The West Innovation District is a large-scale development area located on Dublin’s far western edge, encompassing approximately 1,100–2,250 acres of mostly undeveloped land bounded by Avery Road, Houchard Road, Shier Rings Road, Rings Road, and State Route 161/Post Road.

City Vision

According to the City of Dublin’s Envision Dublin Community Plan, the West Innovation District is planned as a major economic development area focused on:

•  Office, research, laboratory, and clean manufacturing uses

•  Innovation and collaboration between higher education (such as Ohio University’s Dublin campus) and private industry

•  “Speed to build” approvals to attract quality projects

The City describes it as a future economic engine designed to create jobs, generate tax revenue, and position Dublin as a hub for advanced technology and research.

Reading of the code amendments will take place on June 8th, with an anticipated vote on July 1st. 

•  Industrial Zoning Next to Homes: Plans to allow research flex, assembly, and potentially industrial-type uses directly adjacent to existing residential neighborhoods, creating incompatible land uses in close proximity to family homes.

•  Incompatibility with Community Character: The proposed development scale and uses do not align with the established suburban, residential character of Ballantrae and nearby areas.

•  Lack of Clear Code Definitions: Current and proposed zoning language lacks sufficient detail and strong protections regarding allowable uses, operational standards, and buffers.

•  Safety and Quality of Life Impacts: Potential risks related to traffic increases, noise, light pollution, emissions, hazardous materials, emergency response, and long-term environmental effects.

•  Need for More Time and Transparency: Many residents believe the code language and rezoning proposals require additional review, clearer safeguards, and greater community input before moving forward