Place

Place is a descriptive term about the physical character of the central Ohio region. The 12 counties of central Ohio encompass 6,300 square miles. There are approximately 305 people per square mile. As a comparison, New York, the most densely developed city in the nation, has a density of over 25,000 people per square mile. In the central Ohio region, Franklin County is the most densely populated with over 1,900 people per square mile, and Morrow the least densely populated with just under 80 people per square mile.  The US Census Bureau considers an area to be “urban” if the population density is over 400 people per square mile.

The relatively flat geography of central Ohio coupled with the high capacity of its infrastructure systems including transportation, sanitary sewers and water, have allowed for a sprawling development pattern. Studies by MORPC have suggested that continued development trends will use 600 square miles of land by 2030.  MORPC created the Center for Regional Development at MORPC to work with local governments to encourage connected development and strengthen regional dialogue about development patterns and costs of service.

Much of the development pattern of central Ohio is influenced by the abundance of rivers and streams that flow through the area. These waterways are resources that provide environmental vitality to the region. These surface waters are sources for drinking water as well as recreation, but the associated greenways also define central Ohio as a special place. The Olentangy River and Big and Little Darby Creeks have scenic river designations, and the major streams have advocacy groups in place to protect them.
 
Energy consumption is playing an increasing role in defining the character of central Ohio. Columbus and other communities are embracing policies to promote sustainability. The Center for Energy and Environment at MORPC, created in 2007,  is a regional leader in providing weatherization services to people in need, and educating the general public and local governments in mechanisms to conserve energy, and reporting on air quality conditions.

Action items associated with the concept of Place include Livability, Energy Conservation, Agriculture Land Preservation, Safety and Congestion, and Preserving Resources. 

Metrics associated with the concept of Place include:
 
Residential lots created/building permits
Farmland lost
Motor vehicle crashes
Fuel consumption
Rideshare participation (coming soon)
Vehicle registrations
Agricultural commodities
Recycling participation
Bad air days (coming soon)
Sidewalk inventories (coming soon)
Miles of leisure paths (coming soon)
Addition of park lands (coming soon)