Central Ohio Solid Waste Administration leaders believe they will be successful in attracting businesses to the Green Economy Business Park. The development is planned on 362 acres on the north side of London Groveport Road (State Road 665) in Grove City.
SWACO’s goal is to attract manufacturers who use recycled materials in their products, said Hanna Greer-Brown, communications manager at SWACO.
“SWACO’s Green Economy Business Park will use research, technology and advanced manufacturing to form a cluster of companies that bring together a supply chain for recycled materials,” she said. “New jobs could be created and local tax revenues and capital expenditures could increase. This innovative concept could create tomorrow’s products from today’s recycled materials.”
There are already approximately 400 businesses in Central Ohio that rely on recyclable resources, and SWACO’s vision for business parks will benefit these businesses while bringing like-minded businesses to the region. She said it is to attract more to
The market promises to grow, she said.
“We are gearing up for growth in Franklin County and prioritizing local partnerships,” she said. .”
A green economy business park could create 2,000 to 3,500 jobs
SWACO’s website, swaco.org, predicts significant economic benefits for the city.
“Based on the national model and the economic momentum behind recycled materials, the site will generate 2,000 to 3,500 manufacturing jobs at decent wages, $1.6 million to $4.2 million in local tax revenue and $350 million in local tax revenue. It could generate $500 million in capex out of the dollar.”
“The Green Economy Business Park will use research, technology and advanced manufacturing to integrate a sustainable materials management supply chain and create a sustainable destination for both businesses and workforces.”
SWACO’S GOAL TO CONVERT FROM LANDLANDS
The business park will also help SWACO achieve the goals of the Solid Waste Management Plan adopted in 2018. The goal is to increase the local diversion rate (percentage of waste recycled instead of going to landfill) from 50% to 75% by 2032.
The Grove City Planning Commission in December 2020 approved what Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage called a preliminary conceptual plan. He said SWACO has not yet submitted a final development plan.
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“We’ve had several discussions with SWACO, probably over the last three months, and I think we’re more in agreement about what’s happening within the 300 acres and a few acres range.” said Stage.
“CRA will allow both SWACO and the City of Grove City to spur development,” said Greer-Brown. “However, development success depends on all partners taking the appropriate steps.
“Grove City and SWACO recently collaborated to expand the community reinvestment area of our Green Economy Business Park site, which will provide the added bonus of new jobs and investment in our local community.”
Greer-Brown said processes that use recycled materials can have negative issues, such as bad odors, but SWACO is working with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Franklin County Department of Public Health, and other It added that it works closely with institutions to ensure that best practices are utilized and environmental regulations are adhered to.
“SWACO has been proud to call Grove City home for the past 30 years and remains committed to operating with a strong focus on public safety and environmental protection, and we are committed to making these priorities a reality. We apply it to any project, partnership or initiative we do,” she said.
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