Alleys Get Their Own Treatment Uptown. Council Approves Donuts, Banking, and Solicitation Rules. Distracted Driving's First Reading.

Oct 11, 2025

Vine Street, Nearby Alleys Undergo Paving Work in Uptown Westerville

A paving company crew worked late Friday to mill several alleys in Uptown Westerville and lay the first layer of asphalt on Vine Street, part of the city’s 2025 road reconstruction program.

The simultaneous projects—visible along the main corridor and behind several east-side businesses—are aimed at improving access and roadway conditions ahead of the holiday season. Vine Street resurfacing, which spans from College Avenue to Old County Line Road, began in late September with curb and gutter replacement. With fall weather cooperating, the asphalt phase proceeded on schedule this week.

While Vine Street remains the primary focus, nearby alleys, including Redding and Noble, are also undergoing resurfacing. Crews spent Friday milling the deteriorated surfaces and preparing the base layer for new asphalt, which is expected to be laid early next week.

Only brief parking restrictions and minor traffic flagging are anticipated in the alleys. In contrast, Vine Street’s resurfacing has required phased lane closures throughout the corridor.

This week’s work follows a separate paving project near the East of Africa development. It is part of a broader effort to address road infrastructure across Uptown before winter sets in. City officials say the strategy reflects priorities outlined in Westerville’s Five-Year Capital Plan, which balances large-scale construction with ongoing maintenance.

Although less visible than recent high-profile projects like the July rebuild of Hanby Alley, the current alley and street resurfacing is expected to improve delivery access and reduce wear on residents and local businesses.

Westerville Council Approves New Development Along Polaris Parkway and Solicitation Rules Legislation. New Distracted Driving Legislation Introduced.

Westerville City Council approved three pieces of legislation this week, including new commercial development along Polaris Parkway and updating the city’s solicitation regulations. Additionally, the council introduced a new ordinance intended to increase penalties for distracted driving that causes injury, property damage, or death.

Dunkin’ Donuts and Northwest Bank Coming to Polaris Parkway

The council approved two modifications to the development plan to permit the construction of a Dunkin’ Donuts and a Northwest Bank along the 700 block of Polaris Parkway. The Dunkin’ Donuts, Westerville’s third location, will be built next to the Northwest Bank branch near Germain Volkswagen.

Both properties are located within the city’s 127-acre Planned Development District and are included in the larger commercial development plan for the corridor.

City Updates Solicitation and Street Vendor Rules

The council approved a comprehensive update to the city’s code on solicitation and canvassing. The legislation updates the existing framework, updates outdated language, and temporarily includes provisions for street vendors while a more detailed revision is being prepared.

Assistant Law Director Amanda Plautz, who presented the measure, said the changes are designed to ensure compliance with constitutional protections while providing the city with more clarity and control over door-to-door commercial and noncommercial activity.

Council Introduces Tougher Penalties for Distracted Driving

During the same session, the council conducted a first reading of a proposed ordinance that would increase penalties for distracted driving. The legislation aims to impose stricter consequences when driver distraction leads to a crash, property damage, physical injury, or death.

Law Director Andrew Winkel, who presented the draft ordinance, stated that the proposal would expand the city’s authority to hold drivers accountable beyond current state laws. The legislation focuses on the use of handheld devices, texting, and other behaviors that lead to dangerous driving outcomes.

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