Study: Retail, Residential Needed At Westland

Franklin County and Columbus city officials released a study on Thursday that called the Westland mall area a "strong market opportunity."

Franklin County and Columbus jointly funded the market analysis and economic development study of Westland and the West Broad Street corridor that was completed by the Robert Charles Lesser Co.

The study said that development in the area could generate new investment opportunities that would create jobs and bring services to the area.

"As the west side moves into a new era, this study provides an important road map for city, county and private sector cooperation with the community," Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks said. "Our focus is on creating jobs to assure our community's strength and growth here on the west side."

The study found an unmet demand for 250,000 square feet of retail space, 112,000 square feet of office/retail space and 570,000 square feet of flex/industrial space, a hotel and restaurants to serve the existing community and visitors to the new Hollywood Casino.

The study also found a demand for 900 new single-family residential units and 1,300 new rental units over the next 10 years.

The projected new development and the addition of the casino to the west side could create 2,650 new jobs, officials said.

"Our top priority remains job creation and economic development," Commissioner John O'Grady said. "I am confident that our investment last year to study the Westland area and West Broad Street corridor will be beneficial to the residents and businesses which are already located there as well as serve as a catalyst for future development."  

According to the county and city, the study findings were based on the participation of more than 1,000 people at public meetings, interviews and only surveys.

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