The interest level in Kingsdale remains very high ---- even during a presidential election year.

Here are the results:

The average number of years residing in UA for survey respondents is 23. Here's the distribution:

Citizens from all over UA weighed in on the survey.

A strong majority are cautiously optimistic about the new proposal. Many submitted comments saying they like what they see but that they would need to see more details to make a final decision.

Many respondents included comments with their replies. As always, there is a wide diversity of opinion and many with strong feelings. Nevertheless some common themes emerged.

Part of the challenge of being public official in UA is managing to this.

• Many of those who strongly approve or lean approve regarding the new Kingsdale proposal, also felt that there was not yet enough information to make a fully informed judgment. Many would like to see further details, renderings, use plan, etc.
• Many see the potential for Kingsdale to enhance our quality of life in UA.

Here are all the comments in the order the survey responses were submitted:

1. I would like to see the original "flavor" of the shopping center regained, and would love to see a rec center for teens. The latter would do much to keep young families in UA, and keep other young families coming to UA.
2. Well, it is rather vague at this point so I can't give much of an opinion but it looks like a step in the right direction.
3. I do not favor housing but all of the other types of businesses listed are great, retail, restaurants, offices, entertainment and public use would be great.
4. I would have to actually SEE the plan and proposal in more detail to be able to determine my satisfaction with the plan. a short press release and article are insufficient to determine anything. I am very pleased that the project is taking a new turn which promises to be more in alignment with the master plan, however.
5. Please get something accomplished! It's very depressing to see such a prime location mostly empty. I prefer to do all or most of my shopping in Arlington and do support local retailers, doctors, etc. I only go to large shoping malls if there's no alternative.
6. 'BOUT TIME!!!
7. I'd like more places to take my family to dinner. I'd like to be able to shop there for an afternoon. I'd like to buy UA Bears clothing and items somewhere in UA. The only place selling such items are the high school. THis is a unfilled need in our community. I'd like more places to see my neighbors and fellow citizens where we could stop and talk. I want it to reflect the greatness and uniqueness that UA has always been.
   Thanks for for giving me the opportunity to share my views!
8. So glad to hear there is local people who want to take over this project to make it something Arlington can be proud of!

9. I am open to the idea of "mixed use," but not to include housing. There is an abundance of condominium living available at Arlington Crossing and the other developments on neighboring streets, and almost all the units remain vacant. To use ANY of the Kingsdale space for housing seems to me to be a poor choice.

   I continue to have doubts about the desirability of living above a retail store or, especially, a restaurant, with noise and various aromas constantly permeating personal living space. If there weren't so many condos across the street, I might think it was a viable idea, but there ARE (too) many condos there, and very few people seem interested in the concept of urban living within the suburb of UA. The last time I checked, only eight units had been sold.

   I know that the "mixed use" concept is trendy at the moment, but we do need to be wise and think way ahead before introducing a concept that may just not be quite right for OUR suburb, which IS a SUBurb, not an urban area. It's a community whose principal makeup has always been families, largely because of the draw of our strong school system. Living in a shopping center above a store or restaurant isn't most families' idea of the ideal setting for raising little children. Perhaps this is why the lovely, expensive new condos at Arlington Crossing have not been easy to sell.

   I do look forward to the revitalization of the center. I remember when Kingsdale truly was the heart of Upper Arlington, and had offerings for everyone. I think we've all had enough of the ghost town that sits there now.

   Thank you.

