Statement Regarding Proposed Cardinal Health West Rezoning

Key takeaways: 

• • Dublin’s Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) provided non-binding feedback during an informal review.
  • Dublin City Schools issued a statement saying the district was pausing this evaluation and looking at other options.
  • PZC evaluates land use and zoning classifications based on the Community Plan; Costs are not among the criteria PZC can consider.
  • The City of Dublin values its strong partnership with DCS and looks forward to continuing to be part of the stakeholder process.
  • Office space is vital for the City of Dublin, which operates on income tax. This funding is how the City provides safety, services and high-quality infrastructure.

(Dublin, OH) On Aug. 8, Dublin City Schools District and Cardinal Health participated in an informal review with the City of Dublin’s Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) to receive non-binding feedback regarding a potential rezoning of the Cardinal Health West site, located at 7200 Cardinal Place, to serve as a new high school for the District.

As part of the meeting’s discussion, PZC shared with the District and Cardinal Health that when the City evaluates potential rezoning requests, the City’s Community Plan guides recommendations and decisions for land use and development. The Plan recommends office uses along the I-270 frontage, focusing on employment-generating uses.

This area has been designated as office use in the City’s previous Community Plan, and that use was reaffirmed in the City’s most recent Community Plan, which was adopted by City Council July 1 after an 18-month public process. As presented to PZC, the plan for the Cardinal West site (i.e., a fourth high school) is a more intensive use at a facility that is twice the size of the Emerald Campus building.

The responsibilities and purview of PZC are set out in the Dublin Charter and Dublin Codified Ordinances. Under the Dublin City Charter, PZC hears applications for land use and zoning classifications and it makes recommendations on “matters of municipal planning, land use and zoning classification.” The criteria relate to use considerations under adopted community plans, the relation of buildings and the site configurations. Project cost or cost alternatives are not among the criteria that PZC can consider under the code for any applicant.

Additionally, the PZC is an advisory commission. Following an informal review, entities may file a formal application for determination to rezone the site. When a formal application is filed, the Commission would conduct a formal review and provide a recommendation to City Council, which then votes on any rezoning requests.

Following the Aug. 8 discussion, the Commission encouraged the District to investigate other potential sites as alternatives that align with the Community Plan. The District released a statement indicating that the potential acquisition of the Cardinal Health West building was one of several options under consideration as part of a broader strategy to manage growth and that they will actively explore other short-term and long-term solutions to meet the challenges of increasing enrollment.

The City of Dublin values a strong partnership with DCS and has been actively involved in the process of evaluating the District’s options. The City looks forward to continuing to be part of the stakeholder process.

Dublin is also committed to fiscal stewardship and transparency. The City’s largest funding source is income tax revenues, which allows the City to provide high-quality municipal services, invest in capital improvement projects like parks and roadways, and maintain existing public infrastructure that benefits residents, businesses and our schools. Our Resident’s Guide to Understanding Local Taxes is available for those who want to learn more about how local tax dollars are allocated.

About the City of Dublin, Ohio, USA

Dublin is a city of nearly 50,000 residents located just northwest of Columbus, Ohio. It offers residents and corporate citizens responsive services, attractive housing options, superior public education, direct regional highway access, abundant park space, thoughtful and strategic planning, innovative ideas and technology and a dynamic community life. Dublin is ranked the number one small city in Ohio and is consistently named one of the safest cities in the nation. It is home to more than 20 corporate headquarters, an entrepreneurial center, 4,300+ businesses, world-class events and the urban, walkable Bridge Street District. For more information, visit DublinOhioUSA.gov or call 614.410.4400.

Media Contact:

Lindsay Weisenauer
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614.410.4504
lweisenauer@dublin.oh.us

Newsroom: https://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/