Ohio University has sought to activate the Ridges area of its campus intentionally and created the Framework Plan in 2015. This extensive process engaged with the local community, identified worthy structures to protect and stabilize, and developed a clear site organization for the overall property.
The Ridges Advisory Committee
The 117th General Assembly in House Bill 576 outlined designating an advisory committee to advise the Board of Trustees on land uses to be made by Ohio University when the land was transferred to OHIO. This group advised on all master plans.
The Ridges Advisory Committee – a group of both Ohio University and Athens community members — was charged by former University President Roderick J. McDavis to advise on land use. The committee is comprised of members of the city and county government as well as members of the community who have special knowledge or experience in land use planning, preservation, and economic development.
The Ridges Advisory Committee has worked over the past nine-plus years to engage in numerous planning, research and stakeholder engagement activities to help identify the development opportunities that could be available at The Ridges, as well as ensure they equally align with the needs of the larger community.