STAYING WITH THE STORY
The Springfield News-Sun broke the news about a proposed Kroger Marketplace store in Springfield Twp. in April. The paper will continue to provide unmatched coverage of business and jobs in the region.
The first major commercial development proposed for the largely rural area south of Interstate 70 in Springfield Twp. has divided some Clark County residents, many along city-township lines.
If city leaders approve the rezoning and annexation requests this fall, the proposed $20 million Kroger Marketplace would mean relocating the existing grocery story in the heart of the south side to build a larger development on Ohio 72.
Opponents believe the store will create traffic and crime problems in Springfield Twp., while others believe 350 new jobs and an significant expansion in grocery selection will give a much-needed boost to Clark County.
About 30 people attended an informational meeting at the NAACP Springfield Unit on East Auburn Avenue on Wednesday evening, which included representatives from both the city and the Chamber of Greater Springfield.
The NAACP is in favor of the new Kroger development, but has concerns about transportation to the new store, President Denise Williams said.
Springfield Twp. resident Diana Daniels told the audience she walked about 30 minutes from the proposed location on Ohio 72 to the current location on S. Limestone St. She’s concerned about how some people will get there, especially those who use walkers and motorized wheelchairs, and wants a transportation plan created as part of the development.
“If you don’t, you’re leaving out a great section of people who don’t have a car and are underserved,” Daniels said. “It’s their only means of transportation. When I walked down there today, I was scared to death.”
Springfield officials and First Transit, Inc. — which runs the SCAT bus service for the city — have already discussed changing bus routes to travel to the new Kroger location, Springfield Accounting and Budget Manager Tiffany Ross said. However, nothing has been decided at this point, she said.
The city is also working with ODOT on options for adding sidewalks and other types of transportation to the new Kroger site, she said.
“We can definitely change our routes to accommodate (the store),” Ross said.
While the routes can be adjusted, the times also need to be changed to include weekends and evenings, Springfield Twp. Susan Page said. The city has not discussed changing times at this point due to funding, Ross said.
A consultant’s study a few years ago showed Clark County economic development officials should focus efforts on improving the South Limestone Street corridor, The Chamber of Greater Springfield President and Chief Executive Officer Mike McDorman said. The goal is to make the South Limestone interchange at Interstate 70 “the golden gateway” into the city — and Kroger can be the catalyst, he said.
More development on the south end will bring people back to Springfield, McDorman said, including bringing market-rate condominiums and apartments and other types of developments.
“Retail drives where people live today,” McDorman said. “We’re going to get things we never thought possible. … If we’re going to dream big, we need to dream big.”
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