One of the top issues on the minds of Violet Township and City of Pickerington residents is the economic development of our community. Also of utmost importance is the planning and wise development of lands available. At the same time, preservation of the quality of life in our community is highly valued. Fortunately, our community offers a high quality of life without the higher taxes that many surrounding suburban communities endure. Many argue that the growth has harmed their quality of life. Being a long-time resident, I see the growth as having many advantages along with the growing pains. I do not see the harm as defined by others. I see the advancement of conveniences benefiting me as a consumer that I would have had to leave my community for otherwise. There is not doubt that it also leaves crowded classrooms. We are a very academically successful and desirable location to raise families.
In order to secure economic development for our area, infrastructure, access, visibility and competitiveness to other developing areas must be considered. Businesses will shop for what they get from one community as compared to another. Yes, they look for incentives to locate or relocate. This is yet another philosophical difference of pro and con factions. Like it or not, it is a fact of commerce. John McGrory has discussed it in his brochure as something to be used by the Township (The Violet Township 2000 Economic Development Plan).
Let?’s look at the current economic development in the Pickerington Local School District. In a breakdown of the assessed values by taxing districts, we see the following statistics as calculated from the 2000 Tax Facts provided by the Fairfield County Auditor, Barbara Curtiss. Class II Properties are where you will find the Commercial, Industrial, Mineral and Utility Real categories that make up our current economic development totals. The percentage contributions are as follows: 1) City of Pickerington ?– 50%, 2) City of Columbus ?– 23%, 3) Violet Township, Unincorporated ?– 12%, 4) City of Reynoldsburg ?– 8%, and 5) Madison Township and City of Columbus (Franklin County) ?– 7%.
In looking at the total assessed value for the PLSD, we see that Class I or residential provides 81% of the funding while Class II provides 14%. The remaining 5% is from miscellaneous sources. As you see, the current burden is great on the residents.
In order to diversify our tax base, it is going to require a focus on economic development in the PLSD and cooperation between all officials. So far you can see the comparisons of actual current development. The time is now for action and cooperation. We need Violet Township and the City of Pickerington to plan together. The 2000 Violet Township Economic Development Plan consists of maps, pictures, charts and statistics rather than a working plan. John McGrory stated in a citizens group meeting that he works for our Township a total of ten hours a week. I implore you what kind of economic development is that? It is a small start at best. We need the Township to develop a genuine development plan other than a marketing tool masked as a plan.
Come together to formulate a joint economic development plan. We all are part of Violet Township and all benefit from the services each provides. The 256 improvements would not have been possible if the City of Pickerington had not jump-started the project with funding and engineering. Their work and funds moved up the process by four years. Whether we live in the City or Township, we all benefit. Quibbling about details will lose the ability to enter the race for us all.
In order to secure economic development for our area, infrastructure, access, visibility and competitiveness to other developing areas must be considered. Businesses will shop for what they get from one community as compared to another. Yes, they look for incentives to locate or relocate. This is yet another philosophical difference of pro and con factions. Like it or not, it is a fact of commerce. John McGrory has discussed it in his brochure as something to be used by the Township (The Violet Township 2000 Economic Development Plan).
Let?’s look at the current economic development in the Pickerington Local School District. In a breakdown of the assessed values by taxing districts, we see the following statistics as calculated from the 2000 Tax Facts provided by the Fairfield County Auditor, Barbara Curtiss. Class II Properties are where you will find the Commercial, Industrial, Mineral and Utility Real categories that make up our current economic development totals. The percentage contributions are as follows: 1) City of Pickerington ?– 50%, 2) City of Columbus ?– 23%, 3) Violet Township, Unincorporated ?– 12%, 4) City of Reynoldsburg ?– 8%, and 5) Madison Township and City of Columbus (Franklin County) ?– 7%.
In looking at the total assessed value for the PLSD, we see that Class I or residential provides 81% of the funding while Class II provides 14%. The remaining 5% is from miscellaneous sources. As you see, the current burden is great on the residents.
In order to diversify our tax base, it is going to require a focus on economic development in the PLSD and cooperation between all officials. So far you can see the comparisons of actual current development. The time is now for action and cooperation. We need Violet Township and the City of Pickerington to plan together. The 2000 Violet Township Economic Development Plan consists of maps, pictures, charts and statistics rather than a working plan. John McGrory stated in a citizens group meeting that he works for our Township a total of ten hours a week. I implore you what kind of economic development is that? It is a small start at best. We need the Township to develop a genuine development plan other than a marketing tool masked as a plan.
Come together to formulate a joint economic development plan. We all are part of Violet Township and all benefit from the services each provides. The 256 improvements would not have been possible if the City of Pickerington had not jump-started the project with funding and engineering. Their work and funds moved up the process by four years. Whether we live in the City or Township, we all benefit. Quibbling about details will lose the ability to enter the race for us all.
