At its meeting on May 9th, 2011, City Council heard a proposal for a multi-story, mixed use development that includes offices, restaurants, 31 condo units and a self contained parking garage. This project would be tucked into the hill behind N. High St on Blacksmith Lane. Kevin Walter believes that this is a responsible and needed project for downtown Dublin. Downtown Dublin is full of grand visions and promises. Some kept, some not. BriHi is a project that comes to mind. This project, should it move forward, should deliver on many fronts. Kevin Walter believes that City Council’s duty is to ensure that this project end with “promises kept”!
1) Diverse Buyers: Condos is the heart of the city will provide an attractive alternative to those looking to experience Dublin in a new way. Close to schools, grocery, shops and restaurants – the condos could target any number of potential buyers.
2) Economic Development: Increasing the number of residents in and near downtown continues to build the vitality of the Historic Dublin Business district and should be an economic boom to business owners in the area.
3) Historic Core: This is the type of project, that, if done well, can assist in maintaining the vibrancy of downtown, while preserving the integrity of the historic core.
4) Parking, Parking, Parking: This project proposes not only a private underground garage that will serve the needs of the residents, but it contributes to the overall parking needs of the district by providing 63 public spaces as well. However, the project should also be required to participate in an area-wide parking plan that the district desperately needs. With new restaurants opening in Downtown Dublin all the time, more needs to be done to provide public parking in other projects as well.
5) Opening a Jewel: Kevin Walter believes that the Scioto River is a hidden jewel in the center of the city. This project has the potential to open that jewel up for generations to come. While not addressed in today’s concept, there exist numerous potentials for how this project could tie in to a vision for what the river could bring to Downtown Dublin.
As the map to the left shows, this project would encompass several parcels that would be joined together. It also would have access to the Scioto River. It is infrequent that a city gets the opportunity where a project comes in that has the ability to be transformational without being intrusive. City Council must work with city staff and with the developer to ensure that “transformational without intrusion” is always at the forefront of this project. River access is a precious commodity. The river is part of the public domain and Kevin Walter believes that the City of Dublin has the duty and responsibility to ensure that the river is protected for future generations to enjoy. Private development along this stretch of the river must include allowances for public access. The City of Dublin has failed to take advantage of this beautiful jewel in the past. This project, along with others planned be a catalyst to a true rebirth of the river in Dublin’s future.
For complete details of the concept plan:
http://www.dublin.oh.us/council/2011/agenda/5-9-11/pdf/Other-ConceptPlan.pdf