LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The economic landscape in Lima and Allen County is shifting, with several development projects reaching new milestones after years of planning.
The Lima Kiwanis Club heard this week from local economic development leaders about projects that have taken months, if not years, to reach the stage where details can be shared publicly.
The Lima/Allen County Economic Development Team — a collaboration among Greater Lima Region Inc., Allen Economic Development Group, and various private and public partners — is spearheading several major projects. Those include the new Target store planned for the west end of the Lima Mall, the "Bosch" project data center in American Township, and the expansion of Novus Foods in Delphos.
Economic development officials say while visible progress may seem slow, there is steady work happening behind the scenes.
“Behind the scenes, we are working on agreements and support and permits and just a number of things that we have to bring in our local agencies like our county engineer and our utilities. And so it takes a number of months to get these projects to the point where you can break ground,” said Cindy Leis, president and CEO of the Allen Economic Development Group.
Leis also reported progress on two projects on the county’s south side. Ground could be moving on the Ohio Logistics project by the end of the year on Commerce Parkway and another warehouse distribution project is planned for Jay Begg Parkway.
