As expected, on May 3, the New Albany City Council voted unanimously to pass the law officially placing Intel’s long-lasting microchip processing plant within the city limits.
The council votes on two ordinances: the annexation and rezoning of 1689 acres in jersey township, of which 900 acres will be occupied through Intel.
The annexation, which was passed as emergency legislation, takes effect immediately and allows crews to begin painting streets on the site.
The rezoning will take effect in 30 days, as the city saw no explanation for why to rush, said Scott McAfee, the city’s director of communications and marketing.
Mayor Sloan Spalding, also a voting member of the council, said it was a momentous vote, given that talks with Intel and city officials began last July.
“We are very excited for Intel to come to Ohio,” Spalding said. “This is a wonderful victory for our nation, state and locality, and I must also emphasize that we are in a position for this project.
“More than 19,000 people already paint in our business park, and with the help of our other assignment partners, we will ensure that the infrastructure is built for our entire community.
The strength of Intel’s $20 billion investment cannot be underestimated,” said City Manager Joe Stefanov. “The source of tax revenue that will be generated as a result of Intel’s allocation will benefit our city, as well as our school and municipality. Partners and other Ohio municipalities will have the opportunity to attract jobs that will remain at Intel. This is wonderful news for our entire state. “
The annexed land was part of a comprehensive 3190 annexation agreement that New Albany had entered into with the jersey township directors. With respect to the remaining 1501 acres, no pending application for annexation has been submitted through those owners, who will have to request that their lands be annexed to New Albany.
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@EstaSemanaGary