Jackson Road in Scio Township has historically been the community’s “main street,” providing residents with a broad range of shopping and service opportunities. While the Township has guided the corridor’s development in the past, the recent slowdown in construction activity has allowed the Planning Commission to re-evaluate its approach, and envision a new character for this four-lane roadway.

Carlisle/Wortman Associates, working closely with the Planning Commission, DDA, and Builder’s Association, established the Jackson Road Overlay District, a zoning tool that will promote mixed uses along the corridor stressing retail, office, research, and limited residential land uses. Design guidelines were also formulated for the District to move away from a vehicular-dominated character to a more pedestrian-friendly character. The guidelines emphasize pedestrian-scaled amenities such as community gathering spaces, site furnishings, and landscaping, and pedestrian and bicycle connections to residential areas. Vehicles were de-emphasized by moving buildings closer to the roadway, placing parking at the side and rear of buildings, and providing circulation between developments. The Township is now well positioned to respond to new development proposals, making Jackson Road the centerpiece of the community.

Contact Doug Lewan for more information. pdf