A development group envisions an elaborate road system that includes an offshoot from the I-71 interchange in Delaware County. And it insists it would be privately funded.

A development group envisions an elaborate road system that includes an offshoot from the I-71 interchange in Delaware County. And it insists it would be privately funded.

The proposal, presented yesterday in Berkshire Township, would include extending the Rts. 36/37 exit ramp northward by about a quarter-mile. The $20 million project would be paid for by private developers and future landowners - if approved by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Land owned and being developed by private landowners including Nationwide Realty Investors and the Weiler Cos. will become the 1,700-acre North Star development, which is to include housing and shopping northeast of I-71 and Rts. 36/37 under the proposal released yesterday

An additional 800 acres would include development in all four corners of the interchange.

A competing proposal is expected from rival developers. That development, known as NorthGate Centre, also would be in Berkshire Township, southeast of Rts. 36/37. Both groups have outlet malls in their plans.

The exit extension would be similar to the extension to Gemini Parkway from I-71 at the Polaris Parkway exit, said Skip Weiler, one of the developers. It would lead to an eastbound road to Sunbury.

"You'll be able to come all the way over to Sunbury without ever having to go on 36/37," Weiler said.

The proposed development could cost $100 million. About $20 million will be needed for road improvements, said Joe Ciminello, another of the developers. In addition, a joint economic-development agreement could be created for additional funding and a community authority established to levy fees on future property owners.

ODOT will have the ultimate say on which road project moves ahead, said spokeswoman Nancy Burton.

The project relies on participation by property owners, said Ciminello, who developed the Pinnacle Golf Club and upscale housing in Grove City 10 years ago. The developers said they have signed letters of intent from "2,500 acres of property owners who intend to join a new community authority."

The plan was presented to Berkshire Township trustees and Sunbury officials.

Studies have shown that a southern exit would divert more than five times as much traffic from Rts. 36/37 as one to the north, said David Martin, Sunbury administrator.

"If it makes it harder to get to and from the village and to their jobs, we're going to be concerned about it," Martin said.

Either project would rely on private funding for success, officials said.

"Our firm belief is that if ODOT approves an exit and there's funding to support it, then great," said Berkshire Township Trustee Bill Holtry. "If ODOT does approve, but there's no funding, then it doesn't matter."

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