Central Ohio News Briefs - February 1, 2026
What Is Happening In Westerville Neighbors?
Powell — City Council approved using an artificial intelligence tool that analyzes aggregated, anonymized cellphone location data to generate insights into visitation patterns and local economic activity.
Powell — COhatch is targeting an early-to-mid March opening for its 13,900-square-foot coworking and event space at 50 and 60 E. Olentangy St., with nearly 200 jobs anticipated.
Powell — Recent property transfers include 1453 Wren Ln. for $885,000 and 91 Tiller Dr. for $535,000.
Obetz — Municipal meetings were rescheduled due to Winter Storm Fern, including the Big Walnut Area Community Improvement Corporation and Council Committee of the Whole meetings, both moved to Feb. 2, 2026.
Obetz — Plans were announced for the Pabst Farms development, which would include nearly 750 housing units and more than 550,000 square feet of retail and office space.
Dublin — The city and COhatch launched a public–private partnership to accelerate development of an innovation district in historic downtown.
Dublin — Plans advanced for the Dublin Riverview Village project, an $11 million innovation district that would include a 14,000-square-foot COhatch headquarters, restored historic homes, coworking and event space, and restaurants, with completion targeted within 18–24 months.
Dublin — The “All In Dublin” affordable housing project received planning approval for a four-story, 75-unit building serving adults with disabilities, older adults, and workforce residents. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with move-ins in fall 2027.
Dublin — Sedgwick Ohio announced a company rebranding effective Feb. 2, 2026, reflecting global growth and continued technology investment.
Worthington — SPRY 365 opened a new location offering fitness and bone health programming for women ages 40 and older.
Worthington — Worthington Steel announced its acquisition by Kloeckner & Co., expanding its North American footprint.
Worthington — Artists were reminded that applications for the 2026 Worthington Arts Festival are due by midnight Feb. 1, 2026. The event is scheduled for June 20–21 at the Village Green.
Groveport — City Council scheduled a special meeting for Jan. 28, 2026, and reported weather-related closures and service delays tied to winter conditions.
Grove City — Plans were outlined for “The Ervin,” a mixed-use development by the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority near Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital, featuring more than 200 housing units and ground-floor retail.
Grove City — The city’s Snow Emergency was reduced from Level 2 to Level 1 on Jan. 27 following coordination with the Franklin County Snow and Ice Committee.
Grove City — Grove City defeated Hiram 80–68 in men’s college basketball and earned a fourth straight high school boys basketball win with a 53–44 victory over Westerville Central.
Hilliard — The Central Ohio Community Land Trust completed its first suburban home at 3474 Bryant St., listed at $199,000 using a ground-lease model for long-term affordability.
Hilliard — K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel opened its first Central Ohio location at 3799 Park Mill Run Dr.
Hilliard — Hilliard City Schools canceled classes on Jan. 28 due to extreme winter weather and unsafe bus stop conditions.
Hilliard — In boys basketball, Hilliard Bradley beat Hilliard Davidson 62–37, and Hilliard Darby defeated Dublin Jerome 55–37.
Gahanna — The BDSRA Foundation added Boys Town National Research Hospital as a Clinical Center of Excellence, expanding its national clinical network.
Genoa Township — Trustees held a special meeting and entered executive session to discuss trial or settlement strategy in two pending lawsuits.
Genoa Township — Zoning certificates were approved for four data center complexes totaling more than 3.4 million square feet during the township’s data center moratorium following legal review.
Galena & Sunbury — Meinke Gutter Company expanded services into both communities, offering seamless gutters, repairs, and exterior water-management services.
Galena & Sunbury — The DCT FLEX micro-transit program reported nearly 1,000 trips in its first year after expanding service to both communities.
Sunbury — An injury-involved crash occurred at Carter’s Corner Rd. and Wilson Rd. on Jan. 29, with at least one person treated at the scene.
Sunbury — A small anti-ICE protest was held at Cameron Park on Jan. 30, drawing six attendees.
Harlem Township — Harlem Township Heritage, Inc. will host a Heritage Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Grange Hall, 12900 Center Village Rd., Galena. Donations are encouraged, with proceeds supporting future heritage events.
Lockbourne — Jeffery Benjamin Baker, 66, passed away Jan. 25, 2026. He was retired from the City of Columbus Department of Refuse. Services were private.
Regional sports — Dublin Coffman lost to Olentangy Orange 60–48, ending a five-game home winning streak.
Academic honors — Students from Sunbury, Powell, Galena, Lewis Center, and Hilliard were named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at Ohio Wesleyan University.
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