10. This redevelopment should include some place for the tweens and teens to hangout out. A small movie theater or a small teen type of club for dancing or video games.
11. I am not sure that the Giant Eagle store needs to be increased in size. I would like to see the Target store. I don't think we need any residential building since the project across the street has not been met with too much enthusiasm.
12. Aren't you jumping the gun with this survey? So little information in detail. How could any one make a jjudgment from this press release? I have confidence, however, in Frank Kass's ideas and judgments.
13. This has been going on for so long that I do not trust that any intelligent plan will emerge. The new housing usage around Kingsdale has proved to be a failure I loved Kingsdale when it had a variety of good retail and restaurants.
14. Keep the city's fingers out it it--they will mess it up!
15. Love the mixed use concept. If it can be truly approachable by foot and bike from the high school and surrounding neighborhoods, I'll be thrilled. It'd be fun to have space for public events/music or displays. --Maybe even a little playspace for kids... I'm delighted that local folks are doing it and wish for your great success!
16. Sounds good! Let's hope it all comes together!
17. Keep MCL.
18. I think the Giant Eagle is fine as it is--why do we need a super mega Giant Eagle? I worry about semi traffic on Northwest Boulevard. I also would love to see an artist's rendering of what they have in mind.
19. Terrific...long overdue.
20. something needs to be done sooner rather than later and having a local company own the property would allow for improvements in the years to come. Regency didn't care since they were not local.
21. We need a hardware store in UA . Why not Kingsdale?
22. I'm worried that City Council will force their own agenda once again and we'll end up with an aesthetically displeasing hodge-podge and consumer un-friendly block of buildings that don't fit into the area. Just like the 5 story condos across the street and the newly approved Lane Ave/Metropolitan Partners buildings. I don't agree with Council's "urbanization" approach when it infringes on residents or just plain sticks out like a sore thumb. I'd be happier with the development without the current sitting council who is making development difficult because of their stringent black-and-white Master Plan viewpoint.
23. We are still hoping for a recreation center that includes a pool like Worthington, Dublin, and Westerville. We are not in favor of another private gym, how will my school age children benefit from that????
24. Why can't we have a large green space with a community center? these could house meeting spaces, gymnasuim, and an indoor pool complex such as I've seen in Scottsdale, or Europe. Let's work toward healthy lifestyles and improved quality of life, rather than capitalist endeavors that will ultimately fail.
25. The key to Kingsdale's future was (and is) removing an absentee, out-of-town, property owner. Congratulations to the Administration for making this happen. Amen. Let's get on with it...
26. Need to see more concrete plans, e.g. how will the sea of parking lots surrounding the retail stores be broken up to provide a more attractice appearance?
27. Not sure UA Progressive Action should get involved in these types of issues.
28. anything is better then what it has been for the last 10 yrs.
29. Like Giant Eagle being bigger, but no other "big" stores like Target, Lowes, etc.
    Be sure all the buildings have at least two stories with offices and/or apartments over the retail.
    Creative parking--i.e. underground, parking garage to allow for public space or more stores, just a huge parking lot.
30. It's about time!
31. Green space is very important. Look at Creekside in Gahanna and Easton. I know the area is smaller and does not have a creek near it, but some fountains and some green space, instead of acres of pavement would make the site much more attractive. Put taller buildings (not more than 2 or 3 stories in the middle and only if necessary in the middle and surraound with smaller buildings and green space. VERY IMPORTANT - If the area has plans for a medical facility, the rezoning of a portion of Tremont for a commercial medical facility IS UNNECESSARY and DISRESPECTFUL to the nearby residents. Vote no on rezoning! Thank you.
32. Talk is cheap.
33. I've read the press release and article but still don't feel I know much about the plans for redevelopment. I've watched Grandview Heights develop its commercial areas into interesting, diverse, popular centers that attract people from outside their community. I wonder if some of the residents of U.A. are uninterested in, or afraid of having "outsiders" come into our city to help our restaurants, stores, and businesses become successful. A little diversity would make our community more interesting, add some culture, help our children understand that they are part of a bigger world.
34. Not that much information has been released, but I like what I hear so far.
35. Currently it is a waste of valuable space in the heart of the city and an eyesore. It's hard to comment without seeing a real plan or drawing, but I would like to see it developed in a way that is good for the city economically, but enhances the quality of life for the citizens as well. It feels good that a long-time resident is involved in the process.
36. I hope that the developers return Kingsdale to a center of activity, enhancing the sense of neighborhood community, that it once had. Most of the stores and services that were originally at Kingsdale have been gone for 19 years! Mixed use of Kingsdale Shopping Center will strengthen our property values, while allowing tax dollars to remain in Arlington. With the rising cost of fuel, the convenience of necessary services, in the center of our community, will continue to make UA an attractive place to raise a family and retire.
37. I'd like to see a rendering before commenting further. However, if Long and Wilcox can skate a monstrosity (west Tremont Rd) by the UA officials without any protest, I'd sure like to see Continental do the same. I'd also like to see the outdated senior center included in part of the plan. Overall, my comment is "It's about time!!"
38. I would be very happy to see something done with the Kingsdale Center. We have lived here for 15 years right off Tremont Rd. I can remember shopping at The Limited and Express and having a nice place to walk around. In recent years though it really has become an eyesore. A lot of unused, unkempt space that could be a place of not only building our economy, but our future and community as well.
39. I'd like to see Macy's stay, and include stores that would appeal to the young men and women in the community, as well as family-oriented restaurants, perhaps a gathering place for teens. But also, make it look appealing and more attractive to the eye.
40. Actually we live on Fishinger so I'm not sure where that puts us in your location survey. I will be grateful for anything that takes into account the needs of real people. I liked the idea of a community center. I like the idea of shops that include a hardware store, a drug store, small stores and big stores and places to eat and spend time as well as money. What I don't like is the fact that there is always some one or some group that seems ready to shoot down any "new" idea in the area--I think just because it's new or different. As long as there is easy and safe access to the center, vitality for all ages and a variety of business/uses, I'm good with it.
41. We need useful stores like there used to be--hardware store, 5 and dime with a soda fountain,clothing and shoe stores for adults and kids. To get to a hardware we have to go to Hilliard. It would be great to spend those dollars in U.A.
42. I would like to have green space there as there are NO parks in this area of Kingsdale.
43. Not enough specific information: What kind of fitness center? Any box stores? I am not in favor of box stores. A pedestrian friendly place, farmer's market, restaurants etc. would be nice. No more banks. Don't need a post office there.
44. With the grocery and medical center expansions, it appears that we will have both convenience features and tax base expansion--both of which are important components of any meaningful redevelopment!
45. I am thrilled that there will be a local owner/developer for Kingsdale...and Continental is a quality firm that is mindful of each unique project in gets involved in to assure it maintains the integrity of its surroundings. This is great news for UA.. I'll be keeping tabs...with great interest...to see how this moves forward. As we all know...."the devil's in the details!"

