which includes big-box stores, serves both locals and visitors from surrounding rural areas. Positioned as a gateway to significant attractions like Cedar Point and the Lake Erie islands, the area sees nearly 11 million visitors annually.“Many of them pass through our community on their way to these attractions,” Boyle adds, emphasizing how the steady influx of tourists benefits local businesses. Its prime location along major transportation routes supports the township’s commercial success. U.S. Route 250, a critical connector to Columbus, runs through the heart of Perkins, as do the Ohio Turnpike and State Route 2. “We have great road access in every direction—east, west, north, and south,” Boyle notes. These highways facilitate commercial traffic and keep residential areas well-buffered from potential friction with business zones. “Our neighborhoods, large and small, are mostly positioned away from the major commercial development, which helps avoid the usual land-use conflicts,” Boyle explains, underlining how careful planning has allowed the township to grow without sacrificing the quality of life for its residents. Beyond its retail and residential offerings, Perkins boasts a wide range of industries, including a significant presence in the healthcare sector. Boyle describes the growing “medical corridor” along State Road 4, where a regional medical center and several specialized practices have taken root. “We have a fairly significant medical industry within the community,” he says, noting that a new multi-story building recently went up, reinforcing the township’s status as a healthcare hub for the county. The area also has several critical public institutions, including one of Ohio’s two state veterans’ homes and various county facilities like the sheriff’s office and jail. OPEN FOR BUSINESS Perkins Township has embraced a proactive strategy for attracting business and fostering growth. In recent years, the township has shifted its focus towards creating an environment where businesses can thrive, leveraging its prime location and supportive infrastructure. Township Administrator Boyle describes it succinctly: “We’ve gone out of our way to be a community open for business. It’s not just a phrase—it’s a mindset our elected officials and staff live by.” Boyle explains that this “open for business” mentality extends across all departments, from public safety to community development. “Our team works collectively to ensure we provide the best, most cost-effective services possible,” he says. This approach has positioned Perkins Township as a hotspot for potential retail growth, particularly along Milan Avenue, its central commercial corridor. Several properties along this stretch are primed for development, but further road access is needed. 107 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 PERKINS TOWNSHIP, OH
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