By 1808Delaware
In a move poised to shape the future of Powell, the City Council recently approved a resolution to initiate Phase 1 of the Village Green and Downtown Powell Master Plan project. The Council’s decision clears the way for the city to collaborate with Pizzuti Solutions on this transformative effort.
A Bold Vision for Village Green
The 12-acre site at 47 Hall Street, encompassing Village Green Park and adjacent municipal facilities, is set to undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine how it can best serve Powell’s residents. With this site located just west of Olentangy and Liberty streets, it is central to the City’s vision of revitalizing Downtown Powell.
City Manager Andy White presented Phase 1 of the proposal to the City Council, requesting a supplemental budget appropriation of $550,000. This funding will support the initial stages of planning, deemed urgent to address the city’s pressing needs for improved transportation, parking, and amenities, all of which are crucial to sustaining economic growth.
“Powell’s seen significant growth in the last decade, and with that growth has come traffic and parking concerns that need resolved,” said White. “This is our green light to begin a conversation with the community about the most important exercise in Powell’s history.”
Laying the Groundwork for Revitalization
Phase 1 of the Village Green and Downtown Powell Master Plan will see Pizzuti Solutions working closely with city officials and community stakeholders to gather critical data. This phase includes market analysis, community surveys, stakeholder engagement, and an assessment of existing conditions. The collected information will serve as the foundation for the broader master plan, guiding decisions on public investments and infrastructure improvements.
Pizzuti Solutions, selected through a rigorous Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process, was chosen for their expertise in revitalization and public space development. City Manager White expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a plan that aligns with Powell’s vision for a vibrant downtown core.
“This is a plan to set the table for potential redevelopment. We’re going to take an inventory of the Village Green and come up with concepts that will help us make better-informed decisions that will strengthen the downtown core,” White added.
Engaging the Community
Throughout the process, Powell’s administration and City Council emphasized the importance of community involvement. Residents will be engaged at various stages to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs are met in the revitalization process.
Mayor Tom Counts highlighted the significance of this project, noting that the city has previously missed opportunities due to a lack of strategic planning. “If we want the downtown area to be enhanced, it’s up to us to plan and fund it,” Counts said. “The opportunity is here now, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Looking Ahead
The initial phase of the project is expected to take 10 months, concluding by next summer. As the process unfolds, Powell residents can expect regular updates on findings and future steps from the City. This endeavor represents a critical juncture in Powell’s history, with the potential to redefine its downtown area for generations to come.
