Implementing the Vision

The 2007 Community Plan update established a general policy framework for development. The West Innovation District Plan goes further as a specific action plan to carry out a refined vision and encourage appropriate development.  The West Innovation District must not only include the implementation of specific planning elements as defined in the Plan, but must also consider how the District can build upon success and gain a competitive marketing edge regionally and beyond. The following action items should be prioritized, directed and carried out to achieve the general vision of the West Innovation District:

Actions to Implement the West Innovation District Plan

Land Use

1. Update land use and development regulations in the Zoning Code to require general compliance with the West Innovation District Land Use Plan. (Implemented in 2011)
2. Refine the Zoning Code to establish a Research Support Zone that provides opportunity for retail and other support services at appropriate locations, as designated by the Plan. (Implemented in 2011)
3. Integrate a Height Regulating Plan as part of administrative review requirements to ensure compatibility with residential areas. (Implemented in 2011)
4. Continually monitor the West Innovation District Plan and revise as necessary to account for changes in development conditions and new planning considerations, thus preserving the Plan’s accuracy and effectiveness as a guide for economic development.
5. Continually monitor the Innovation District zoning regulations and revise as necessary to ensure their effectiveness in achieving the vision promoted by the West Innovation District Plan.

Transportation

1. Continue regional efforts to expedite interchange upgrades to maximize long-term accessibility for the area.
2. Integrate the dedication of rights-of-way or create reimbursement mechanisms to complete major improvements as part of the development process.
3. Proactively work with property owners to plat key rights-of-way that will establish the U.S. 33 reliever.
4. Program key phases of road and related improvements adjacent to SR 161 necessary to establish marketable front door appearances and make sites ready to build.

Transit Options

1. Use the West Innovation District Plan as a guide to upgrade regional transit plans for Dublin and to work cooperatively with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA).
2. Ensure that road improvements will easily accommodate the integration of transit over time.
3. Finalize a city-wide image for how transit will function outside the West Innovation District to ensure proper coordination.

Utilities

1. Program key water and sewer extensions along with road improvements to enable municipal owned sites to be more easily subdivided for development.
2. Remove the Post Road water tank to create additional land suitable for development along SR 161 / Post Road. (Implemented in 2011)
3. Continue pursuing the potential for dual power providers within the West Innovation District and ensure that the additional substation is constructed as needed.

Broadband & Technology

1. Continue promoting the City’s successes with broadband and WiFi to its greatest potential.
2. Pursue future partnerships with local high schools, technical schools and colleges to promote tech-based learning within the West Innovation District.

Open Space and Bikeways

1. Ensure vital greenway connections are dedicated or provided as easements as part of the administrative review of development proposals.
2. Program important segments of multi-use paths for completion in conjunction with development or as part of road construction.

Architecture

1. Ensure the desired contemporary style for the West Innovation District is adequately applied to set a new image for the area.
2. Use the West Innovation District Plan as a pattern book to complement zoning regulations and establish standards for architectural design quality based upon the specific locations within the West Innovation District.

Landscape Character and Design

1. Ensure landscape plans for individual sites meet the general intent of the Plan to create a lower-maintenance environment with a natural feel.
2. Encourage private development to extend the character of the right-of-way into the site as a design cue to create a more seamless transition between public and private space.
3. Use general site design techniques described within the Plan as a measure of appropriate site layout.

Design Details

1. Work with the Dublin Arts Council to program identified sites for public art as part of the Art in Public Places program.
2. Consider incentives for the implementation of corporate art as an important visual amenity for the area
3. Program key entry features and related streetscape elements along SR 161 to begin establishing a front door appearance for the West Innovation District.

Actions to Make the West Innovation District more Sustainable

1. Encourage or incentivize alternative site design methods that are consistent with the general character of the West Innovation District.
2. Encourage alternative architectural design that integrates sustainable design elements.
3. Consider a package of economic development and zoning incentives to facilitate implementation of sustainable design components.
4. Study the shared use of public space to see how park facilities and greenways can be used to create amenities and/or public-private partnerships for renewable energies such as geothermal, solar and wind power.

Actions to Establish the Regulatory Framework

1. Update zoning codes for the West Innovation District to promote the quick, administrative process that is desired for the area. (Implemented in 2011)
2. Revise annexation procedures to pre-zone properties into the West Innovation District instead of a holding zone. (Implemented in 2011)
3. Ensure subdivision regulations can adequately facilitate administrative splits of property necessary for the expedited approval process.
4. Consider implementing zoning incentives, where applicable, to help implement key elements of the West Innovation District Plan.

Actions to Partner with Property Owners

1. Establish greater dialogue / Communication and work jointly with landholders to help market properties.
2. Implement a data base and contact system that will allow for faster sharing of information about individual properties and potential development leads.
3. Create a City point-of-contact for all property owners to coordinate efforts with Economic Development and Planning.

Actions to Promote the Vision

1. Promote partnerships in the West Innovation District with educational institutions and business organizations.
2. Finalize efforts to market and advertise the significant regulatory, planning and economic development changes in the West Innovation District to the Central Ohio development community.
3. Update marketing packages to promote Business Neighborhood Concept and the benefits of the West Innovation District and refine plans to enhance public awareness.

Actions to Assist the Development Community

1. Establish a comprehensive development web portal to promote the Dublin’s business neighborhoods and the West Innovation District.
2. Integrate the ability to conduct property searches to more quickly align business leads with landholders.
3. Seek out real estate brokers, developers and designers from outside the Central Ohio region who might have interest in the West Innovation District and could match the style of growth desired.

Actions to Program Key Projects

1. Discuss updates to the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and establish a project shortlist that will be proposed and funded in both the next year and throughout the remainder of the 5-year program to continue forward movement.
2. Establish a Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) district for the entire West Innovation District that will target major projects and public improvements identified through the Plan.

Actions to Enhance Growth Incentives

1. Enhance promotion of the City’s idea for a speed-to-build environment and custom-tailored incentives as benefits to each individual company.
2. Analyze current incentives and consider new tools such as abatements, environmental design bonuses and other mechanisms not elsewhere applied in Dublin.
3. Consider a package of development incentives to be uniquely offered in the West Innovation District that can augment the City’s custom-tailored approach, and set the area apart.