Delaware County Development Ramps Up -- Again - WCMH: News, Weather, and Sports for Columbus, Ohio

Delaware County Development Ramps Up -- Again

The opening of the Cabela's store near Polaris Fashion Place Thursday in more ways than one represented the rebirth of development in Delaware County.

The area boomed in the 1990s and early 2000s, but growth experienced a lull. Now, development is starting again.

"We were the last in the recession and were the first out," said Gus Comstock, Delaware County's economic development director.

Companies approach Comstock, expressing the desire to relocate their business to the area.

"Location, location, location," he said. "We tend to be north of Columbus. We have that huge population. North Delaware has a very attractive rural population. This area of Delaware County, this sort of Orange Township, Liberty Township, Genoa Township, ranks eighth in the nation in the number of 25- to 35-year-olds and make more than $100,000 per year."

"It all just builds on itself the more success you have down here in the Polaris area, the more success you're going to have in surrounding areas. We're just going to start filling in parcels of property with more job creators," said state Senator Kris Jordan (R), who represents the area.

"Mid-Ohio Regional Planning (Commission) estimates are population's going to go from 200,000 today to 335,000 in 20 years," said county Commissioner Dennis Stapleton.

There are plans for another mall just north of Polaris on Interstate 71, and companies are competing with each other to be chosen. It's not a bad position to be in.

"It's well planned out. It will develop very nicely and it will continually grow in a way that makes sense," said county Commissioner Ken O'Brien.

Two new high tech companies moved to Delaware recently, and more are expected to be announced soon.