Township in early stages of revising land use plan

Process to last well into 2020 and involve community input.

MIAMI TWP. — Work has started on revising Miami Twp.’s comprehensive plan, a document last updated before the opening of the Austin Boulevard interchange that transformed the township’s southern end.

That area has seen more than $150 million in growth since the township’s comprehensive plan was last overhauled in 2006.

The township is in the early stages of a process to remake the document Miami Twp. officials will use as a framework for making future decisions.

The plan will aid township officials in “making choices consistent with the community’s vision for land use, services, transportation, parks and recreation, and housing, among other topics,” according to the township.

The process will last well into 2020 and involve community input on various levels, according to Chris Snyder, community development director.

“It is important for the township to focus on development that the community desires whether it be retail, corporate, recreational or other endeavors,” Snyder stated in an email.

“Future development decisions will be designed to complement existing businesses, but also attract new companies with new ideas into the region,” he added. “Input from residents is critical as we want to develop projects that they see as important to the prosperity of the community.”

Those who live and work in the township can take a survey on the township’s website at https:// www.miamitownship.com.

The 12-question survey includes a range of issues. They include:

■ what services survey takers feel are lacking;

■ what types of land use you would encourage or discourage;

■ rating the quality of various township amenities and services; and

■ the positive developments in the township in recent years.

The township is “currently approaching interested parties and are working to put together an advisory board in the very near future,” Snyder said.

Advisory board members will likely take part in more than a handful of committee meetings plus several public meetings during the next year, he said.

Despite the amount of development that has brought Austin Landing and growth along Ohio 741 south of the Interstate 675, there is the potential for much more.

The township consists of about 21 square miles. Of the vacant land remaining, about 45% has the potential for development, according to Snyder.

“Some might want more parks and open space, and we want to try and accommodate that,” he said. “It is also important to attract corporations that will bring in quality employees who will contribute to the township’s economic base.

“We also have several opportunities for in-fill development near existing residential areas, and we need a better understanding of the type and density of development that residents are comfortable with having near their homes,” Snyder added.

Updating the comprehensive plan “is a great opportunity to envision what fundamental features we want to have in the community in the future and what steps we need to take achieve our vision,” he said.