Housing, retail ideas for fairgrounds site
Residents submit 1,300 suggestions to UD, Premier Health.
UD and Premier Health have received more than 1,300 ideas about what to do with the former Montgomery County Fairgrounds.
The University of Dayton and Premier Health have received more than 1,300 ideas about what to do with the former Montgomery County Fairgrounds site.
Some common themes emerged from the input garnered from a public workshop, stakeholder meeting and an online web tool about the future of the 38-acre site, according to information released by planning NEXT, which UD and Premier hired to help develop a vision for the site.
More than one in three ideas related to community needs, amenities and recreation opportunities, such as a grocery store or market, shops, local dining options and entertainment, sports, fitness or youth attractions, according to a summary of the responses.
More than a quarter of suggestions call for creating a unique and high-quality destination, possibly that is highly walkable and bike friendly and that offers a mix of uses and connects with downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.
In all, about 600 people and 42 organizations submitted feedback about the fairgrounds.
“The university and Premier Health continue to work on a comprehensive vision for the former Montgomery County fairgrounds that will transform the property into a vibrant, lively area that serves both institutions’ missions, contributes to the region’s economic growth and addresses community needs,” UD and Pre-
mier Health said in a joint statement.
At 6 p.m. Jan 25, the public is invited to a workshop at the fairgrounds to get an update on the progress made to help map the future for the property. UD and Premier Health have said they hope to complete the master planning for the fairgrounds by the spring.
Here are some of the ideas for the fairgrounds.
Recreation and amenities: Some people want new community amenities at the fairgrounds. Suggestions have included a zoo, aquarium, movie theater, museum, performing arts venue, community center and racetrack. Other suggestions include a grocery store, market, restaurants and dining options, event and conference space and retail shops.
Connectivity: Some people want the fairgrounds to be oriented for bicyclists and pedestrians. Suggestions have called for free shuttle buses, connections to the river and more links between nearby neighborhoods, including those across the river.
Housing: Some ideas focused on creating affordable housing and housing for people with a mix of incomes. Some people want multi-generational housing that can cater to students, young professionals and older adults.
Education: Some people suggested building a medical or nursing school on the site. Other ideas included research and workforce training opportunities.
Other ideas centered on creating green space or a unique sense place. Some people proposed new health care developments. Some people wanted to preserve the history of the site. Others proposed a mix of housing, retail, office and services.
Some people said the fairgrounds could be home to new social services or “sustainable” activities like urban farming.
The ideas contributed by community members have helped UD and Premier Health distill key principles for the overall vision of the development, the university and health care provider said.
“We’re very pleased with the process so far and the spirit of collaboration with our partners,” the organizations said.
Development of the 38-acre site will occur in phases over multiple years, and after the planning process completes, work will begin with development and community partners to put together the pieces needed to begin the first phase, which will include financing, the groups said.