Newcomerstown poised for economic growth, mayor says
NEWCOMERSTOWN − The multibillion Intel project in Licking County is sparking interest from developers in the village, Mayor Pat Cadle says.
“Before that was announced, I was receiving four or five hits a year on LinkedIn and now I’m receiving 15 to 20 a week," he said during his monthly mayor's breakfast last week at April's Country Kitch'n.
Intel has said it will create 3,000 jobs at its Ohio semiconductor factories. The annual payroll is expected to be $405 million by the end of 2028.
Cadle, who outlined several economic development projects, said the village is positioned well to take advantage of the new interest because of the availability of water, sewer, electricity and transportation.
He noted that the former Carbo Ceramics site, which has been empty for nearly two years, has been purchased by a company associated with the Intel project. He also cited the purchase of the former Caito facility; and a Plymouth Foam facility being planned for the Industrial Park, which will provide 42 jobs. The village is working with the Community Industrial Corporation to complete that project.
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Reagent Chemical, H-3D Diamond also growing in Newcomerstown
Cadle also pointed to several companies expanding or looking to expand in the Newcomerstown area, including Reagent Chemical Co., which recently opened its facility along County Road 9 and is taking advantage of a railroad spur that the village built in that area.
Another is H-3D Diamond, a machine facility using the latest technology. It is experiencing “exploding” growth, the mayor said.
Cadle said the railroad spur has been a great incentive in the development in the industrial park area.
And the development isn’t done, he said.
While the loss of the former Simonds/Heller factory several decades ago led to the loss of hundreds of jobs in the village, there have been multiple inquiries about developing the Industrial Park area, he said.
“We currently have a larger company looking to develop that site,” Cadle said. “It needs at least 40 acres and would provide 80 jobs to start and 300 jobs in a few years."
Newcomerstown's image is improving
The mayor said the community's image is changing.
"There are houses being torn down to improve the village’s look," Cadle said. "People are taking better care of their properties.”
The mayor noted the companies looking at Newcomerstown are also looking at the village in terms of activities and recreational opportunities, calling attention to the efforts by Newcomerstown Now and ARTSNCT, both nonprofit groups designed to provide events for area residents.
The mayor discussed grants received by the village, totaling $1 million in 2022 and an estimated $3 million over five years. He said he discussed painting every building in the downtown area with the company that painted the Newcomerstown Public Library Annex with an estimate of $350,000.
In response to questions, the mayor also noted:
• Plans by Trinity Health Systems to have a facility along U.S. Route 36 east of the village.
• Potential development of the former Newcomerstown Truck Stop area.
• The Bank One/Chase Bank property on Main Street has been discussed as a site for a potential brewery.
One of those attending, Scott Welch, a local businessman, noted there is money available for development but those with money need to see a viable business plan before investing. He also said there are resources available, including experts at the Kent State University campus in New Philadelphia and the Tolloty Technology Incubator in New Philadelphia.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Newcomerstown poised for economic growth, mayor says
