By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
Groveport’s Main Street commercial project is nearing completion.
The two, new city owned buildings are part of the city of Groveport’s $7.6 million 1847 Main Project, which includes the 14,145 square foot Rarey’s Port (674 Main St.) building and the 12,184 square foot Wert’s Grove building.
Delaney’s Diner – a breakfast, lunch, brunch restaurant – will occupy space in the Rarey’s Port building. Little Italy Pizza, which has operated at 619 Main St. for 43 years, plans to move into the Wert’s Grove building.
According to Groveport Development Director Jeff Green, Delaney’s is expected to open for business in the Rarey’s Port building by the end of September or beginning of October.
“The delays have been caused by the workloads of the architect and engineers and completion of the mechanics, electrical and plumbing plans,” said Green.
He said Little Italy’s is anticipated to open in the Wert’s Grove building by the end of September.
“There really have not been any delays,” said Green regarding Little Italy’s opening. “It took a little while for the kitchen layout to be finalized by Wasserstrom, and M & A Architects had to finalize the design with Avery Ward (of Little Italy), but this project is proceeding according to schedule.”
Regarding potential business prospects to fill the remaining spaces in the Rarey’s Port and Wert’s Grove buildings, Green said, “We are currently working with a restaurant prospect for the remaining space. I’m not at liberty to discuss the same of the prospective tenant.”
Also discussions have been held with a local couple interested in opening a coffee house/bakery/local goods store in the existing Little Italy building at 619 Main St.
Area C potential for development
Groveport City Administrator B. J. King said there is “not much to report regarding Area C,” which is located along Pontius Road south of Hayes Road and extends south to the county line at London-Lancaster Road and areas eastward to Richardson Road. City officials stated this land consists of “thousands of acres,” of which 500 acres could be developed.
“The next step to pursuing development of Area C is to undertake a study to determine infrastructure and utility needs to support any development,” said King. It is premature to try to identify what types of development could occur in the area. This will be able to be better defined once the infrastructure and utility needs are determined.”
Earlier this year, Green said city officials do not know how much of this land may be available for annexing.
“The land is important, though, if the city of Groveport is to continue to grow and prosper and invest in the quality of life for its residents,” Green said earlier this year. “We are currently out of land for new development so we have to explore what our next ‘frontier’ might be.”
