware County, Orange Township and Olentangy Schools, a critical component of the much-needed Home Road Extension is becoming a reality.”
Added Orange Township Trustee Ryan Rivers: “The Home Road Extension is a critical piece of infrastructure that has been talked about for almost 20 years. This will open a new corridor for transportation and commercial development.”
Delaware County Economic Development Director Bob Lamb noted that this project fulfills two goals for the Commissioners: developing another east-west transportation corridor in the county and diversifying development in what is still one of the fastest growing counties in the state.
“The Kerbler property was previously viewed as a potential site for only single-family homes,” Lamb said. “This project brings office, retail and industrial uses to the community, thereby diminishing the potential demands placed on the Olentangy school district.”
Working with the Delaware County Finance Authority, Orange Township and Olentangy Schools, the County also forged a tax increment financing agreement with the Kerbler Project developers in December 2018. This TIF is projected to generate $36.7 million in revenues that will support these infrastructure improvements and local schools.
