By 1808Delaware
A wide-ranging report delivered to Sunbury City Council at its most recent meeting is offering a clear snapshot of a city balancing rapid growth with rising public concern, as officials navigate development pressures, infrastructure needs, and emerging policy questions.
Presented by City Manager Daryl Hennessy, the April 1 report touches on everything from housing construction and road improvements to electric bike regulations. Yet one issue stands above the rest: the growing debate over data center development and its impact on the community.
Larger Venue Sought as Data Center Debate Draws Public Attention
City officials are preparing for a larger-than-usual audience at the upcoming April 15 City Council meeting, scheduled for 8:00 PM.
With assistance from Big Walnut Local Schools, staff are exploring a larger venue to accommodate expected attendance. The anticipated turnout is tied directly to the possibility that council will consider a moratorium on data center development. Looking ahead, the city is also planning a public forum in June that will bring together subject matter experts to discuss data center issues. Details of that forum are still being finalized.
At this stage, no other council meetings are expected to be relocated from Sunbury Town Hall.
Public Feedback Shapes City Response
Included with the report was a detailed summary of public comments gathered during a February Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. That feedback is already influencing how city staff are approaching the issue. Residents raised concerns across several areas, including quality of life, environmental impact, infrastructure capacity, and long-term economic value.
The tone of those comments reflected strong opposition, with many residents emphasizing a desire to preserve Sunbury’s character while asking for greater transparency in how decisions are made.
Strong Year for Residential and Commercial Development
Beyond the data center discussion, the report points to a year of significant growth. In 2025, the city issued 135 zoning certificates for new residential construction, representing 282 housing units. That total includes both single-family homes and multi-family development tied to the Northport project. An additional 74 certificates were issued for residential improvements such as decks and patios, bringing the total number of residential zoning certificates to 209.
The city also completed two annexations totaling approximately 144 acres on the east side of Sunbury.
Commercial development has kept pace. According to data from the Delaware County Regional Planning Commission, Sunbury recorded the highest level of commercial activity in the county and the second highest level of residential activity among communities included in the report.
Street Improvements and Sewer Work Move Forward
Infrastructure projects remain a central focus as the city works to support that growth. The 2026 Street Improvement Program is now open for bids, with an estimated cost of $1.1 million. Bids are scheduled to be opened on April 22 at 2:00 PM at the Municipal Building.
Planned work includes street resurfacing, curb replacement, drainage improvements, traffic calming measures, and reconstruction of South Vernon Street.
In addition, sewer rehabilitation work along the Cheshire Ditch is expected to begin soon. The project, led by Performance Pipeline, Inc., is scheduled to take three to four days, depending on weather conditions. Residents in affected areas will receive advance notice, and the city plans to distribute a set of frequently asked questions ahead of the work.
New Rules Considered for Electric and Motorized Vehicles
Police department staff are collaborating with the city’s legal team to draft an ordinance addressing the use of electric and motorized bikes and vehicles on sidewalks, streets, and trails. The proposed legislation is expected to come before City Council at its next meeting, reflecting growing interest in how these devices are used in public spaces.
A City at a Turning Point
Taken together, the City Manager’s report presents a community in transition. Sunbury is experiencing measurable growth in housing and commercial development, while continuing to invest in infrastructure and public services. At the same time, the debate over data centers has introduced new questions about how that growth should be managed.
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