LICKING COUNTY — Homeowners in the area where a multibillion-dollar Intel plant will be located shared their concerns about how the project will impact their lives.
In January, Ohio was selected as the winner of Intel’s new $20 billion chip facility following competition from 40 U.S. states.
The two new ‘leading-edge’ factories will be located on what is now farmland in Licking County, according to a release by Intel.
But for homeowners who built homes in this rural part of Licking County, the new development raises concerns, reports our news partners at WBNS-TV.
Those who live on Aruba Avenue in Licking County call their subdivision “The Bermuda Rectangle” because it’s an island surrounded by farmland, but that could soon change.
Many worry the houses they’ve owned for two decades will fall in value once Intel begins constriction on the farmland that has protected their homes from approaching developments.
“We are losing our lifestyle,” Connie McVay, resident, told WBNS.
“Now we will be surrounded by what I call a concrete jungle,” Dave Freshly said.
But some who live in the neighborhood also understand what the Intel development will bring to the area.
“I’m excited for what it’s going to do for Ohio and for our country. I’m just not excited about being the Bermuda triangle in the middle of all of it,” Jennifer Jennings said.
The City of New Albany, has said they will provide barriers for residents in the area.
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The city promised “a minimum 100-foot building setback from any resident. If a building will exceed 65 feet in height, the minimum required setback is increased to 300 feet. The city is adding landscaped mounds with a mixture of trees to provide an opacity of 75 percent,” according to WBNS.
For some, this isn’t enough.
“It’s not going to be a barrier to sound and it’s not going to be a barrier to light,” Freshly said.
New Albany also said they don’t expect the project to negatively impact property values.
“We don’t believe that the project will negatively impact nearby property values. The experience at other Intel sites indicates responsible growth that actually benefits property values,” WBNS reports the city said.
WBNS reached out to Intel for a response but did not hear back.