Delaware · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Delaware public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
Firestone Drive Speed Hump Removal and Speed Feedback Signs
$30,000 is budgeted for 2027 to expand the city's toolkit for neighborhood speeding complaints — radar boxes, feedback trailers and possibly notice-only cameras. The chief stressed data-driven decisions, since many 'speeding' complaints turn out to be traffic volume problems.
Heritage Blvd./Rutherford Ave. All-Way Stop
The Heritage/Rutherford intersection will become a four-way stop with flashing LED signs for the first year, responding to neighborhood complaints and part of the Four Seasons petition. Build-out and the Merrick Boulevard extension are expected to further calm the corridor.
Carriage Drive Commercial Vehicle Parking
A resident reported utility trucks, inoperable vans, and detached trailers cluttering Carriage Drive and blocking driveways near the high school apartments. The committee directed him to submit photos and documentation through the clerk for staff follow-up.
Racial vandalism and election-season safety
A resident reported fresh racist graffiti near a local Chinese restaurant and asked what protections exist for voters heading to the polls.
Resident alleges court and water department failures
A resident criticized council for ignoring his emails, alleged unconstitutional water shutoffs without notice, and demanded answers about overspending protections.
Northwood TIF hearing rescheduled
Third reading of an ordinance re-establishing the Delaware Community Reinvestment Area and expanding it to match the city's corporate limits, covering newly annexed land.
Downtown Architectural Standards overhaul
The city is overhauling its historic district design guidelines with help from a $25,000 state grant and a consultant. Public feedback starts at First Friday on June 5, with a draft expected by late summer and adoption targeted for spring 2027.
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.
Student video exchange with Sakata, Japan
A Hayes High School teacher wants to make sister city videos a recurring class project, with students in Delaware, Sakata, and Baumholder exchanging videos and consulting across cultures. The board agreed to send an existing student video to Sakata with a proposal to explore the idea.
London Road water line replacement closures
An aging water line with repeated breaks is being replaced; westbound lane closures run October 19-23 and a full closure west of Sandusky Street runs October 26-30, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with detours posted.
South Sandusky Street auto repair shop
Golden Wrench Automotive can open a small repair garage at 253 South Sandusky Street, with strict conditions: no outside work, bay doors closed for noisy jobs. Commissioners flagged a similar shop nearby that violates those rules.
Thoroughfare Plan update
The city rolled out its draft 2026–2050 thoroughfare plan update with a new interactive online comment map. New additions include US 42 widening and US 23 corridor improvements; public comment runs through end of November before adoption.
Delaware County Transit sales tax proposal
DCT is asking voters for a 0.2% sales tax this November to fund big expansion: microtransit in Powell and Orange Township, express commuter routes, seven-day service in Delaware, and same-day demand response countywide.
Sergeant promotion process overhaul
The sergeant promotion test was rebuilt: a Delaware-specific written exam, oral interview, and leadership assessment replace the old single-assessment format. The change follows union feedback that one test put all the eggs in one basket.