By 1808Delaware
Delaware residents now have a unique opportunity to influence the future of their city. The City of Delaware’s Planning Department is seeking input from the public on two critical projects: the Southeast Focus Area Plan and a much-anticipated update to the city’s Zoning Code. Each project comes with its own set of public open houses, giving residents a chance to voice their opinions and play an active role in shaping the community they call home.
Southeast Focus Area Plan
The Southeast Focus Area Plan is an ambitious project aimed at guiding development in one of the city’s key areas. The city is collaborating with a citizen steering committee to ensure that a variety of community perspectives are incorporated into the planning process.
On October 24, residents and stakeholders are invited to join an open house from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Newstart Church, located at 795 Pollock Road. This gathering will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the Southeast Focus Area Plan, its goals, and how it fits into the broader vision for Delaware’s growth and development.
The open house will feature presentations from city planners and members of the steering committee, followed by interactive sessions where attendees can share their ideas and feedback. For those unable to attend in person, the city has set up an online platform at DelawareOHFocusAreas.org where residents can still contribute their thoughts and suggestions.
Updating the City’s Zoning Code
The second opportunity for public input involves an update to Delaware’s Zoning Code, which has remained largely unchanged since 2003. Over the past two decades, Delaware has transformed, with new residential areas, commercial developments, and community facilities reshaping the city. However, the zoning code has not evolved to meet these changes.
To address this, the Planning Department is holding two open houses where residents can learn about proposed changes to the zoning code and discuss their implications. These sessions will take place in the Council Chambers on:
- October 29, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- October 30, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The updated zoning code will impact various aspects of city life, from residential density and building heights to the types of businesses that can operate in certain areas. As city planners work to align Delaware’s zoning regulations with its growth, they are particularly interested in hearing from residents who will be affected by these changes.
Why Your Input Matters
City planning and zoning decisions have far-reaching impacts, influencing everything from housing availability and neighborhood aesthetics to local traffic patterns and environmental sustainability. The city’s outreach efforts reflect a commitment to transparency and a recognition that public participation is crucial to creating policies that benefit everyone.
“We’re looking forward to hearing from residents and understanding their vision for Delaware,” said a representative from the Planning Department. “The city has changed so much over the last 20 years, and it’s essential that our zoning code reflects the needs of today’s community.”
This is a prime chance for residents to make their voices heard, whether they’re interested in preserving Delaware’s character, advocating for smart growth, or ensuring the city remains a great place to live and work for future generations.
How to Get Involved
Residents who wish to attend either the Southeast Focus Area Plan open house or the zoning code sessions are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan on engaging with city officials and neighbors. Those with questions or who need more information can reach out to the Planning Department by emailing [email protected].
For individuals passionate about shaping the direction of Delaware, these events offer a meaningful way to contribute to the community and help guide its future. By attending, residents can play a role in crafting a vision for a Delaware that is vibrant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of its residents.
Upcoming Events at a Glance:
- Southeast Focus Area Open House
- Date: October 24
- Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Location: Newstart Church, 795 Pollock Road
- Zoning Code Open Houses
- Date: October 29
- Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Council Chambers
- Date: October 30
- Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Location: Council Chambers
Don’t miss this chance to shape the future of Delaware. Whether you attend one or all of these open houses, your insights and ideas can help ensure that Delaware grows in a way that reflects the needs and values of its community.
