text: Pierce Econ. Dev. Committee vision taking shape
  Pierce Township is edging closer to having an economic vision for the community.
  The first step in realization of this vision was achieved last year with the creation of an economic development committee. Earlier this month members of this committee took the next step in establishing a vision by presenting a draft of the Pierce Township Comprehensive Economic Plan.
  There's still plenty of work remaining, which will include an opportunity for community members to meet and offer feedback regarding the plan,
  Trustee Allen Freeman said. The economic development committee's goal is to have a final version of the plan available for adoption and implementation by next April.
  Between now and then the committee has a couple of immediate action steps to achieve, Freeman said. One is the creation of an economic development "tool box" for the website and the other involves looking at commercial and other development along Ohio 125, he said.
  The website tool box could be a "one stop shop" for those looking to make an investment in the community, Freeman said. For example, permit applications could be made available in this tool box, eliminating the need for people to stop by and pick up the form. Once available on the website, individuals will be able to download the permit form and fill it out. In the future, Freeman said he would like to see the form be completely electronic with users able to fill it out and submit it online.
  Other online tool box elements identified in the draft comprehensive economic plan include: township demographic data, land use and zoning plans, infrastructure information, business profiles, an asset package containing current business resources, recreational areas and quality of life environment, and links to other resources.
  In the area of commercial development, there's an opportunity for growth. Commercial property represents just 4.6 percent of the developed land in Pierce Township, Freeman said. Working with others in the county, the Pierce Township Economic Development Committee is looking to identify what kind of increase in tax dollars could be realized if commercial development increased just 1 percent.
  For this reason, Freeman said the committee is moving forward with the development of action steps needed to move the Ohio 125 study forward. Elements of this study would include investigating an entertainment district, retail district and commercial/office district along Ohio 125.
  The committee is expected to report back by the end of the year on its progress on both the website tool box and Ohio 125 planning.