Dover news: National Guard selling property; Schaeffler proposal grows
DOVER (September 23, 2024) – The Ohio National Guard is planning to sell two acres of its property in north Dover to a commercial enterprise.
The city’s planning commission earlier this month approved a lot split for the property at the corner of Ohio and Wooster avenues. Mayor Shane Gunnoe says there is significant interest in the land next to the armory, but he wouldn’t identify potential buyers.
“It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to say who the entities are,” Gunnoe said. “The National Guard said at the planning commission meeting that they’ve been contacted by two companies. I’ve been contacted by at least two companies. There is a lot of interest I think if that land goes up for sale.”
He believes the development of that property would be positive for the city.
“That corner right there I think has always been something that would make sense for business development. The National Guard has said that they don’t have a use for those two acres and would benefit from the sale financially.”
This is the latest in a series of developments in north Dover. The city in recent months has approved a 30-home subdivision and a large manufacturing facility. The Aldi grocery store chain has been looking for a spot in north Dover. However, the city’s planning commission rejected plans for an Aldi store on 2.4 acres about a half mile north of the National Guard Armory on Wooster Avenue.
Schaeffler proposed facility doubles in size
The Schaeffler manufacturing facility coming to north Dover is even larger than initially proposed. The city’s planning commission last week approved the company’s plan for a 260,000-square-foot facility to manufacture components for electric vehicles. Schaeffler’s initial announcement back in February was for 130,000 square feet. Dover Mayor Shane Gunnoe welcomes the news.
“The plan submitted by the company calls for a 260,000-square-foot facility which is nearly double what was originally announced for phase 1 by the company back in February. In my mind, this speaks well to the future of the project and to Schaeffler’s commitment to the area.”
Schaeffler’s February announcement had also called for a $230 million investment and 450 new jobs in Dover.