By 1808Delaware
owell’s Community Development Department will present its January 2025 Monthly Report during the upcoming Powell City Council meeting at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, January 21 in the Council Chambers. This report covers recent decisions, ongoing projects, and forward-looking initiatives aimed at shaping the city’s growth and enhancing its historic charm.
Decisions Shape Commercial and Residential Growth
Childcare Facility Moves Forward
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a proposal to bring a Lightbridge Academy daycare center to a 2.889-acre site near the Liberty Market shopping center. The project includes a new playground and other facilities designed to meet the growing demand for childcare services in the area. The center will be located north of Powell Road and is being developed by Joseph Stanley of First Hartford Realty Corporation.
Redevelopment Plans Tabled
Two key redevelopment projects remain under review:
- The Campbell House Project, which involves the demolition and reconstruction of a 4,600-square-foot commercial structure at 143 West Olentangy Street, was tabled for additional discussion.
- Similarly, plans to redevelop the former Milano Florist property into a three-story commercial structure at 173 West Olentangy Street are on hold for further consideration. Both projects are led by Randall Woodings of Kontogiannis & Associates.
Collaboration and Community Engagement on the Horizon
Historic Preservation Gains Momentum
Efforts to preserve and document Powell’s downtown history are advancing. In partnership with Designing Local, the city is researching the historical significance of downtown properties. The initiative includes collaboration with the Powell Liberty Historical Society, with staff gathering background information to inform the survey.
Training and Preparedness
To ensure alignment on city planning priorities, members of the Historic Downtown Advisory Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission participated in a joint training session on January 16, 2025.
Code Enforcement and Rewrite Bring Modern Solutions
Online Code Violation Reporting
While no new code violation notices were issued in January, the city is actively working with property owners to resolve December 2024 violations. Looking ahead, staff plans to launch an online submission form for reporting code violations by Spring 2025, improving accessibility and efficiency for residents.
Zoning Code Rewrite Set to Launch
A major overhaul of Powell’s zoning code will kick off next month. The city, in collaboration with ZoneCo, is finalizing a comprehensive code assessment that will guide the rewrite process. Residents will have opportunities to provide input through public meetings and work sessions throughout 2025, ensuring the new zoning ordinance reflects the community’s evolving needs.
Village Green Master Plan Puts Community at the Center
The Downtown Powell and Village Green Master Plan is moving forward with input from Pizzuti Solutions. Following a meeting in December 2024 to review progress, the city is launching a community survey and project gallery in January to gather feedback on the vision for this critical area.
Source: City of Powell
