Although it's a long way from becoming a reality, the prospect of a 480-acre industrial park in Shalersville remains encouraging news on the economic development front in Portage County.
The county is seeking a $5 million grant from the Ohio Department of Development to assist in turning the site into an industrial facility. Full development of the site, which is north of the Ohio Turnpike between S.R. 44 and Infirmary Road, would take about $12.5 million, with infrastructure of roads, water and sewer lines costing about $10 million.
The site, which is owned by Shalersville Real Estate Investments LLC, could be a prime location for industry.
Unlike some of its more urban neighbors, Portage County is blessed with locations such as this one that could be adapted to industrial use. It is large enough to sustain substantial development without encroaching on residential areas. A county waterline is near the area; county officials indicate that sewer service could be provided through an arrangement between the county and Mantua.
Its proximity to the turnpike also is an asset. While the area near the turnpike interchange has, for some reason, failed to spark much development since its opening in the 1990s, that could change if an industrial park locates there.
No prospective tenants have been identified for the proposed development, which isn't surprising given the tentative nature of the plan.
The project has been endorsed by the Shalersville Townshio trustees, Portage County Regional Planning Commission, Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce, Team NEO and NEFCO, which is an encouraging indication of broad-based support for it.
The next step appears to be up to the Department of Development, which will consider the grant proposal through its Job Ready Sites Program. Approval by the state would be a welcome development for Portage County.