housing and neighboring Springboro’s luxury market. The NCA ensures these developments generate ongoing revenue. “All new development in the city becomes a participant. Whether it’s the Sheets gas station, the new residential homes, the 600 acres of vacant industrial land, all of that growth can help support this downtown revitalization effort.” BUILDING FOR GENERATIONS Economic development often focuses on ribbon cuttings and grand openings, but sustainable growth requires thinking beyond immediate returns. Franklin embraces what Westendorf calls “cathedral thinking,” a long-term vision that shapes every infrastructure decision, from electric vehicle charging stations to comprehensive planning documents. “My police chief introduced me to this theory called cathedral thinking, where craftsmen way back in Europe would start a project knowing they will never see the finished product,” Westendorf explains. “I have a very similar mindset. We are complete a development stalled 15 years ago. Dr. Horton’s Shaker Farms brings 284 units on 100 acres of newly annexed land, including 40 townhomes. Additional projects could add 1,000 more residential units. “As a community of 10,600 people, we’ve got some challenges, especially since we’re at the lower end of the socioeconomic scale,” Westendorf acknowledges. “We actually are lacking the other side. We don’t have the higher scale residential within our community.” New homes target the $350,000 to $500,000 range, filling a gap between Franklin’s existing affordable 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx