Posted December 6, 200519 yr From ThisWeek Olentangy, 12/1/05: Group wants Orange 'town center' Thursday, December 1, 2005 By KATE FAZZINI ThisWeek Staff Writer Where do people hang out in Orange Township? That is the question the fledgling Orange Township Business Association wants to answer, or at least have a hand in answering. Among their initiatives, members of the association say they would like an Orange Township "town center." They are looking at a proposed development called "Cobblestone Crossing," on U.S. Route 23 north of Home Road, as a possible site. "We're trying to give small business owners a sense of community," said organization vice president Patti Brown, a local real estate agent. "We think that's very important, because a lot of us live in Orange Township, and not just for business owners, but for family members ... We're really struggling for a sense of identity." Orange Township Trustee David Eby said the township's comprehensive master plan, written in 2001, specifically outlines a need for a township center in Orange. "If you look at our comprehensive master plan, the concept is brought up as something that might occur close to Lewis Center, as that area develops ... The northeast corner of Cobblestone Crossing would be one of the areas that could be a potential town center area," Eby said. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/120105/Powell/News/120105-News-55914.html
December 6, 200519 yr Everything in southern Delaware County bothers me to no end. If people wanted a town center, maybe they should have thought of that before sprawling to hell first. Or, to take another angle... defend the sanctity of downtown! America's traditional downtowns are being threatened by activist townships and their contrived downtowns! It is time to circulate petitions for an amendment to protect the institution of Downtown!
December 6, 200519 yr Even though I live in the antithesis of urbanism, I live in New Albany, I think Orange Township needs to cool it down a little bit. Polaris is like minutes away from where most people live there, and we dont need any more traffic on High Street(U.S. 23), Powell Road, Old State Road, etc... I'll go to downtown Columbus if I want that authentic urban feel and more than likely, the traffic will be much better and the environment more urban and city like
December 6, 200519 yr I'll go to downtown Columbus if I want that authentic urban feel and more than likely, the traffic will be much better and the environment more urban and city like HEHEHE!!! You said "downtown Columbus" and "authentic urban feel" LOL! You need to go do stand-up at the Funny Bone! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
December 6, 200519 yr Yeah, everyone knows the authentic urban feel is at Easton. yeah, that's what he said, though, downtown...
December 6, 200519 yr It very simply boils down to tax revenue. The town centre will supply business tax revenue to the township government, which in turn allows it to sustain itself. Do the people of Orange Township really care about this town centre... or is it just the special interests that care and are being vocal?
December 7, 200519 yr I think all of you are ignoring the Elephant in the township on this one. This is just another step for them to keep Columbus from encroaching anymore to the north. Call it unfounded, paranoid, or people looking for power, but the township was drug kicking and screaming into the Polaris agreement 15 years ago, and many don't want to give up anymore land to the "big, bad city to the south." How long till we have a thread here entitled: Lewis Center = Pataskula?
December 7, 200519 yr this so called "big, bad city to the south" allows these people to build there million dollar homes in dornoch, loch lomond, and elsewere. i may live in new albany, but that does not mean that i go around calling columbus this big evil monster that wants to destroy my way of life. personally, they should be glad columbus drug them kicking and screaming into the whole polaris deal! look at how successful that area is and how much is going on up there. personally, orange township needs to be dissolved and made a part of westerville, dublin, worthington or columbus. i dont think people in new albany bitch this much about columbus. maybe its "delaware county" thing or the whole hour long commute on i-71 and/or 23 to i-270.
December 7, 200519 yr Magyar, I don't understand... what does this do to stop the northward march of Columbus?
December 13, 200519 yr Author Will they approve another large retail development on the next major road south of the proposed town center?!? It appears not. Here's a map. The town center is proposed for US-23 and Home, while the following is proposed for US-23 and Orange. http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.180709,-83.008060&spn=0.068651,0.129484&t=h&hl=en From ThisWeek Olentangy, 12/8/05: ORANGE TOWNSHIP ZONING Panel tables Glimcher plan Thursday, December 8, 2005 By ANDREA MISKO STRLE ThisWeek Contributor The Glimcher Co. on Dec. 1 continued to encounter resistance to its plans for a roughly 60-acre residential and commercial development at Orange Road and U.S. Route 23. The Orange Township Zoning Commission yet again tabled the plan while more than 60 stipulations placed by the commission are ironed out. Glimcher will appear before the board again at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Township Hall, 1680 E. Orange Road. The panel earlier rejected the plan in October and April. Commission members have maintained Glimcher's plan for residential development on the property does not adhere to the township's land use plan, which calls for planned commercial development on that property. Glimcher wants to build 136 single-story up-scale condominiums on 32 acres and another 24 acres of commercial space. Commission members also are concerned about the development's density. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/120805/Powell/News/120805-News-60463.html
December 20, 200519 yr Author From the 12/14/05 Olentangy Valley News: Town center may grace township's development 'Excited' officials hope the town center can become a gathering place for all township residents. By JENNIFER NOBLIT The proposed Cobblestone Crossing development could bring something unique to Orange Township. Planned Communities approached the Orange Township zoning commission last week with a rehabilitated concept for its new development off U.S. Route 23, between Orange and Lewis Center roads. After the zoning commission asked Planned Communities to rethink its plan, a new concept has arisen for the 450-acre development that will include single-family housing, planned commercial, condominiums, light industrial and village single-family housing. With urban designer Frank Elmer helping with the plan, the Orange Township zoning commission got what it asked for, including a town center. The 42-acre town center will serve as a focal point of the development -- and maybe even the township, officials said. Although the plan is still just a concept, Planned Communities is asking for approval of 102 acres with 146 single-family housing units, 12 acres with 60 condominium units and another 240 condominium units on 25 acres. The developer also has proposed a 70-acre development with 310 units of village single-family housing that would have more of an urban look. In addition to the town center, the development has 100 acres designated for planned commercial development, 31 acres for a school and park and 15 acres for preservation. Planned Communities also wants to include 25 acres of light industrial development. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.snponline.com/NEWS12-14/12-14_ovCobblestoneComm.htm
December 29, 200519 yr Author From ThisWeek Big Walnut, 12/18/05: Developer changes condo proposal at U.S. 23-Home Road Sunday, December 18, 2005 By ANDREA MISKO STRLE ThisWeek Contributor In its latest proposal for 422 acres at U.S. Route 23 and Home Road, Planned Communities has slashed the planned number of condominiums from 700 to 300. In their place, the developer proposes to build 310 single-family "village-like" homes, resembling German Village. The plan also includes a school site and two parks. The development would be called Cobblestone Crossings at Lewis Center. The amended plan was a hit last week with Orange Township Zoning Commission members. They called the plan balanced and a step in the right direction. "(The development plan) seems to be more in compliance with the township's land use plan," said commission member Mike Wiens. "There are a lot of benefits, but there is still some work to be done. In general, we are pleased with what we saw." The condos would cover 37 acres, while the village homes would be on 70 acres. On 100 acres, 146 single-family homes are planned. Zoning commission members previously said they would like to see a town center in the development that is a mix of residential and retail, similar to Easton Towne Center and the original Continent. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Sunbury&story=thisweeknews/121805/Sunbury/News/121805-News-67652.html
January 14, 200619 yr Special tax districts won’t get park grants Officials in Powell and Delaware are protesting decision by parks panel Saturday, January 14, 2006 Jane Hawes FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH DELAWARE, Ohio — You don’t have to say "boo" to scare some public officials. "TIF" will work just as well. A TIF — short for tax-increment financing district — is an area where any tax money generated from new construction stays there to pay for infrastructure improvements such as roads and bridges. Those taxes would normally have gone to all of the public agencies that get tax money in the municipality, such as parks or libraries. Now, one of those Delaware County groups is diverting some money of its own. The board of commissioners for Preservation Parks of Delaware County voted in the fall to deny future Community Park Improvement grant money to any local government that creates residential or commercial TIF districts. Read more at http://dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/01/14/20060114-C1-04.html
January 29, 200619 yr Author I'm surprised there isn't a thread for this yet. Here's the project website: http://www.sawmillparkway.org/ From ThisWeek Big Walnut, 1/22/06: Sawmill Parkway design moving forward County hopes to begin construction in 2008 Sunday, January 22, 2006 By NATE ELLIS ThisWeek Staff Writer An estimated $35-million project to extend Sawmill Parkway toward the city of Delaware is moving forward as planned, according to county officials. Delaware County officials are set to hand over a $740,000 check to a homeowner whose property must be removed. They've appraised two other homes that will share a similar fate, and are in ongoing discussions with 50 to 60 property owners from whom they'll have to purchase portions of land for right of way needs. Amid that activity, plans to extend Sawmill Parkway by six miles are progressing. According to Delaware County Engineer Chris Bauserman, the county is immersed in the design phase of the project in hopes of initiating major construction sometime in 2008. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Sunbury&story=thisweeknews/012206/Sunbury/News/012206-News-84548.html
January 29, 200619 yr I was seeing plenty of "Stop Sawmill Parkway" signs (or whatever they said) in yards around there last year. Of course, it's inevitable, and I'm sure those residents know that, too.
January 30, 200619 yr I worked on the Liberty Road re-alignment project for the Delaware County Engineer's Office and according to them the project is a done-deal and is on a fast track because developers are breathing down their necks to get it done ASAP.
January 30, 200619 yr I'm surprised there isn't a thread for this yet. Here's the project website: http://www.sawmillparkway.org/ I'm pretty sure there's a thread somewhere on this (or I just could be dreaming from reading on this in Delaware paper, when I'm in Delaware) From ThisWeek Big Walnut, 1/22/06: This has been the county's and the township's plans back as far as 30 years. There are a number of design issues to be worked out, but we think it will be somewhere in the $35-million range. ... This clearly is the most important expenditure of our dollars for immediate impact. Chris Bauserman Delaware county engineer Columbus's 1973 plans had a merging of Sawmill and Liberty Rd (north of Home Rd) Delaware Co. 1985/6 plans did show Sawmill Rd being extended from Powell to Delaware.
March 9, 200619 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 3/2/06: Orange 'town center' plan to return to panel Thursday, March 2, 2006 By ANDREA STRLE ThisWeek Contributor A developer's proposal for an Orange Township "town center" will again be considered by the township zoning commission on Tuesday, March 14. Planned Communities Development's plans for the center, called Cobblestone Crossing, include a library, cafes and townhouses. The mixed-use, 422-acre development would be on the east side of U.S. Route 23, near Home Road. The developer predicts larger retail shops along U.S. 23, while single-family homes would surround a traditional town center, complete with shops, townhouses, offices, pockets of green space and potentially a branch of the Delaware County District Library. Other prospective business tenants could include a hotel and fitness center. The developer proposes two types of upscale condominiums, appealing to young and old buyers. The development also includes plans for a new elementary school and another township park. Multiple rezonings are needed for the project, from farm residential district to multi-family planned residential district, single-family planned residential district, and planned commercial and office district. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/030206/Powell/News/030206-News-107578.html
March 21, 200619 yr Author More on the Glimcher project from ThisWeek Olentangy, 3/16/06: Orange Township zoning panel OKs Glimcher plan Thursday, March 16, 2006 By ANDREA STRLE ThisWeek Contributor More than a year after it first sought approval for its 57-acre mixed use development at East Orange Road and U.S. Route 23, the Glimcher Co. got the nod it came seeking from the Orange Township' Zoning Commission last week. Now, the developer must woo the township trustees. But a date for that meeting has not yet been set. The commission's vote was 3-1 to recommend approval to trustees, with commission member Mike Wiens dissenting. Wiens said Glimcher's plan is a deviation from the township's land use plan for the area, which calls for no residential development. Glimcher has proposed constructing 39, four-unit condominiums on 32.5 acres to be called Orange Centre Villas, as well as commercial and office space on another 24.4 acres. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/031606/Powell/News/031606-News-114275.html
March 28, 200619 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 3/23/06: Hanks cites development's tax benefits to Orange Twp. Thursday, March 23, 2006 By ANDREA STRLE ThisWeek Contributor The proposed Cobblestone Crossing town center development could increase Orange Township's real estate tax revenue by nearly 8 percent when it is completed, according to Delaware County Auditor Todd Hanks. Hanks told the township's zoning commission last week that the township could see $844,328 in tax revenue alone when the development -- which will feature commercial, office and residential space -- is built out and occupied. Developer Planned Communities presented the commission with more details on the 101-acre single-family residential portion of the 422-acre mixed-use development, which would be on the east side of U.S. Route 23 at Home Road. In total, nearly 800 homes of all sizes and styles have been proposed, as well as potentially 150,000 square feet of retail and office space. A total of 141 homes with values ranging from $400,000 to $600,000 has been proposed in the northwest corner of the development, which is heavily wooded and features ravines, streams and wetlands. "We plan to build around all the natural features," said Jack Brickner, director of development for Planned Communities. "Two-thirds of the project is woods, so we have designed around it to protect it." FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/032306/Powell/News/032306-News-120323.html
April 10, 200619 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 4/6/06: Cobblestone Crossing details will be unveiled Thursday, April 6, 2006 By ANDREA STRLE ThisWeek Contributor More details about the Cobblestone Crossing town center development are expected to be revealed during a hearing before the Orange Township Zoning Commission on Thursday, April 13. Planned Communities' 422-acre mixed-use development would feature residential, commercial and industrial space. In total, nearly 800 homes of all sizes and styles have been proposed, as well as potentially 150,000 square feet of retail and office space. The 103-acre planned commercial portion of the development, which would front U.S. Route 23, was discussed by the commission in March and will feature larger retail shops. On April 13, the commission is scheduled to review the development's residential and commercial portions. The property, on the east side of U.S. 23 between Orange and Lewis Center roads, contains many natural features, including woods, ravines and streams. Planned Communities has said it plans to develop around the natural features and exceed the township's 20 percent green-space requirement. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/040606/Powell/News/040606-News-128343.html
April 13, 200619 yr Author From ThisWeek Big Walnut, 3/26/06: County again Ohio's fastest-growing Sunday, March 26, 2006 By NATE ELLIS ThisWeek Staff Writer Continuing a more than 10-year trend of rapid growth, Delaware County remains Ohio's fastest-growing county. According to new statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, Delaware County's population grew by 5.3 percent in 2005. The increase from 2004 to 2005 represents the fastest-growth rate of any county in Ohio and the 34th fastest in the United States. Since 2000, Delaware County's population has grown 36.6 percent, 12th fastest in the nation. According to the report, the county's population grew from an estimated 109,989 in 2000 to 150,268 as of July 1, 2005. The county's 2005 population jumped from an estimated 142,503 people in 2004. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Sunbury&story=thisweeknews/032606/Sunbury/News/032606-News-121919.html
April 17, 200619 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 4/13/06: Orange trustees to hear Glimcher plans on May 1 Thursday, April 13, 2006 By ANDREA M. STRLE ThisWeek Contributor The Glimcher Co.'s development plans for East Orange Road and U.S. Route 23 are scheduled to go before the township trustees on May 1 for final approval. The 57-acre mixed use development will feature 39 four-unit condominiums on 32.5 acres, to be called "Orange Centre Villas," as well as commercial and office space on another 24.4 acres. Last month, the township zoning commission voted 3-1 to recommend approval to trustees, with commission member Mike Wiens dissenting. Wiens objected to the fact that Glimcher's plan is a deviation from the township's land use plan for the area, which calls for no residential development. During one of its many hearings before the commission, the developer agreed to accommodate and protect a cemetery that dates from the early 1800s and sits in the southernmost portion of the property. Steve Martin, an attorney representing the developer, told the commission Glimcher is willing to do whatever the township desires to protect the historical landmark. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/041306/Powell/News/041306-News-131501.html
April 19, 200619 yr Author Parks district planning to build 'historic' farm ThisWeek Delaware, 3/26/06 As spring begins this week, Preservation Parks of Delaware County is planning the next step forward on a planned 1930s-era historic farm, which officials hope will be a warm-weather destination for residents from all over Delaware County. The Gallant Woods Preserve, on 231 acres just south of Buttermilk Hill Road, is planned to be the site of the farm and a farmhouse with antiques and period furniture. The parks district plans to shortly seek bids on a driveway to the farm, the first step in developing the site, parks district director Rita Au said. The replica farmhouse would be built from scratch, with handicap-accessible ramps and air-conditioning. Period furniture is planned for the building, and an environmental education center and barnyard animals eventually are planned.
May 11, 200619 yr Author In Powell, home is where subdivision is Columbus Dispatch, 4/13/06 Sally Van Meter is from the Retreat. Chris Pilkington calls Middlebury Estates home. Cindy Capizzi lives in Bartholomew Run. Officially, they all live in Powell. But as more subdivisions join the small but rapidly growing Delaware County city, many residents identify themselves not as Powell residents but by their neighborhood corner or subdivision. Even the city map and schoolattendance list are organized by subdivisions. Powell subdivisions Columbus Dispatch, 4/13/06 Map. Back under heat lamp for Powell restaurant Olentangy Valley News (SNP), 4/19/06 The issue of McDonald's could be getting stale for some Powell residents. The preliminary development plan for a 4,300-square-foot McDonald's drive-through restaurant has been delayed again. Several Powell residents gathered last week to hear the McDonald's plan and to testify at the public hearing that was delayed from last month. The restaurant cited the need to plan and to meet with residents as the reason for the delay. M Michela, a member of Powell Area Residents for Keeping Standards, said meetings with residents never were arranged. Margello's rezoning bid rejected ThisWeek Olentangy, 4/20/06 A controversial rezoning application died quietly Monday at Liberty Township trustees' regular meeting. Trustees voted unanimously to uphold the recommendation of the township zoning commission and denied the request to rezone 2.26 acres at Powell Road and Gibson Drive from farm residential to planned commercial. Neither property owner and applicant Vincent Margello or his attorney Bruce Burkholder attended the meeting to answer trustees' questions or speak in favor of the application. About a dozen nearby residents were on hand, and indicated they oppose the rezoning. "We have no other choice (but to deny the application)," said Trustee Peggy Guzzo. Powell City Council OKs condo development plan ThisWeek Olentangy, 4/20/06 Powell City Council Tuesday night unanimously approved the final development plan for six condominiums at the southeast corner of Zion Drive and Sawmill Road. The development will have two, three-unit buildings and will be accessed from Sawmill Road. An existing home on the lot will be demolished to make way for the condos, said Director of Development David Betz. The condo exteriors -- primarily stone and stucco -- and the building's footprints will be similar to the adjacent condo development, the Commons of Powell, Betz said. Initial plans for 870 new homes OK'd ThisWeek Delaware, 4/23/06 Plans to construct about 870 single-family homes and condominiums in the city's southeast corridor are moving forward after receiving early support from the Delaware Planning Commission. The planning commission last Wednesday unanimously approved a rezoning and preliminary development plans for the Communities at Glenross subdivision. Now, Dominion Homes, the primary developer for the project, is expected to refine its proposal in a bid to build the units on about 374 acres on the north and south sides of Cheshire Road between Gregory Road and the Glenross Golf Club subdivision. "We think we have a spectacular package of passive and active open spaces," said Rob Meyer, an attorney for the developer. "We think we've got a really good proposal, which is the result of our hard work and the work of your staff." As proposed, the development would consist of 546 single-family homes and 230 condominiums. It also would allow for a maximum of 94 unspecified units to be built in the future. Wal-Mart makes pitch to city panel ThisWeek Delaware, 4/23/06 Delaware Planning Commission members last week received their first official glimpse of plans for a nearly 204,000-square-foot Wal-Mart on the city's southeast side, and decided to wait until at least next month to decide if they will support them. Planning commission members last Wednesday voted unanimously to table action on Wal-Mart Corp.'s preliminary development plans for a "supercenter" on about 22.6 acres south of Cheshire Road. It's unclear if the plans, along with the company's requests for four conditional-use permits, will be reviewed May 3 when the commission next meets. But the seven-member panel represents an initial hurdle to the project, which has met opposition by a group of residents whose homes neighbor the site of the proposed store. On Wednesday, four commission members -- Brad Ebersole, Lea Morrison, Charles VanGundy and Maria Vonada -- openly expressed reservations about permitting the development of a 203,819-square-foot Wal-Mart. Some questioned whether a "big-box" retailer should serve as a southern gateway to the city, while others raised concerns about traffic and other potential impacts the development could have on neighboring residential areas. Delaware County officials miffed by Sunbury meeting ThisWeek Delaware, 4/30/06 Several Delaware County officials were miffed to discover a recent meeting held in Sunbury was not advertised as a public meeting, thereby putting them at odds with state open meeting laws. When Delaware County commissioners Glenn Evans and Jim Ward, along with county administrator Dave Cannon and county economic development director Tim Boland, were invited to attend an April 21 meeting at Sunbury's village hall, they eagerly accepted. The commissioners and other county officials routinely attend public meetings to discuss business involving villages and townships throughout the county. This meeting was billed as an opportunity for Sunbury and other officials throughout the county to learn more about Kroger's tentative plans open a grocery in the village. But upon arrival, the county officials noticed only two Sunbury Village Council members -- Tom Hatfield and Jennifer Witt -- were in attendance. They later were unable to find any evidence that Sunbury advertised the meeting as being open to the public. Port authority created as development tool ThisWeek Big Walnut, 4/30/06 The Delaware County commissioners last week established a new political subdivision they believe will serve as a tool to attract large-scale commerce to the area. By way of a unanimous vote, the commissioners last Monday created a port authority designed to facilitate business recruitment through financial assistance and asset management. The move comes on the heels of a recent announcement by county officials that Citigroup Inc. is considering making a $465-million investment in Liberty Township, which would include the construction of a 300,000-square-foot data center. While the commissioners already approved a 15-year, 71 percent abatement on the company's real property taxes for the planned facility, as well as a two-year, 60-percent exemption of taxes on new equipment, county economic development director Tim Boland said Citigroup also inquired about port authority involvement in the project. "In our specific case, we felt (a port authority) would enhance the county's competitiveness in attracting economic development projects to the county, or helping existing businesses expand," Boland said. Road extension plan draws fire ThisWeek Delaware, 4/30/06 Two Delaware City Council members last week complained about a road plan they said would add through-traffic in a residential area. The proposal is part of the plans related to a new $12-million senior center. The Delaware County Council for Older Adults on Monday cleared another hurdle leading to its planned construction of a new, 66,000-square-foot facility when the Delaware City Council unanimously approved a pre-annexation agreement and a land-use change tied to the project. But Dave Berwanger and Dave Godsil, councilmen from the second and third wards, respectively, indicated they wouldn't provide further support unless project designers and the city's planning staff amend plans to extend Vista Ridge Drive. Sunbury zoning commission tables lot split, plat requests ThisWeek Big Walnut, 4/30/06 The Sunbury Planning and Zoning Commission on May 24 tabled several applications to seek additional information. Dominion Homes requested a lot split for its single-family development on the former NestlÈ property of about 275 acres. The company wants to sell 65-plus acres to Rockford Homes to develop 195 lots on the east side of state Route 3. Several planning commission members were concerned about a developer's agreement between the village and Dominion Homes and whether Rockford would have to follow that agreement. Zoning member Bob Jones said he was concerned about an oversized sewer line that is required for the property as part of the developer's agreement.
May 15, 200619 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 5/11/06: Orange debates fate of Glimcher proposal Thursday, May 11, 2006 By ANDREA M. STRLE ThisWeek Contributor Final approval for the Glimcher Co.'s plan for 57 acres at the corner of East Orange Road and U.S. 23 is not coming easy. After nearly two hours of consideration last week, township trustees decided to recess and continue discussion about the development Monday, May 15. The township's biggest reservation with Glimcher's proposal has been its nonconformance to the township's land use plan, which calls for only commercial and office development on that property. Glimcher's land has sat undeveloped for 14 years. Glimcher's plan includes 39 four-unit condominiums on 32.5 acres to be called Orange Centre Villas, as well as commercial and office space on another 24.4 acres fronting U.S. 23 and East Orange Road. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/051106/Powell/News/051106-News-152101.html
May 23, 200619 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 5/18/06: Orange Township approves Glimcher condo proposal Thursday, May 18, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer What took a year to make it past the Orange Township Zoning Commission took just a few minutes Monday night to meet township trustee approval. Trustees voted 2-1 to approve the Glimcher Co.'s proposal for a 57-acre mixed-use development. Plans call for condominiums, office and commercial space to be at East Orange Road and U.S. Route 23, in an area where the township's comprehensive-use plan calls for no residential development. Thirty-nine four-unit condos, known as Orange Centre Villas, will be built on 32.5 acres. The remaining 24.4 acres will be developed as a mix of commercial and office uses. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/051806/Powell/News/051806-News-154272.html
June 6, 200619 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 6/1/06: Part of Cobblestone plan nears approval Thursday, June 1, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer At least one portion of Planned Communities' proposed 452-acre development known as Cobblestone Crossing could be approved next month. The Orange Township Zoning Commission met last week to again review proposals for a mixed-use "town center" type of development along the east side of U.S. Route 23 near Home Road. The commission reviewed only the single-family portion of the development, which would allow 128 homes on about 100 acres, and gave it a favorable response. Planned Communities is seeking four separate rezonings: to rezone 27.4 acres to planned industrial, 169.2 acres to planned commercial, 101 acres to single-family planned residential and 153.6 acres to multi-family planned residential. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/060106/Powell/News/060106-News-163973.html
June 10, 200619 yr Author County jail addition unveiled, still vacant ThisWeek Big Walnut, 5/7/06 A new $6-million wing to the Delaware County Jail was unveiled to the public last week, but it's still unclear when the new facility will begin housing inmates. After 16 months of construction, the new 30,000-square-foot addition to the county jail is largely complete. The roughly $6.3-million project, which ended more than $693,000 under budget, eventually will house up to 96 more male inmates and 24 female prisoners. It also will enable the county to cease payments to Marion and Morrow counties, which since January 2004 have imprisoned Delaware County inmates in their jails. To date, Delaware County has spent more than $1.5-million for those services. Liberty Township plans review of zoning code ThisWeek Olentangy, 5/11/06 During the next few months, the Liberty Township Zoning Commission will review the township's code with a fine-tooth comb, looking for outdated regulations and areas needing improvement. Last week, the commission started what is expected to be a lengthy process. It will review and discuss the code a section at a time, while being guided by attorney Bill Loveland on possible changes. "It's important that as we change this code, we make it easier for the average person to understand," Loveland said. Public hearings will be scheduled for residents to comment on the proposed changes. Liberty trustees table condominium plan ThisWeek Olentangy, 5/11/06 Condominiums planned as part of a Loch Lomond Farm Co. development west of state Route 315 between Manning Parkway and Loch Lomond Drive are on hold, pending a review by the Delaware County Engineer's Office. Thirty-four condos planned for 15 acres on the site -- to known as The Villas of Loch Lomond -- may interfere with a 300-foot easement on the property granted to the county for a possible future road, Liberty Township trustees said. The easement was granted in 1997, and the space could be used to build a public road between Loch Lomond Drive and Manning Parkway. At issue is whether the county will need the entire 300 feet for a road. Anything within that right of way is under county control, trustees said. On Monday, they voted to table the application until it can be reviewed by the county engineer. Orange might obtain land for new park ThisWeek Olentangy, 5/11/06 A piece of green space at the southwest corner of Orange Road and South Old State Road soon might become an Orange Township park. Township trustees have been working with the homeowners association of the Villages of Oak Creek to obtain the two acres. Trustees would like to connect that property to the existing Orange Township Hall and Park on East Orange Road via a trail. They envision a low-impact park with trails and access to the open land's pond for fishing. Trustee Mark Robertson said he has been working closely with the association and has promised that if the township is allowed to acquire the property it will "not build things on it." Work to start soon on police station ThisWeek Olentangy, 5/11/06 Work to renovate the Village Green building will begin soon and the project's magic number is 10. The $2.75-million project is expected to take about 10 months to complete, and will give the Powell Police Department room to grow. The department now has 1,100-square-feet of space at its current location, 260 Village Park Drive, and will move into a 10,000-square-foot station. Lt. Steve Hrytzik said, "11,000 square feet might not seem that large, but it will basically be 10 times larger than our current location." The need for more space has been apparent for several years, Hrytzik said. A needs analysis completed in 1999 showed the department was going to quickly outgrow its current site, and planning started soon thereafter, City Manager Steve Lutz said. City annexes land for 870 homes ThisWeek Delaware, 5/28/06 Plans to construct 870 single-family homes and condominiums in Delaware's developing southeast corridor took another step forward last week when the city agreed to annex the site targeted for the project. Delaware City Council on Monday unanimously approved the annexation of about 374 acres from Berlin Township to facilitate the construction of 546 single-family homes, 230 condos, and a maximum of 94 other units on the north and south sides of Cheshire Road between Gregory Road and the Glenross Golf Club subdivision. The development, to be known as the Communities at Glenross subdivision, is expected to include dwelling units ranging in price from the low-$300,000s to the upper-$400,000s. City planning director Dave Efland estimated more than 2,000 people will inhabit the units upon the project's completion between 2011 and 2014. The primary builder would be Dominion Homes, but other developers are expected to participate in the project in the future. Genoa Twp. acts to spare old tree ThisWeek Big Walnut, 5/28/06 Genoa Township, the Delaware County Engineer's Office and a developer will take some unusual steps to save an old tree. Trustees on Wednesday signed a letter to the engineer asking for help in saving a large tree that otherwise would be cut down to make room for a new subdivision's entryway. M/I Homes is developing Mansard Estates, a 105-acre single-family development planned for the west side of Worthington Road north of Big Walnut Road. The tree "happened to end up smack dab in the middle of their entranceway" in the plans for the project, township zoning inspector Leslie Warthman said. She said the developer now has a plan to turn the entrance into a boulevard and circle traffic around the tree.
June 20, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Delaware, 6/18/06: Diaper company to bring 200 jobs Associated Hygienic Products to move facility from Marion to Delaware Sunday, June 18, 2006 By NATE ELLIS ThisWeek Staff Writer A Duluth, Ga.-based disposable diaper manufacturer plans to bring 200 jobs and a new facility to the city, neighboring the Delaware Municipal Airport. Delaware City Council last Monday unanimously approved preliminary and final development plans for a 306,500-square-foot manufacturing facility between Airport Road and the intersection of U.S. Route 42 and Slack Road. The action paves the way for Associated Hygienic Products to relocate its Marion, Ohio, manufacturing facility to Delaware. About 200 new local jobs and a $10-million annual payroll are expected to follow. "This is a $36.7-million project," said Gus Comstock, the city's economic-development director. "The building is $12-million." MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Delaware&story=thisweeknews/061806/Delaware/News/061806-News-174016.html
July 11, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 7/6/06: Orange might require new Cobblestone application Thursday, July 6, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer In its latest visit to the Orange Township Zoning Commission last week, Planned Communities representatives were told they might need to submit a sixth application for the Cobblestone Crossing development. The developer will seek permission to put single-family homes in an area zoned multifamily. Commission members took issue with plans to build both condos and small single-family homes on about 80 of the 153 acres planned communities hopes to rezone to multifamily. "I would prefer to see two separate applications," commission member Tim Hetrick said. Commission member Dave Eby agreed, saying that the zoning code for single-family housing requires minimum setbacks, is eligible for township trash service, and permits home occupations, all things not regulated or allowed in multifamily areas. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/070606/Powell/News/070606-News-183458.html
July 16, 200618 yr Author Liberty trustees accepts land for township park ThisWeek Olentangy, 6/8/06 Liberty Township trustees on Monday accepted a gift of nearly 100 acres to be set aside for a township park. Phyllis A. Havener and her family earlier announced the donation of 94 acres to the township, in conjunction with another donation of about 100 acres to Preservation Parks of Delaware County. The Havener family bought land along state Route 315 decades ago when there were just "a few scattered houses," and built a second home there where the family spent summers and holidays, Havener said. Since those first days, Havener said she's seen the county grow and change. "I'm very aware of the need for green space," Havener said. "I deplore urban sprawl." Development kicks off five-phase plan Olentangy Valley News, 7/14/06 Vincent Margello's most recently approved development will add commercial, office and warehouse space to Sawmill Parkway. Although the final two phases have yet to be approved, plans submitted to Powell's zoning office indicate more than 70,000 square feet of development, although Margello told Powell City Council that sizes could change. Currently the plan includes five buildings that range in size from 26,700 to 7,000 square feet. ThisWeek Olentangy: Powell approves annexation from Liberty (6/8/06) Delaware City Council approves plan for senior facility ThisWeek Delaware, 6/18/06 Development plans for a new 60,000-square-foot facility to serve area senior citizens last week received a thumbs up from Delaware city officials, clearing yet another hurdle for the project. Now -- pending the annexation of the future facility's site from Liberty Township to the city of Delaware and a subsequent rezoning that would permit the current farmland to be used for senior services -- construction on the project soon can begin. Those remaining actions are expected to be taken by mid-September. Last Monday, Delaware City Council approved preliminary and final development plans for the project. However, those approvals won't become official until after the annexation and rezoning are finalized. "The facility is going to be in the city, but very accessible to county residents," said Bob Horrocks, director of the Council for Older Adults. "Maybe in another year or so, we'll be able to go for a walk through it." School board hears projection on district growth ThisWeek Delaware, 6/18/06 The Delaware City Schools board of education on Monday heard consultant Stephen Pleasnick predict the district will receive 768 new students over the next six school years, averaging about 128 per year. The board also heard parents say they are concerned about staff cuts at Woodward Elementary School. Pleasnick, of Georgetown, Midwest & Pacific Consulting, said his study looked at residential areas in the district to determine the ratio between the number of students and households in a given residential area. "It's important to do this," Pleasnick said, "because as homes are added in a particular residential area, we can make the assumption that the ratio will hold true. People pick places to live based on what they view the neighborhoods to be like. If there are children in the neighborhood, people with children are likely to move in." Delaware News: Enrollment growth might outstrip capacity by 2012 (6/14/06) Wal-Mart suit might take another year ThisWeek Olentangy, 6/22/06 There won't be a quick end to the legal battle over a proposed Wal-Mart in Liberty Township, according to the store's foes. "We get asked what's going on with Wal-Mart all the time," said Kim Fowler, associate executive director of the Community Oversight Foundation, formerly the Liberty Township-Powell Watch Foundation. "It's still out there ... there's no question about that," Fowler said. "But it could be another year or more (before anything is decided in court)." Attorneys for the foundation, Liberty Township and developer Wedgewood Limited Partnership are waiting for oral arguments to begin in the Fifth District Court of Appeals. Arguments are likely to begin by the end of the year, possibly this summer, Liberty Township attorney Bill Loveland said. Panel tells Wal-Mart to revise plans ThisWeek Delaware, 6/25/06 A near-capacity crowd at Delaware City Hall let out a collective groan in the waning hours of Wednesday night, as the city's planning commission again chose to delay judgment of Wal-Mart's proposal to build a more than 200,000-square-foot store south of Cheshire Road. For the third consecutive month, the Delaware Planning Commission last week voted to table action on Wal-Mart Corp.'s preliminary development plans for a "supercenter" on the city's southeast side. The decision to forego a vote on the matter came nearly three and a half hours -- a few minutes shy of 10:30 p.m. -- after the commission opened discussion on Wal-Mart's proposal to build a 203,819-square-foot on about 22.6 acres. It also effectively provided a standing-eight count to the company, whose plans just moments earlier appeared to be on the ropes. Construction projects in full swing at schools ThisWeek Big Walnut, 6/25/06 Despite a last-minute change of roofing contractors, the school district's summer construction projects are on schedule, said Ralph Benziger, the former assistant superintendent who is overseeing the projects this summer. "Things are very busy all over the district," Benziger said. "Even the places where there's no construction going on, they're taking the overflow of activities that are normally happening on the other campuses." For instance, this month's board meeting was held in a classroom at Harrison Street Elementary School rather than in the high school library, which was inaccessible because of construction. Benziger had retired before Superintendent Melissa Conrath left the district to lead Worthington Schools. He returned on a temporary basis to supervise the construction projects while the district searched for a new superintendent. AG opinion doesn't end parkway feud ThisWeek Delaware, 6/25/06 Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro has issued a 19-page opinion on how Delaware County can use its 1998 0.75-percent road-maintenance sales tax A group of citizens says that means something regarding the Sawmill Parkway extension, which they oppose. Delaware County Engineer Chris Bauserman disagreed, saying the ruling will have no effect on the extension. The first phase of the extension is under construction. It is being built in conjunction with Golf Village north, and will stop 3/4 mile south of Hyatts Road. The opinion noted that Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost asked for a formal opinion on two questions. As village grows, Sunbury leaders begin to mull city charter Big Walnut News, 6/28/06 As the village of Sunbury draws nearer to becoming a city, Village Council is looking into adopting a charter that will guide government in the new frontier. Council member Robert Bishop introduced legislation last Wednesday that would allow an initiative to be placed on the November ballot asking voters to begin the process of drafting a charter for Sunbury. The initiative would ask voters to elect 15 residents to serve on a charter commission that would meet once weekly to generate guidelines that will dictate many aspects of the city's government. Enacting a charter would allow Sunbury greater powers of home rule, such as determining the functions of city officer and setting competitive bidding requirements. Unchartered municipalities must subvert to state law on such issues, according to state Auditor Betty Montgomery's Web site. Current population estimates place Sunbury at around 3,500 residents. Bishop said he expects the village to surpass the 5,000 mark that will designate it a city before the results of the next census in 2010. The new city status will not take effect until census results are official. Crowded intersection may get turn lanes Olentangy Valley News, 6/28/06 A long line of traffic near the Four Corners intersection in Powell is not unusual, but Powell City Council soon will begin to look at solutions. Council passed an ordinance last week approving the selection of an engineering firm to design preliminary plans for roadwork at the intersection of Liberty Road and Olentangy Street. The plans will feature a combination of turn lanes on different corners. The plans also will include the extension of the "villagescape," a $1.5 million project started nine years ago. The product of the villagescape can be seen on the west side of Olentangy Street near the Four Corners and includes brick sidewalks, decorative street lamps and landscaping. "The future plan will call for villagescape to be extended east on Olentangy Street and north and south on Liberty Street," said City Manager Steve Lutz. Liberty session slated on police protection ThisWeek Olentangy, 6/29/06 Liberty Township trustees last week agreed a series of special meetings are the first step needed to determine if the township would benefit from increased police protection and how best to fund it. No meetings have been scheduled, but trustees hope to hold the first meeting on a Monday night in July. After a trustee meeting earlier this month -- during which residents urged trustees to explore the option of hiring special-duty or contract deputies to curb speeders and crime -- fire chief and township administrator John Bernans began researching different possibilities. The majority of the township's 4,000-plus calls for service from the sheriff's office last year were traffic concerns or domestic situations, Bernans said. "The board needs to come up with exactly what you'd like to see," Bernans said. "We are in need (of more law enforcement)." Zoning panel kills variance requests ThisWeek Big Walnut, 7/2/06 The Sunbury Planning and Zoning Commission on June 26 denied a minor subdivision variance request by Rody Properties. Catherine Cunningham, an attorney for Plank and Brohm, said the applicant was requesting a variance for four lots in the subdivision. The subdivision is on Ramey Court, off East Cherry Street, and is zoned residential. Four homes around curves on the cul de sac don't meet minimum lot frontage. Cunningham asked the commission to grant a variance to allow the lot frontages to be measured at the building line instead of the right of way. "(Sunbury) is a bit unique from other municipalities ... in defining frontage," she said. Developer grappling with need for sidewalk ThisWeek Big Walnut, 7/2/06 The developer of an Africa Road condominium complex for senior citizens must essentially go back to the drawing board after failing to include a sidewalk in its engineering plans. Epcon Maple Creek LLC built the Villas at Maple Creek on the east side of Africa Road, where Genoa Township and Westerville meet. Genoa Township Zoning Inspector Leslie Warthman said Westerville is developing along the road south to Polaris Parkway and will have a sidewalk up to where the city meets the township. It is Genoa Township's responsibility to "fill in" the sidewalk portion along the Villas at Maple Creek, Warthman said. Delaware County, however, approved Epcon's engineering plan without a sidewalk, not knowing the township would require the developer to install a sidewalk. Kenney dropping plans for Concord golf community Business First of Columbus, 7/7/06 A 1,100-acre golf course community in southern Delaware County has gone from the drawing board to the trash can. Westerville-based Triangle Real Estate Services Inc. has confirmed it is scrapping plans for Riverside Highland in Concord Township that called for 820 single-family houses with a 214-acre golf course and 365 acres of parkland. Groundbreaking had been scheduled for spring. A representative of Triangle owner Donald Kenney confirmed the decision, but said Kenney wouldn't comment on the reasons. Kenney, who developed golf course communities at Scioto Reserve and Kinsale, also in Delaware County, told Business First in September that all but 100 of the lots were in contract to builders. Work began in August with a walking survey of the land, part of the county's conservation development zoning overlay. It was never completed. Delaware blazes trails for bikes Columbus Dispatch, 7/8/06 Not too long ago, oak and sycamore trees grew on a 15-foot hill along a train line. Today, it’s a broad, sloping plain of clay-heavy dirt where bulldozers roam and dozens of concrete pipes rest. And by the end of the year, Delaware officials hope, the scene will have changed again, to one that is filled with bicycles and joggers. "We’re trying to be visionary," said Randy Smith, the city’s Recreation Services director. "We want the city to be as walkable as possible, with less reliance on cars." Powell rejects plan for new McDonald’s Columbus Dispatch, 7/14/06 It’s back to the drawing board if McDonald’s hopes to build in Powell. At its meeting Wednesday night, the southern Delaware County city’s Planning and Zoning Commission issued a written decision explaining why it rejected the fast-food chain’s preliminary plan for a 4,300-square-foot restaurant on the southwest corner of Murphy Parkway and W. Olentangy Street. "It’s not the commission members not wanting a McDonald’s," said Chairman Kevin Futryk. "It’s a question of this McDonald’s at this particular site." The report, which reflected discussions from a June 28 public hearing, cited traffic concerns and indicated that the elimination of drive-through service could be sufficient for the commission to reconsider. ThisWeek Olentangy: Panel rules against McDonald's (7/6/06) Olentangy Valley News: Watch group stands against McDonald's (6/21/06)
July 20, 200618 yr Author From the 7/20/06 Dispatch: Diaper maker finds right fit in Delaware Thursday, July 20, 2006 Jeffrey Sheban THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The nation’s fourth-largest maker of single-use diapers is disposing of one Ohio factory for one in Delaware County. Associated Hygienic Products, which has made diapers and training pants in Marion under the Drypers and other names since the 1980s, will occupy a 300,000-square-foot plant in southern Delaware County just north of Rt. 42 near the Delaware County Airport, bringing 250 jobs to the region. AHP expects to retain all its current workers after the move, said Paul Bois, director of human resources. "We see Delaware as a growing area with good access to the city of Columbus and the markets we serve," he said. It’s bad news for the city of Marion, which offered the Hong Kong-based company free land and financial incentives to stay. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/07/20/20060720-E1-04.html
July 24, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 7/20/06: Orange panel hears Cobblestone details Thursday, July 20, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer The Orange Township Zoning Commission on July 13 again heard more on the Planned Communities Cobblestone Crossing development, specifically the 100-plus acres the company wants to rezone to planned commercial. The company seeks two separate commercial rezonings encompassing about 66 acres to be the "town center" portion of the project and another 103 acres for commercial and office space fronting U.S. Route 23. The hearing last week dealt specifically with the 103 acres, which are being designed to accommodate potential "big-box" users and up to 21 commercial out lots. As proposed, the portion along Route 23 will have a maximum of 1-million square-feet of commercial space, Planned Communities director of development Jack Brickner said. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/072006/Powell/News/072006-News-193092.html
August 3, 200618 yr Author Large building projects under way at schools ThisWeek Olentangy, 6/29/06 Drive by any school in Olentangy this summer and there is a good chance you will see construction vehicles and workers somewhere on the property. This summer, the district is in the midst of the largest construction-renovation program in the district's history, said Andy Kerr, facilities director. More than $100-million in new construction, building renovations, and concrete and asphalt work are under way or soon will be, he said. That work includes three new elementary schools, a middle school and the district's third high school. Crowd protests plans for Berkshire Township development Big Walnut News, 7/12/06 Jason Coffee of the Northwood Land Corp. appeared before the Berkshire Township zoning board Thursday to try to compel the board to change the township's comprehensive plan. Coffee and his company hope to amend the township's zoning regulations to develop a upscale neighborhood on 90 acres between Plumb and Dustin roads east of 3 B's & K Road. But the board would not make its decision without hearing from close to 50 residents who gathered to oppose the project. In fact, it made no decision at all. The township's zoning board asked the company to table its request while board members work to alleviate some uncertainties and concerns brought forward during the two-hour debate between developers and neighboring residents. Controversy centered around development guidelines in Berkshire Township's five-year-old comprehensive plan that stipulate homes should be constructed on lots no smaller than two acres. Northwood hopes to develop 98 upscale homes on the 90-acre property, mirroring the architectural standards of Dublin's Tartan Fields neighborhood. Nearby residents contended that the development, in which lot sizes would average 100 feet in length surrounded by greenspace, would be out of character with the area. Liberty may seek income tax funds ThisWeek Olentangy, 7/13/06 An agreement in the works between Powell and Liberty Township might create the township's first chance to receive income tax money, Liberty trustee Curt Sybert said. The township and city are working with one another and a local property owner to complete a JEDD agreement, a joint economic development district. The district would be in a yet undeveloped office complex near the Wedgewood commerce area along Sawmill Parkway. The agreement would allow Powell to collect its 0.75-percent income tax outside the city and share half the money with Liberty Township. The township would still collect property taxes on the land. The JEDD would affect a portion of the office complex, Sybert said. He said as many as 500 employees would work there, and about 250 would be subject to the income tax. Liberty panel considers zoning code changes ThisWeek Olentangy, 7/13/06 If proposed zoning code amendments ultimately are adopted, Liberty Township could become more welcoming to industrial businesses, zoning officials said. Zoning commission members at their July 6 meeting, discussed deleting language that requires businesses in the planned industrial areas to have a minimum of 20 acres. The current code states "Any industrial district, when developed as an autonomous district or in combination with any commercial district, shall have a minimum acreage of twenty (20) acres." By requiring users to have 20 or more acres, the township could preclude potential industrial businesses that have the potential to bring in tax revenues, township attorney Bill Loveland said. Commission chairman Walter Threlfall agreed, saying that one acre is too small but maybe 20 is too large. Construction of new COA facility slated for August ThisWeek Big Walnut, 7/16/06 It's been a long process, but officials for the Council for Older Adults of Delaware County hope to begin construction next month on a new $12-million senior citizens' facility. For more than two years, the group has been working with officials from the city of Delaware and Delaware County to bring a centralized facility to serve local seniors. Following a ceremonial groundbreaking at the future center's construction site last Wednesday, the project is moving ever closer to becoming a 60,000-square-foot reality. "We've been working on this for a couple of years, easily," COA director Bob Horrocks said. "It's been a long process, but we hope to start construction in August. We're hopeful that the new facility will be open by the end of summer 2007." Plans for the new facility kicked into high gear in May 2005, after county voters passed a $12-million bond that will fund its construction. Last year, the Delaware County commissioners spent $715,528 to buy 13.2 acres on the south side of Cheshire Road, just west of the Glenross Golf Course, on which the center will be built. Board buys elementary school site at Orange and Bale-Kenyon ThisWeek Olentangy, 7/20/06 After Olentangy school officials redrew the attendance boundary lines last winter to even out school enrollments, it became obvious that some of the new growth was coming from the Bale-Kenyon Road area. With no school sites already available in that area. they began looking for land for an elementary school and found two adjacent parcels near the intersection of Orange Road and Bale-Kenyon, said Andy Kerr, the district's director of facilities. At its Tuesday night meeting, the Olentangy Board of Education voted 5-0 to purchase 18 acres for just over $1-million. While many of the district's recent sites have been donated, Kerr said that was not an option at this location. The decision was made to use bond funds designated for land purchase to lock in what Kerr calls "a strategic location" based on growth patterns. P&Z to McDonald's: No drive-through ThisWeek Olentangy, 7/20/06 Powell's Planning and Zoning Commission last week rejected McDonald's plan for a restaurant on West Olentangy Street. The panel also suggested a way the company might be able to build the restaurant: scrap the drive-through. The panel issued a formal, written decision on the company's preliminary development plan for a 4,300-square-foot restaurant. The commission, after a short executive session and with almost no discussion July 12, remanded the preliminary development plan back to McDonald's Corp. with a list of ways in which the plan could be improved. Among the commission's concerns was McDonald's estimate that at least 60 percent of its business would be drive-through, and the potential effects on nearby Murphy Park. Liberty Township’s police needs grow Columbus Dispatch, 7/21/06 Liberty Township in Delaware County is no hotbed of crime, but it sure has a fair number of speeders, officials say. Because residents are increasingly complaining about vehicles speeding through neighborhoods and business districts, the township trustees are exploring options for stepping up police protection, and traffic enforcement in particular. Their choices include forming a township police department or paying either the Delaware County sheriff’s office or the Powell Police Department to dedicate at least one officer to the area. A committee of nine residents, chosen by the three trustees, will meet for the first time Aug. 3 to discuss the options. "We knew that as this area grows, so would our police needs," said township administrator John Bernans. "What we’re hearing so far is that the residents want someone in this community to be visible, someone out and about with a presence." ThisWeek Olentangy: Liberty forms panel on police protection (7/13/06) Growth slows in Genoa Township ThisWeek Big Walnut, 7/23/06 The number of single-family home permits issued in Genoa Township has dropped to levels last seen in the early 1990s, if the figures for the first half of the year are any indication. Zoning Inspector Leslie Warthman said growth has dropped to a level not seen since 1993. "Well, we don't know where we'll end up this year," she added. In the first six months of 2006, Genoa issued 111 single-family residential permits. In all of 1993, meanwhile, the township issued 197 single-family permits. Compare that to 2000, when 342 single-family permits were issued during the first six months of the year. Or to 2001, when 598 single-family permits were issue through the entire year. Wal-Mart hopes for council approval of Supercenter plan Delaware News, 7/26/06 After a lengthy planning process that brought it before the Delaware Planning Commission at least three times in as many months, Wal-Mart hit its biggest roadblock yet in a plan to bring a new Supercenter to the city. The planning commission voted unanimously last Wednesday against all but one of Wal-Mart's proposals. The commission approved a conditional use permit that would allow development over 100,00 square feet on the 22.59-acre site at U.S. 23 and Cheshire Road, but said no thanks to the others, ranging from a preliminary development plan to permits for an auto service station and outdoor storage area. Wal-mart's plan would bring a 203,819-square-foot Supercenter to the east side of U.S. Route 23, south of Cheshire Road and west and north of the new Cheshire Road. If Wal-Mart hopes to continue to pursue the plan, it must now go before City Council and receive a supermajority vote of at least 5-2. ThisWeek Delaware: Wal-Mart fails to sway city panel (7/23/06) Columbus Dispatch: Wal-Mart plans for Delaware turned down (7/20/06) Grocery predicted within 6 months ThisWeek Big Walnut, 7/30/06 The Sunbury Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday heard a prediction that the town will have a supermarket within six months. Larry Greenberg said he recently purchased the Big Walnut Plaza and is working to bring a grocery store to the former IGA building. "I'm very, very excited about the project," Greenberg said. Greenberg said he worked in the local food brokerage business for 26 years. Greenberg said he has spoken with at least 15 different grocery stores. "Sunbury is one of the best kept secrets," he said. "There has been tremendous interest." Genoa BZA to hear condo rezoning bid ThisWeek Big Walnut, 7/30/06 The developer of a planned condominium development will go before the Genoa Township board of zoning appeals to seek a variance for a higher density than the township typically allows. Developer Romanelli and Hughes wants to build a 72-unit cluster condo development called The Reserve at Big Walnut on nearly 50.3 acres at what is currently 5189 Big Walnut Road. Daniel L. Straub is requesting the township rezone the land from rural residential (RR) to planned residential (PD-1) zoning district. Attorney Todd Neuman spoke on behalf of the developer at the July 24 zoning commission meeting.
August 8, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 8/3/06: Panel likes plan for industrial area Thursday, August 3, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer Orange Township Zoning Commission members continued their hearing on Planned Communities' proposed Cobblestone Crossing development last Thursday, this time focusing on about 30 acres of planned industrial development. The company is seeking approval of a rezoning of 27.4 acres to planned industrial for an area of the 452-acre development that will abut the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks at the back of the project. Planned Communities proposes an industrial area. Because that area would be near a planned elementary school site, a park and residential areas, no adult-oriented business could open there. "By changing the map (and where the industrial is located) and putting the park where it is, you actually protected the township. Thank you," commission member Tim Hetrick told Jack Brickner, director of development for Planned Communities. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/080306/Powell/News/080306-News-200381.html
August 12, 200618 yr I didn't realize the IGA in Sunbury closed it doors. I can remember when it was actually in Sunbury (next to Harrison School) in the 1980s.
August 14, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Westerville, 8/10/06: PHOTO: The property at 5189 Big Walnut Road is an example of land being considered for rural residential conservation development. By Joy Parker/ThisWeek Zoning concept protects rural character Thursday, August 10, 2006 By MACKENZIE WHITE ThisWeek Staff Writer When Genoa Township is "built out," it will continue to have plenty of open spaces, thanks to the conservation development concept. This concept requires that 50 percent of the developed land be set aside without buildings. "Plenty of open space can enhance the goal of maintaining the township's most valued asset, its rural character," the comprehensive plan says. The concept protects a large portion of the land from future development. Developers receive a "density bonus" and there is no required minimum lot size, which saves on site preparation and improvement costs. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Westerville&story=thisweeknews/081006/Westerville/News/081006-News-203294.html Council OKs Kintner/36 planning ThisWeek Big Walnut, 8/13/06 Stilson Consulting Group LLC received an engineering contract for design work for the Kintner Parkway and U.S. Route 36-state Route 37 intersection project in an emergency ordinance passed by Sunbury Village Council Aug. 9. Funding from several sources will be used for the $1.4-million in road improvements, which include pavement and lighting on Kintner Parkway from Stelzer Court to U.S. 36, lanes and signals at Kintner and U.S. 36 and widening and a turn lane on U.S. 36 from Kintner to Miller Drive. The improvements are being financed partially through tax abatements and an enterprise zone to address traffic concerns for American Showa's 46,618-square-foot building addition. Council also passed emergency ordinances creating a tax-increment financing district, authorizing work and approving a special assessment district for area property owners. ThisWeek Big Walnut: Village eyes engineer for U.S. 36, Kintner (8/6/06) Downtown Powell group to take shape under new hire Olentangy Valley News, 8/9/06 Historic Downtown Powell Inc. is moving toward inception. During last week's Powell City Council meeting, members agreed to create a part-time position to get the organization started. A Downtown organization has been in the works for more than a year after a committee was created to find ways to revitalize the Downtown area. The focus of Historic Downtown Powell Inc. is to stimulate growth and development and to promote a positive image of the downtown Powell area. The organization also would work in conjunction with other groups such as Olentangy Commerce. Township, crowd agree: Development not a good fit Big Walnut News, 8/9/06 A 96-home development -- built to the specifications of Dublin's Tartan Fields neighborhood -- has no place in Berkshire Township, the township's zoning commission ruled Thursday. The commission sided with the crowd of more than 50 residents that loudly opposed the development, denying Northwood Land Corp.'s rezoning request. Developers asked the commission to consider amending sections of the township's comprehensive plan that require new homes to be constructed on lots larger than two acres. The company hoped to build homes valued at more than $500,000 on the 90 acres between Plumb and Dustin roads east of 3 B's & K Road. All the township's zoning commission members voted to uphold the plan and deny the application. Genoa trustees ask residents to help develop township theme, 'identity' ThisWeek Westerville, 8/3/06 A Genoa Township committee is inviting residents to join work groups that will plan the community's future and work toward establishing an identity for the township. "That's one of the goals: That we could really use some kind of either essential place that people think of when they think of Genoa, or some type of unified theme," said Trustee Gerry Cotter, who is serving as chairperson of the comprehensive planning update committee. Other goals, as stated in a news release, are to "enhance the community's spirit, add civil appreciation (and) foster cohesion of all neighborhoods." The release, by Zoning Inspector Leslie Warthman, said the groups will allow all residents to become involved in the "necessary town planning that will make sure Genoa evolves as a community and provides all future residents a genuinely desirable home town feeling." Genoa BZA to hear rezoning bid ThisWeek Westerville, 8/3/06 The developer of a planned condominium development will go before the Genoa Township board of zoning appeals to seek a variance for a higher density than the township typically allows. Developer Romanelli and Hughes wants to build a 72-unit cluster condo development called The Reserve at Big Walnut on nearly 50.3 acres at what is currently 5189 Big Walnut Road. Daniel L. Straub is requesting the township rezone the land from rural residential (RR) to planned residential (PD-1) zoning district. Attorney Todd Neuman spoke on behalf of the developer at the July 24 zoning commission meeting. Neuman said the project would require a density of 1.43 units per acre. Group stumping for YMCA Big Walnut News, 8/2/06 Members of a local committee are working to define the district that will be served by a proposed Sunbury-area YMCA. On July 12, committee members asked Sunbury Village Council to issue its support for a plan to include all of the Big Walnut Local School District in the YMCA's service area. Members of the group, which is dubbed the Eastern Delaware County Joint Recreational Task Force, are trying to win approval from local legislative bodies for the group's districting plan, defining Sunbury, Galena and portions of the six surrounding townships as the Eastern Delaware County Joint Recreational District. Martin Foreman, a member of the task force's leadership committee, calls the action "the first very small step" in bringing a YMCA to the Sunbury area. The joint recreational district must be established before legislators can place any tax issue on the ballot, said Foreman. Developer hopes to bring grocery to 'specialty center' Big Walnut News, 8/2/06 In about six months, Sunbury residents may be able to purchase a quart of milk at the home of the former IGA, developer Larry Greenburg told Sunbury's planning and zoning commission last Wednesday. Greenburg's company, LP Properties LLC, purchased the old IGA's home, Big Walnut Plaza, for $3.45 million on June 27, according to the Ohio secretary of state's office. The company plans to split the 40,000-square-foot anchor store, making room for a mid-sized grocer such as Buehler's of Delaware or Jubilee of Worthington, said Greenburg. The remaining portion of the building may house a retailer such as JoAnn Fabrics or a sporting goods store, he said. "The property is too small for a Kroger, but it's too big for an IGA or a Trader Joe's or a Whole Foods," he said. Greenburg is seeking the commission's approval to install an additional curb cut on state routes 36/37 in front of the plaza before he will close with any retailer, he said. All of the plaza's current tenants have renewed their leases, he said.
August 21, 200618 yr Author From Olentangy Valley News, 8/16/06: Developers approach pristine land with care The planned River Run subdivision will be home to 26 lots; the plans worry some residents. By JENNIFER NOBLIT Looking at the green fields, rolling hills and jagged ravines that cut through the land of the proposed River Run subdivision, it's not hard to understand why someone would want to live there. Although the proposed 40-acre plan that borders Olentangy River and Jewett roads recently has drawn some criticism, developers say they will be responsible with the land. As it currently stands, developing partners Denis King, Bruce Miller, Paul Cugini and Jeff Boothman have worked out a plan that will house 26 lots -- all in excess of the minimum required 1 acre. With the high land value, developers expect million-dollar homes. The land is zoned as a farm residential district and no variances in the plan mean only approval from the Delaware County Regional Planning Commission is required. At last week's Liberty Township meeting, a few residents addressed trustees on the issue. MORE: http://www.snponline.com/NEWS8-16/8-16_ovriverrun.htm Sunbury to share cost of roadwork Big Walnut News, 8/16/06 Last Wednesday, Sunbury Village Council cemented an economic development package that will fund improvements to the intersection of Kintner Parkway and U.S. Route 36-state Route 37, outside of American Showa. The package mandates the village contribute $250,000 to road improvements outside the factory, which is undergoing a $2.2 million expansion that will create 48 new jobs. The total cost of the road improvements is expected to be $1.2 million. A number of grants and a contribution from Delaware County will cover the remaining costs. The village will be reimbursed for its contribution to the project through special assessments issued to area businesses and through the creation of a tax-increment financing district. The TIF district will channel property-tax funds from county agencies into the infrastructure improvements.
August 21, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 8/17/06: Multi-family portion of project again reviewed Thursday, August 17, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer Planned Communities likely won't be required to submit a sixth application as part of its proposed 452-acre Cobblestone Crossing "town center" development. The Orange Township Zoning Commission at its meeting Aug. 8 decided to leave the multi-family portion, containing both single-family homes and condominiums, as a single application, according to the unofficial meeting transcript. Commission members in June told Planned Communities Director of Development Jack Brickner that a sixth application could be required because the company is proposing small single-family homes on about 80 of the 153 acres Planned Communities hopes to rezone to multi-family. At that meeting, commission members asked township attorney Michael McCarthy to compare the differences in zoning language and potential implications of building single-family homes in an area zoned for multi-family. The zoning commission can approve the plan with the single-family homes being approved as a variance, McCarthy said. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Powell&story=thisweeknews/081706/Powell/News/081706-News-207848.html
August 28, 200618 yr Author From the 8/28/06 Dispatch: Village at Powell complex back on track after months of turmoil Monday, August 28, 2006 Mike Pramik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The Village at Powell is a condominium development that looks like many others in central Ohio. It has 24 units with stone and vinyl siding, with 54 more to come. They have garages and attractive landscaping. There’s a clubhouse next to a swimming pool. The clubhouse has a pool table, workout equipment and some leather furniture around a fireplace. What’s not apparent about this development is the path taken to get it built. "It’s been a very trying process, a very frustrating process," said Michael Vasbinder, president of ConTrak Construction, which has taken over development of the complex. "We know it’s a good product, a good location. We’re trying to overcome all of the negative publicity the project had for the last three years. That’s been a struggle." MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/08/28/20060828-F6-01.html
August 29, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Delaware, 8/20/06: AHP seeks relief from impact fee Sunday, August 20, 2006 By NATE ELLIS ThisWeek Staff Writer A Duluth, Ga.-based diaper manufacturer planning to build a new facility and bring 200 jobs to Delaware is seeking relief from a fee imposed on new developments within the city. Associated Hygienic Products plans to build a $12-million manufacturing facility neighboring the Delaware Municipal Airport, as well as maintain a projected $10-million annual payroll. But the company would like to forego payment of approximately $71,620 in newly imposed impact fees designed to help fund upgrades to existing municipal facilities, the construction of new city buildings and the purchase of equipment for those structures. Last Monday, representatives of AHP asked Delaware City Council to give the company "grandfather" status related to its municipal facilities impact fees because those fees were not in place when it began negotiations to relocate its manufacturing facility from Marion, Ohio, to Delaware. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Delaware&story=thisweeknews/082006/Delaware/News/082006-News-209197.html
August 30, 200618 yr Author From the 8/29/06 Dispatch: PHOTO: Donated women’s clothes are being stored at the Common Ground Free Store in Delaware, which will also offer school supplies, dinner plates and other household items. PHOTO: Bonnie Ristau, left, hangs donated clothes as her husband, Archie Ristau, and fellow volunteer Betty Cooley, of Galena, unpack boxes of hangers. PHOTO: Archie Ristau, of Delaware, carries in a box of new hangers to the Common Ground Free Store that will open Saturday in Delaware. Ristau and other volunteers were using the hangers for clothes that have already been donated. POVERTY IN DELAWARE COUNTY Working poor on rise Tuesday, August 29, 2006 Jane Hawes FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH DELAWARE, Ohio — About the only thing growing faster than the population in Delaware County is the number of poor people. The Delaware County Regional Planning Commission says the population of Ohio’s fastest-growing county increased by nearly 30 percent between 2000 and ’04. The number of people receiving cash assistance and food stamps climbed 88 percent at the same time. And the ranks of the less fortunate are still growing. Most of those receiving assistance are the working poor, said Mona Reilly, director of the local Job and Family Services office. "The service industries," Reilly said. "That’s where they’re not making the money." FULL ARTICLE: http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/08/29/20060829-D1-02.html
September 5, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 8/31/06: Long process begins to build Havener Park Thursday, August 31, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer Surveying is under way on the nearly 200 acres that someday will be known as Havener Park. It likely will be at least another year, however, before a comprehensive plan for the park is unveiled, Preservation Parks Director Rita Au said. Liberty Township trustees in June accepted a donation from the Havener family of 94 acres between state Route 315 and Liberty Road, about a half mile north of Bean Oller Road. The family also donated another 100 acres to Preservation Parks. Trustee Chairman Bob Cape and township parks officials were scheduled to meet with Au and the Preservation Parks staff Monday. After that, a wish list can be compiled for park amenities and the Havener family can give its input on the design. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=powell&story=sites/thisweeknews/083106/Powell/News/083106-News-214653.html
September 5, 200618 yr POVERTY IN DELAWARE COUNTY Working poor on rise Memo to rich people: "We know where you live."
September 5, 200618 yr POVERTY IN DELAWARE COUNTY Working poor on rise Memo to rich people: "We know where you live." And in Delaware County it's Concord, Liberty, and Genoa Twps. (along with the NW corner of Delaware proper)
September 5, 200618 yr Author From ThisWeek Olentangy, 8/31/06: COBBLESTONE 'Town center' details needed Thursday, August 31, 2006 By KELLEY YOUMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer Orange Township Zoning Commission members again reviewed part of Planned Communities' Cobblestone Crossing project, and told developers they needed more detail to ensure the upscale town center project becomes reality. Commission members said the 65.9-acre "town center" part of the project needs to contain clearer definitions when it comes to such things as architectural standards and building materials. Developer Planned Communities likely won't develop the entire 452-acre project, township attorney Michael McCarthy said. Because of that, clear regulations must be included with the zoning text so future developers have an understanding of what is allowed and what isn't. Jack Brickner, director of development for Planned Communities, said the idea for the town center is to have regulated zoning flexible enough to allow different end users to determine some of their architectural designs. Too much regulation could result in a town center that looks fake or too planned, and won't have the small-town feel that developers envision, Brickner said. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=powell&story=sites/thisweeknews/083106/Powell/News/083106-News-214652.html
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