Blanchard tells Byesville Rotary “Times are a changing.”

Pictured: Speaker Host Nellie Bichard, Norm Blanchard, Economic Development Director of CIC, and Chuck Fair, President Elect.

Norm Blanchard, Economic Development Director of the CIC, spoke to the Byesville Rotary about the changes occurring in Guernsey County that are the result of the oil and gas boom.

McDonald’s built a new restaurant in a new location. A Buffalo Wild Wings will be built in the area in front of WalMart. The restaurant should be open by football season. The Fairfield Inn project has started in the vicinity of the 209/I70 intersection. This project will be completed in 3 stages. First will be the construction of a 100 unit hotel. Second, an extended stay facility will be added to the hotel. Finally, a small strip mall will be built.

A 140 unit apartment complex is planned in Byesville. Each unit will provide 900 square feet of living space. A second apartment unit of 108 units is planned in a different location. These two complexes will help the area meet one of the challenges of the oil and gas boom by providing living quarters for oil and gas workers.

Blanchard explained that planning for the changes is vital not only to provide for immediate needs required by the oil and gas developers but also to plan for the long term future of Guernsey County once the boom has ended. In order to identify potential problems and to get ideas about solving problems, the CIC has identified and visited a community which is already dealing with oil and gas boom challenges.

One of the earliest solutions needed is how to deal with an increase in the local population. Blanchard pointed out that housing and hotel vacancy are already being affected. A December, 2012 housing study has been updated. The report indicates hotels in the area are currently averaging 88% occupancy rate. One of the larger chains reported 100% occupancy. Hotel rates are increasing; some by 81%. Rental properties are at 98% occupancy, and rental costs have soared. New apartment complexes and hotels will help to solve this problem.

Reducing traffic congestion at the SR209/ I70 intersection is another problem being worked on. Three possible solutions have been identified. Each is expensive. Recommendation one creates an exit for Dozer Road across from Kmart. Estimated cost is over $5 million. Recommendation 2 adds a new on ramp going east near Pilot—estimated cost over $l million. Recommendation 3 creates a roundabout in front of the Baymont.

The Rotary club meets 7:30 am every Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Everyone interested in giving back to their community is invited to join. Call Membership Chair Jim Vaughan, 740-432-5605, to learn more about the club. More information is available at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283