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.
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.
Four Seasons at Addison Farms Traffic Calming Petition
About 250 senior households say Heritage Boulevard has become a dangerous high-speed cut-through splitting their 55+ community, and they want radar signs, pedestrian refuge islands, and raised crosswalks. They also object to a youth playground and connector path routed into their senior neighborhood.
Pennsylvania Ave./Euclid Ave. All-Way Stop
Six crashes in twelve months and tough school-hour pedestrian crossings at Pennsylvania and Euclid prompted an interim four-way stop, possibly installed before the end of the year. A mini roundabout may be considered long-term.
Fire Station 305 Construction
Chief Pyle laid out Fire/EMS capital needs, headlined by a ~$2.25 million ladder truck to replace the trouble-prone 2012 model, plus AEDs, a deferred hazmat trailer, and outfitting the new Station 305. The ladder truck has a 32-48 month delivery window, so planning ahead matters.
Olentangy Schools Impact Fee Agreement
Delaware has 1,273 unbuilt single-family homes and 1,364 unbuilt multifamily units already approved, plus 3,911 zoned-but-unplanned units. Most unbuilt multifamily is in the Delaware school district, which matters for future enrollment and school capacity.
Nutter Farm Sunbury Road Rezoning
A resident warned the GTZ commercial project off Sunbury Road has only one way in and out, and the Bowtown Road emergency access could be blocked by snow or a guardrail. Council indicated access details get finalized at the development-plan stage.
Trailhead Acquisitions Bowtown Road Rezoning
Two related Bowtown Road cases — a 252-unit apartment rezone and a 75-lot townhome plat — signal continued residential growth on the city's east side. Commissioners raised traffic concerns about emergency-only access off Bowtown.
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.
EMS Billing Services Transition
Delaware County is ending its decades-long EMS reimbursement, leaving a roughly $1.1 million hole in the fire/EMS fund. Staff pitched an EMS billing program — likely insurance-only for residents, meaning no out-of-pocket bills — with a vendor recommendation due November 9.
2027 City Budget Appropriations
The ~$209 million 2027 budget is on its way through readings, with Finance Committee review now authorized and hearings November 9 and 23.
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.
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.
Price Farms II annexation services
Council formally brought nearly 285 acres into the city across two annexations. This sets the stage for future development and city services on those properties.
Sakata delegation visit and budget request
Delaware's sister city Sakata, Japan sends student videos annually and a visit in 2027 is on the table. The board was scheduled to discuss timing and who would lead the planning.
East Central Avenue reconstruction grant application
One more round of disruptions: on October 8 contractors will lift steel girders off the temporary railroad bridge, pausing traffic five minutes at a time in both directions.
City Manager Leadership Transition
Council decided not to renew City Manager Paul Brake's contract, meaning the city will need new leadership at the top. Members emphasized the decision came after extensive private deliberation and praised Brake's service. The current contract runs through the end of its term, so a transition is ahead rather than immediate.
ADA Policy and Transition Plan adopted
The city's complaint-driven sidewalk repair program has fixed nearly 25,000 square feet of sidewalk in two years, mostly damage from street trees, and will grow to $225,000 across three cycles in 2027 to reduce trip-and-fall injuries.
Police officer hiring pipeline
Delaware police are at 58 sworn officers against an authorized strength of 63, with five openings. City Council added three positions in this year's budget, so the department is close to its pre-2026 strength and continues hiring from the certified list.
Fire lieutenant promotions and new Station 305
Seven new firefighters were added to the department, six tied to the new fire station opening next year. Three lieutenant promotions and three replacement hires are still coming later this year.
City Manager transition
City Manager Paul Brake is stepping away from active duties after Oct. 9 under a mutual exit agreement, keeping pay and benefits through year-end while staying reachable for transition questions. Assistant City Manager Andy Beare runs the city in the meantime.