By 1808Delaware
Delaware City Council will consider a wide-ranging collection of legislation Monday evening, October 12, with proposed residential developments, commercial expansion, infrastructure improvements, and changes in city administration among the major items on the agenda.
The regular meeting begins at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, following a 6:00 PM executive session to consider the appointment or employment of a public official. Several proposals could influence where Delaware grows, how public improvements are financed, and how municipal services are managed in the coming months.
Commercial Growth Along The Sunbury Road Corridor
One of the more significant development items involves a proposed zoning amendment intended to accommodate a large-format retail store near the U.S. Route 36/State Route 37 Sunbury Road corridor, east of Sky View Lane. Ordinance 26-55 would expand an existing Commercial Planned Unit Development district to incorporate additional property currently classified as Community Commercial.
The agenda contains two different acreage figures for this proposal. The consent agenda references 22.046 additional acres, while the ordinance listed for consideration specifies 11.746 acres. Both descriptions identify the same general location and retail development purpose. Council is expected to consider the legislation Monday, with a public hearing and second reading proposed for October 26 at 7:15 PM.
New Housing Proposals Advance
Residential development also occupies a substantial portion of Monday’s agenda. Council will consider Ordinance 26-56, which proposes rezoning approximately 12.417 acres on the south side of Bowtown Road and Byxbe Parkway from Agricultural to Residential Planned Unit Development. The property was recently annexed into the city, and the requested zoning would permit multifamily residential uses. A public hearing and second reading are proposed for October 26 at 7:20 PM.
Another major housing proposal, the Flats at Boulder Park, is moving toward its next public hearing. Resolution 26-71 concerns a development plan for 252 multifamily residential units. Council is being asked to establish October 26 at 7:10 PM for the hearing and second reading.
Meanwhile, a smaller residential project near Lake Street and Flax Street has reached its third reading. Ordinance 26-47 would rezone approximately 1.75 acres to Residential Planned Unit Development at the request of Ex Flax, LLC. The change would accommodate new duplexes and townhomes that would become part of The Mill on Flax apartment complex.
East Central Avenue Reconstruction Funding
Council will also consider a resolution aimed at securing outside financial assistance for a roadway improvement project. Resolution 26-72 would authorize the City Manager to enter into a cooperative agreement with Delaware County and submit an application to the Ohio Public Works Commission for the East Central Avenue reconstruction project. The application would seek assistance through Round 41 of the state’s Capital Improvement and/or Local Transportation Improvement programs.
The legislation would authorize the application process rather than guarantee funding. If successful, the request could provide state assistance for improvements along East Central Avenue.
Another infrastructure-related matter involves the Northwood tax increment financing proposal. Ordinance 26-53 would create Northwood incentive districts, establish provisions for payments in lieu of property taxes, and designate public infrastructure improvements associated with the Byxbe corridor. The proposed arrangement is identified as a non-school tax increment financing district, with provisions for school district distributions.
Council is being asked to move the public hearing and second reading from October 12 to October 26 at 7:25 PM.
Accessibility And Neighborhood Investment
Two proposals scheduled for public hearings Monday address citywide policies rather than individual development sites.
At 7:10 PM, Council will hold a public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 26-50, which would adopt the city’s Americans with Disabilities Act Policy and Transition Plan. The legislation would establish a consolidated municipal framework for implementing the requirements of federal disability law, including administration of the city’s accessibility policies and transition planning.
At 7:20 PM, Ordinance 26-52 will receive its second reading and public hearing. That measure would amend and reestablish Delaware’s Community Reinvestment Area, expanding its boundaries to align with the city’s corporate limits. The change would incorporate newly annexed territories into the geographic area covered by the city’s community reinvestment framework, which operates under Ohio law.
A Street Name Change And Another Annexation
Council will also revisit a proposal to change Vergon Drive to Rainstone Drive.
Ordinance 26-51, scheduled for a 7:15 PM public hearing and second reading, is intended to eliminate confusion affecting emergency response and other municipal services.
Separately, Ordinance 26-59 concerns the annexation of approximately 0.427 acres associated with the Vernon Avenue right of way. The legislation would accept the annexation petition submitted through agent Ryan D. Crossley. Council will consider the measure Monday, while also being asked to schedule a public hearing and second reading for October 26.
City Leadership And Employee Compensation
Two additional ordinances address the internal operation of city government. Ordinance 26-58 would appoint an interim City Manager and includes an emergency declaration.
The proposed appointment appears on the same agenda as the earlier executive session concerning the appointment or employment of a public official. The published agenda does not identify the individual proposed for the interim position.
Ordinance 26-57 would amend the city’s management pay plan by moving the Fleet and Traffic Division Supervisor position from pay grade M7 to M8, reflecting a revised compensation classification. That proposal also contains an emergency declaration.
Finance Department Recognition
Not all of Monday’s business concerns proposed legislation. The city’s Finance Department is scheduled to receive an Auditor of State Award with Distinction, recognizing its financial reporting. Council will also welcome Corey Staver, GIS Coordinator in the city’s Information Technology Department, as part of its staff introductions.
How Residents Can Participate
The October 12 meeting begins at 7:00 PM at Delaware City Hall and will be streamed through the Events section of the city’s website.
Residents wishing to address Council in person may complete a speaker sign-in form at the meeting. Public comments are limited to three minutes, and speakers must provide their names and addresses. Written comments, emails, letters, and petitions must reach the Council Clerk by 10:00 AM on the day of the meeting to be presented to members and included in the public record. Submissions may be emailed to councilclerk@cityofdelawareoh.gov.
Several development proposals on Monday’s agenda are expected to return for public hearings October 26, giving residents additional opportunities to follow proposed changes to the city’s residential and commercial landscape. The complete meeting agenda and live meeting access are available through the City of Delaware website