    It's a little difficult to respond to your last question above since we're not completely sure what the detailed development proposal is at this point. Both the news release and article provided general information on the redevelopment proposal.

46. It's way past time to again make the Kingsdale into a fully active place in our community. It is hoped that a good hardware store and a sewing center will be attracted to the Kingsdale. It is also hoped that the developers will make it possible for businesses to rent space there at a reasonable price and that city zoning doesn't get in the way of making it possible for businesses to locate there. We certainly need more jobs and tax generated through the Kingsdale than has been the case for nearly 30 years. Go Mark and UA, Go full steam ahead!!!

47. I would like to see Upper Arlington work with the YMCA of Central Ohio.
48. I like the idea of a local coompany having the site.
49. I was seriously hoping for a Trader Joe's!!!!
50. There are not a lot of specifics to agree with or disagree with. However, it certainly appears as if this plan is moving in the right direction and seems to have an overall view of Kingsdale that I agree with. An athletic facility and other mixed use would be fantastic for this central piece of U.A. property.
51. It would be great to see Kingsdale designed around pedestrian and bicycle traffic instead of having it be surrounded by a sea of parking spaces. Since it is completely bordered by residential areas, encouraging pedestrian and bicycle traffic just make for a more friendly atmosphere, with a community feel, instead of just another suburban strip mall.
52. I like the idea of it being a destination location, not just a place to go for groceries, a medical appointment, or the like. It needs to return to the day when is was a great place to shop(remember the China Cat, SteinMart) eat (remember Umberto's). When it was last remodeled it was a happening place like the Lane Ave Sopping Center was when it was 1st enclosed. Now that was a true gathering place w. high-end shops and stores. You never knew who you'd run into there on a Friday night or non-football Saturday afternoon. Keep MCL it's an institution even though it's tacky - it's kind of like the Chef-0-Nette. We need a true 1st class deli there; something like Katzingers - definitely not a chain. Perhaps a bakery like Mozarts that's open at night and on Sundays - again not a chain. More retail like "Jeffery Thomas" would be great. restaurants like Cafe Da'Vinci. A design that looks like the area on Arlington Ave. Around Jones Middle School. Housing tha "architecturally" looks like Trouville. The type of architecture reflected in both of those stands the test of time - it never looks dated. We need a consistent architectural theme on the site. Almost a UA architectual "brand" not the hodge podge of development we are seeing now, albeit some of it is attractive (Tremont Shopping Center; the new Arlington Bank building on Reed Rd.), most of it is not ( both of the projects across from Kingsdale; one is out of place and the other looks like "cheap construction" - then there is Walgreen''s - don't even get me started on that one.