By 1808Delaware
From a record-setting transportation grant to a newly approved restriction on large data centers, Sunbury has plenty on its municipal agenda as 2026 draws toward a close.
City Manager Daryl Hennessy outlined a wide range of developments in his recent report to Mayor and City Council, including plans for a major roundabout, progress on several construction projects, and efforts to resolve a building emergency that has disrupted traffic downtown. The report reflects a growing community balancing long-term infrastructure investments with immediate public safety concerns.
A Record Grant for a Major Intersection
One of the biggest developments is a $4.644 million federal grant awarded to Sunbury for improvements at the intersection of U.S. Route 36 and State Route 61. The money comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. According to Hennessy, Sunbury received the largest grant awarded in Ohio through the program, making it the largest grant award in the city’s history.
The project calls for converting the existing intersection into a modern roundabout, a change intended to improve traffic flow while reducing opportunities for collisions. The improvement was identified through Sunbury’s adopted Road Safety Action Plan, which grew out of more than a year of work by a steering committee that evaluated traffic safety needs and gathered public input. The grant will cover a substantial portion of the project’s cost while advancing the city’s Vision Zero objective of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.
Voters Set New Limits on Data Centers
Like most other votes of its type last week, Sunbury voters have approved a charter amendment restricting large data centers. The measure prohibits data centers using more than 25 megawatts of power per month, according to the city manager’s report.
With the election decided, city officials are beginning the process of implementing the restriction. That will require updating the city’s charter and amending its zoning code to reflect the new language. Hennessy said city staff will work with the law director and zoning consultants on the necessary changes.
The approval establishes a new direction for Sunbury’s approach to data center development, an increasingly prominent land-use issue as communities across Central Ohio consider the effects of large technology facilities.
Traffic Signal Work Continues on West Cherry Street
Drivers who use the intersection of West Cherry Street and New Cheshire Road should see a new traffic signal operating before the end of the year. Contractor Danbert Electrical is installing a temporary signal head while the city awaits permanent mast arms. Material delays have pushed installation of the permanent equipment into spring 2027. The current schedule calls for the temporary signal to become operational on December 7. Before activation, the signal is expected to flash yellow for seven days, giving motorists advance notice of the upcoming change.
Elsewhere, Decker Construction continues improvements at East Cherry Street and South Morning Street, including installation of a mountable curb at the southwest corner. The city also anticipates completing additional street improvements during November, including resurfacing and traffic-calming work along East Granville Street.
Both efforts remain subject to weather and construction conditions.
Sewer Construction Will Affect Cheshire Road
Another project likely to affect motorists this month is the second phase of the Little Walnut Creek Interceptor sanitary sewer extension. Dirt Dawgs Excavating is scheduled to resume construction along Cheshire Road after delays caused by the availability of concrete structures and contractor crews. The revised schedule calls for sewer installation from November 9 through November 25, the period expected to produce the greatest effects on residents and drivers.
A short closure of Cheshire Road will be necessary when construction crosses the street. As of the November 4 report, the exact timing had not been established, with a decision anticipated November 10. The city plans to communicate closure details to the public and schools once they are determined. Restoration and cleanup are scheduled for November 30 through December 3.
JR Smith Park Nears Another Milestone
Residents awaiting improvements at JR Smith Park have reason to watch the next several weeks. Construction continues across multiple portions of the park, with concrete for the splashpad poured and the new shelter house beginning to take shape. Trusses are being installed on the shelter structure, while crews are working on playground equipment, play surfaces, and the final basketball and pickleball court.
Hennessy reported that substantial completion of the park improvements remains anticipated by mid-November. The shelter house is the exception, with construction expected to continue through the end of 2026.
Building Repairs Remain Key to Reopening East Cherry Street
One of the city’s most immediate challenges remains the closure of East Cherry Street following structural problems with a building on South Vernon Street. Police, engineering, and service personnel continue coordinating with state, county, and local officials as work progresses to stabilize and repair the structure. Temporary shoring has been completed, and permanent repairs were expected to begin the week of November 9. The work could take up to two weeks.
In the meantime, U.S. Route 36 and County Road 605 are serving as the designated detour. The city has added detour signs and digital message boards restricting through trucks weighing more than five tons. Police and commercial vehicle enforcement officials have also begun issuing citations to drivers violating the restrictions.
Once permanent repairs begin, officials expect to meet again to determine whether any portion of East Cherry Street can reopen while construction continues. For now, the closure remains an inconvenience for downtown traffic, and the city is asking motorists for patience.
Other City Developments
The report also highlighted two personnel developments.
Adam Teach earned certification as a Qualified Construction Stormwater Inspector through the American Stormwater Institute, completing specialized training in construction-site inspections, erosion control, and pollution prevention. The training supports compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements.
Meanwhile, Matthew Roshon joined the Sunbury Police Department as a new officer on November 2.
