Framework project announces final push for public input in planning for Intel's impact
NEWARK – Those who have not participated in the Framework project — a Licking County plan to prepare for the Intel impact — will have one final chance.
The third and final round of public input will feature open houses in Newark and Johnstown in early June.
The meetings are 4:30-7 p.m. June 7 at the Mary E. Babcock Library in Johnstown and 4:30-7 p.m. June 12 at the Newark branch of the Licking County Library. Brief presentations will be made at 5 p.m. at each location. Input can also be provided online June 2-16 at www.frameworklc.org and people can virtually review content shared during the open houses.
The last round of public input will showcase everything Framework has learned so far and ask what people think. Seven townships, four cities, three villages and county government have been part of the effort.
The Evans Foundation organized the 15-jurisdiction, public-private planning effort last year and hired Planning NEXT, a planning firm based in central Ohio, to help with the project. The final Framework report remains a few months away.
“We all need to think about this as a process,” Evans Foundation chairwoman Sarah Wallace said. "I think the public is learning a lot and a lot of this is understanding where we are and shaping the direction we’re going. It’s going to take a lot of collaboration.”
What is the Framework project in Licking County?
Famework began when Evans Foundation and local business leaders invited elected officials from communities along the Ohio 161/Ohio 16 corridor to an April 28, 2022 meeting. During the first phase of public engagement, Framework sought feedback on quality of place and worked to identify what is unique about Licking County.
When asked, “What is most important to you in the future?” the community responded with schools topping the list, followed by a sense of community and housing.
In January 2022, Intel announced plans to build a $20 billion computer chip manufacturing operation just south of Johnstown on Jersey Township land since annexed into New Albany. Two factories are scheduled to begin production in 2025. And the development could expand to $100 billion.
Intel plans to hire at least 3,000 to work at its factories, called fabs. About 7,000 construction workers will be needed, and the development could create 10,000 indirect jobs.
Following the Intel announcement, each community realized the massive planning needs for their area and the entire county. After county government officials said they did not have the staff to do comprehensive planning for each township, the Evans Foundations put together the public-private initiative to assess current trends in Licking County, inventory assets and define opportunities for improvement.
“We have a lot of really talented people in this community that have given a lot of input,” Wallace said. “There’s been tremendous input. It’s amazing the interest. I feel the appreciation for this. It’s helped everyone get to know each other and talk to each other.”
During the first round of public engagement, more than 150 stakeholder interviews were conducted, and over 3,000 individuals engaged online and in person. The team attended more than 52 outreach and engagement events and had more than 40 shares in newsletters/social media and various publications.
In the second round, more than 270 people helped identify desired character of place for communities and how and where growth should be addressed. More than 1,000 comments were mapped, with participants identifying places in Licking County as models worth replicating or areas for opportunity or redevelopment.
Pataskala Mayor Mike Compton said, “I am so impressed with the work done to this point with Framework. Pulling all these jurisdictions together, having these cities, townships and villages giving input is crucial for the future of all involved, and not just Licking County. The amount of information that has been gathered is astronomical, not leaving one stone unturned was a huge task which Planning NEXT has handled admirably.”
Jamie Greene, principal with Planning NEXT, credited the participating jurisdictions with their approach to the unprecedented effort.
“We try to approach all of our work with a very open mind and try to get the folks we’re working with to also have an open mind,” Greene said. “During the process, it’s really healthy to be open-minded.
“The tone and spirit of meetings have been ones of wanting to learn and be curious and be helpful to each other, and that’s not always the case. I’ve seen a lot of multi-jurisdictional efforts and I’ve been really struck by how willing and appreciative this group of 15 have been, and not going on their own.”
Although Framework has focused on the 15 jurisdictions, Wallace said it’s included regular meetings with Intel, New Albany, school superintendents and organizations like the Licking County Area Transportation Study, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the Licking County Building Industry Association.
Wallace said, “We can’t be in a vacuum. We have taken the opportunity and the time to have a Licking County-centric planning and exercise. It has been a very positive process. Hopefully it will make a big difference.”
Big obstacles remain, but Framework will provide a collaborative plan for Licking County communities, Wallace said.
“Licking County is committed to shaping tomorrow together," Wallace said. "Integrated planning across the board is critical ― from transportation and sewer and water expansion, to water quality and land conservation, to the success of our schools and effective partnerships between neighboring jurisdictions ― (and) will ensure a positive future for Licking County.”
Visit www.frameworklc.org to RSVP to attend an open house and sign up for more information on the process
740-973-4539
Twitter: @kmallett1958
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Framework announces final push for input in planning for Intel impact
