New Albany preparing for Intel groundbreaking, visit by President Joe Biden

Gary Seman Jr., ThisWeek
·2 min read

New Albany officials say they’re excited about President Joe Biden’s visit to commemorate the groundbreaking of Intel’s microchip processing plants Sept. 9.

Although some details are unclear, such as how many dignitaries from the suburb will be invited to attend the ceremony, the importance of the occasion can’t be understated, said Scott McAfee, chief communication and marketing officer for the city.

“What’s exciting about the groundbreaking is all the preceding work it represents,” McAfee said. “Negotiations began more than a year ago with Intel, and so many people have been part of the push that moved this project forward, from Gov. DeWine to JobsOhio and OneColumbus to local leaders in Licking County and here in New Albany.

News:Biden coming to Ohio to break ground on Intel project on Sept. 9

Hottinger:Intel to build five fabs; suppliers scout central Ohio sites

“And now, with passage of the CHIPS Act and the president coming to town, Ohio will truly begin to be seen as the Silicon Heartland,” he said.

This is the heart of where the Intel chip manufacturing facility in New Albany will be built. This view, photographed May 30, looks south, with Green Chapel Road across the bottom.
This is the heart of where the Intel chip manufacturing facility in New Albany will be built. This view, photographed May 30, looks south, with Green Chapel Road across the bottom.

Major streets in New Albany will close due to Biden visit

As of Aug. 30, McAfee said, he is unaware of any set schedule regarding the president’s visit. Nevertheless, it will close down major streets for several hours, he said.

“The city will work with Intel and various governmental agencies to coordinate traffic plans, and we will keep the community informed about possible delays as those plans come more into focus,” said Ryan Ohly, the city's engineering manager.

More:Intel stock plunges as it prepares for Ohio groundbreaking

Presidents frequently visit major American cities to raise money and campaign and occasionally visit smaller communities to unveil a new policy or meet with constituents.

Dennis Keesee, president of New Albany-Plain Township Historical Society, said he vaguely recalls two other presidential visits to the area in the past 50 years but had no details available.

New Albany Chamber of Commerce leader: Economic impact of Intel microchip processing plants 'very positive'

Cherie Nelson, executive director of the New Albany Chamber of Commerce, mentioned two big takeaways from Intel’s local investment.

“First and foremost, the fact of the mission of what they want to do here in New Albany and build here in New Albany is key to our national security,” Nelson said. “You can’t lose sight of that.”

Intel CEO:Company moving 'full speed ahead' on Ohio plans after CHIPS Act passes Congress

And the economic impact of high-paying careers and the associated growth of suppliers and other businesses are “all very positive from a chamber of commerce’s point of view,” she said.

Check ThisWeekNEWS.com for updates as the city of New Albany's plans become more certain.

Check out ThisWeek Community News' five-part series on the evolution of New Albany.

gseman@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekGary

This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: New Albany, Ohio preparing for Joe Biden visit, Intel groundbreaking