Utility infrastructure is a key ingredient for encouraging development within the West Innovation District. A majority of improvements will be extended along with major roadway enhancements, and the West Innovation District Plan includes study and analysis to ensure that infrastructure is sufficiently anticipated and installed. Any improvements should also provide the flexibility to address future changes and technologies. Sufficient electric and water service is vital to marketing and attracting clean manufacturing companies.
Water & Sewer Services
Water and sewer infrastructure for the West Innovation District was modeled as part of the 2007 Community Plan update, similar to planned transportation improvements for the area. Land uses were measured as part of that analysis to determine required levels of capacity at build-out. The northern and southern halves of the West Innovation District are located within the South Fork Indian Run and Cosgray sewersheds, respectively. Modeling results indicated that the South Fork would require 4,000 feet of improvements to accommodate expected development capacity. This sewershed includes a significant portion of township land not expected to annex into the city. As a result, service will generally be sufficient to meet long-term demands. The Cosgray sewershed was also determined to meet future capacity needs within the West Innovation District.
The City of Dublin has completed a sewer extension that will provide service west along the South Fork Indian Run to properties in the northwest corner of the planning area. The extension beyond Cosgray Road will provide the opportunity for industrial areas still within the township to annex and more easily acquire public services.
The City of Dublin has also proactively invested to improve portions of the Post Water District that includes all of the West Innovation District. Installation of final segments to establish a loop system has improved service within the southwest area of the city. Completion of the two-million-gallon tank at Darree Fields ensures that future development has sufficient capacity to meet any needs. Construction of this tank allowed the aging Post Road tank along SR 161 to be removed, providing additional prime frontage land for redevelopment.
Electric and Other Utilities
Electric, gas, phone, cable, and other utilities can be easily provided throughout the West Innovation District. The area is located within the service area for American Electric Power. With substations along Shier Rings Road and Hayden Run Road, to the east and south respectively, additional capacity and redundancy can be provided. In order to further enhance the area’s capabilities, the City of Dublin donated land to the utility provider for an additional substation south of SR 161 in the west portion of the planning area. This site provides power from high tension transmission lines running north to south through the West Innovation District between Cosgray and Houchard roads. Completion of the substation will allow additional looping for redundant power provision. Past planning discussions with AEP identified the capacity to extend lines for large-scale users from Shier Rings Road, as well as the future Houchard substation. Union Rural Electric also provides power just to the north of the West Innovation District, providing opportunity for dual power sources.
The West Innovation District has a significant component of gas infrastructure in place. Major lines are located along SR 161 with service extending down Eiterman Road and Cosgray Road. Industrial areas on Fishel Drive and Dublin Park Drive also have service, and the future extensions along key roads provide the capability to easily facilitate development. Similar to the provision of natural gas, other utilities such as phone and cable are readily available. Easements are provided as the City extends road improvements to ensure that all utilities are coordinated. Underground installation is required for visual quality and to protect service.
