PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio – As economic development projects surge forward, zoning controversies in Pickaway County are becoming points of contention, drawing sharp focus on a rapidly changing landscape and questions of due diligence. Two developments—Core5 Industrial Partners’ rezoning application for the Rickenbacker Business Development District and Anduril Industries’ $1 billion Arsenal-1 facility—highlight growing concerns around industrial growth, rural land use, and community oversight.
Rezoning Battle: Core5’s Rickenbacker Expansion
Madison Township Trustees will convene on February 4, 2025, for a public hearing to decide the fate of several parcels of rural residential land slated for rezoning into the Rickenbacker Business Development (RBD) district. The rezoning application, submitted by Core5 Industrial Partners LLC, covers approximately 118 acres across multiple parcels. These properties, currently designated as rural residential, stand at the heart of a debate over transforming agricultural lands into industrial hubs.
Core5, an industrial real estate giant, seeks to establish a large-scale business district near Rickenbacker International Airport. Promising state-of-the-art Class A facilities, Core5 touts its commitment to sustainable, high-value development. However, questions linger over the implications of this shift, including potential environmental impacts, strain on local infrastructure, and the future of Pickaway County’s rural identity.
The Madison Township Zoning Commission held one hearing on the application during its January 13 meeting. Concerns from residents range from increased traffic and noise pollution to fears of unchecked urban sprawl. The February 4 trustee meeting could set a precedent for future development in the county.
Anduril Industries: Zoning Missteps Emerge
The controversy surrounding Core5 comes on the heels of zoning discrepancies in the proposed site for Anduril Industries’ Arsenal-1 facility. The high-profile project, a $1 billion advanced weapons manufacturing complex, promises 4,000 jobs and a $1 billion boost to Ohio’s GDP. Yet, the Pickaway County Port Authority’s funding application to the All Ohio Future Fund has revealed misstatements regarding land use and ownership.
The application claims that 403 acres of the 528-acre site are zoned for industrial use, but investigations have confirmed that 120 acres remain unzoned for such purposes. Furthermore, the parcels in question belong to private entities not listed in the application. These missteps cast doubt on the project’s timeline and the transparency of its planning.
Rezoning agricultural land to industrial use is a lengthy process involving environmental reviews, local government approvals, and community engagement. Critics argue that inaccuracies in zoning declarations jeopardize public trust and risk delaying public funding and construction timelines.
Public Pushback and Broader Implications
Both projects underscore the delicate balancing act between economic growth and community preservation in Pickaway County. Residents are urging local officials to prioritize transparency, accountability, and long-term planning. Critics worry that rapid rezoning without sufficient oversight could lead to irreversible changes, undermining the county’s rural character while disproportionately benefiting large corporations.
The potential overlap between Core5’s plans and Anduril’s Arsenal-1 site adds further complexity. Though there is no official confirmation of a connection between the two developments, the proximity of the parcels and their shared industrial focus have fueled speculation.
The Upcoming Public Hearing
Core5’s rezoning application will determine whether rural residential lands near Rickenbacker International Airport will become the next frontier for industrial expansion.
As zoning controversies mount, the county’s residents, local officials, and business leaders face decisions about the future of Pickaway County’s growth trajectory. The outcomes of these debates will shape the county’s economic and cultural landscape for years to come.
The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on February 4 at 7083 Duvall Rd, Ashville.