Delaware · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Delaware public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Performance Impact Arena plan modification
The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets want a minor change to the approved plan for their Performance Impact Arena at Sawmill Parkway and US 42. Unlike the other items, the commission's decision here is final.
Four Seasons at Addison Farms expansion
Sections 4 and 5 of the Four Seasons at Addison Farms single-family subdivision would move forward on nearly 27 acres, adding new homes in the area. Neighbors may weigh in during the public hearing.
Houk Road/Greenlawn Drive PUD amendment
About 18 acres at the northwest corner of Houk Road and Greenlawn Drive could see its PUD 25-7 zoning amended, shaping what gets built near that intersection. The commission's vote is only a recommendation — City Council decides.
Flats at Boulder Park Development Plan
252 apartments in seven three-story buildings near the YMCA won approval 4-2, with dissent focused on density and traffic on Houk Road and Ridge Rock Drive.
Northwood TIF Incentive Districts
The final 251-home phase of Northwood Sub-Area B is headed to City Council. Conditions require the Bixby Parkway extension before permits, and no construction traffic through Kensington. Most lots will be 42 or 52 feet wide.
Curtis Street industrial development incentives (Guild)
Fed One Dublin wants 63 acres rezoned for speculative industrial development in the city's Southwest Focus Area. The commission kept raw-materials manufacturing as a conditional use, so residents will still get a public review before such operations land there.
Baumholder, Germany relationship renewal
The board has been exploring video exchanges with Baumholder, Germany, and ways to connect local veterans who served there with the German city. A photo display legacy question from Melanie Mai was also pending.
Possible Paraguay sister city renewal
A former Paraguay ambassador called board member Mark Reed saying the new ambassador is very interested in reviving the Paraguay connection, and the agreement may need renewing. The board hopes to arrange a visit before the end of the school year while the current Paraguayan exchange student is still here.
Downtown Hotel and Parking Improvements
The 1950s-era parking meters — only about half of which work — will be replaced with 34 kiosks accepting cards, coins, cash and phone payments. The goal is managing limited downtown spaces and turnover, not profit, but future conversations about which parking should be paid are coming.
Boutique hotel denied in residential transition zone
A developer wants to convert the former OWU fraternity house at 163 North Franklin Street into a nine-room boutique hotel. Neighbors turned out in force, mostly worried about traffic, parking, noise, safety and what happens if the property sells. The commission wants answers on staffing and operations before deciding on September 2.
Ex Flax east side redevelopment (up to 66 units)
A 1.75-acre infill site near Lake and Flax Streets is headed to city council for rezoning to allow up to 66 apartments and townhomes, extending the Mill on Flax. Neighbors worry about traffic on already-congested Lake Street, parking, aging storm sewers that have flooded basements, and electric grid strain.
Senior care facility near Houk Road
A 120-bed assisted living facility is planned for a long-vacant commercial parcel at Houk and Lansdale — a roughly $30 million investment with 50-plus jobs that commissioners called much-needed senior housing for Delaware.
Franklin Street parking lot appearance and security
The four public dumpsters behind the Franklin Street lot draw complaints about appearance and illegal dumping. A brick-style enclosure with cameras is planned, likely funded in the 2027 budget alongside a lot reconstruction.
Chick-fil-A emergency access and traffic concerns
GTZ Properties' plan would bring a Chick-fil-A restaurant to 1.895 acres in the Trailhead Crossing PUD — new dining option, plus the traffic questions that come with it.
Residential growth in Boulder Farms and Terra Alta
A 200-acre development near Troy Road could add hundreds of homes over a 10-12 year buildout, with a school site donated and trail connections to Smith Park and Gallant Woods. Residents worry about more traffic and lost woodland.
Reactivating upper floors of downtown historic buildings
Downtown buildings are getting their long-dark second and third floors brought back to life, which needs windows for light and fire egress. The commission is also updating its Architectural Standards to handle these bigger renovations.
Latta attached garage variance at 376 N Sandusky Street
A homeowner on Berne Street wants to widen a very narrow driveway that currently forces cars onto the grass. The city code requires paved driveways to sit at least three feet from the property line, and hers is already one foot away, so widening it needs a variance.
East-side retail growth on Sunbury Road
A Chipotle with a drive-thru and a 6,900-square-foot retail building are coming to Lots B and C along Sunbury Road, with access from Skyview Lane and Biltmore Drive — none from busy Sunbury itself. The rear of the buildings facing Sunbury will get upgraded facades.
McNett Meadows townhome development (210 units)
Maronda Homes got the green light for 210 two- and three-unit owner-occupied townhomes with a clubhouse, pool, and paths on 44 acres off Peach Blow Road in the city's far southeast corner. It heads to City Council for a June 22 public hearing. There was a lively discussion about which roads stay public versus private and who plows them.
New Wendy's restaurant at Glennwood Commons
A new Wendy's is coming near the Kroger marketplace, but the chain's wishes for a third sign and decorative halo lighting were denied because the development's comprehensive sign plan binds all tenants equally. Six of the 25 parking stalls are dedicated to mobile order pickup.
Delaware County Shared Services Administration building
The county's new shared services administration building at Byxbe Parkway and State Route 521 got its plat approved — just a lot combination, right-of-way dedication, and easements, since the building plan itself was already approved administratively.
Rear-facade and alley beautification downtown
A downtown building owner urged the commission to look beyond front facades — the backs of buildings and the parking lot behind the Strand are highly visible but blighted. He sees murals, gardens, and seating as ways to fix that.
Coglands Crossing multifamily rezone
The never-developed big-box portion of Coughlin's Crossing would become up to 450 apartments, with the historic barn and house dedicated to the Delaware County Historical Society and strict design standards kept from the 2016 plan. City Council makes the final call after a May 11 public hearing.
Bowtown Grand townhome development
A new townhome development needs the Shade Tree Commission's sign-off on its tree canopy, landscape, and street tree plans. The plan includes a mix of shade and evergreen trees with paths aligned in the field to preserve large existing trees.
Affordable housing and land for future schools
The city is working with developers on affordable housing and on setting aside acreage for future school needs, responding to the district's concerns. Most Columbus renters spend over 50% of income on housing.
Redwood at Addison Farms buffer mound dispute
The developer wants to cut the promised 8-10 foot buffer mound behind Kensington Drive homes to 2-3 feet to save mature trees and manage stormwater. Some commissioners worry it looks like breaking a promise to neighbors, so the decision was tabled to February while the city mails detailed letters to residents.
Leadership transition of the Sister City Advisory Board
Chairman Rand Guebert said in October he'd keep serving but wanted to hand off the chairman role, so the January meeting was set to elect a new chair and vice-chair. New leadership will guide Delaware's exchanges with Baumholder, Sakata and Paraguay.
Paraguay partnership and Hayes Scholarship
Ohio Wesleyan offers a Hayes Scholarship every year to Paraguayan students, and Paraguay's embassy renamed a conference room after Rutherford B. Hayes and asked for a Delaware representative at the event.
Primrose School daycare at Cheshire Road and US 23
A daycare is coming to the southeast corner of Cheshire and US 23; the plat just needed commission sign-off. A commissioner said 10-15 constituents have asked when construction starts.