Central Ohio Weekly News Brief - July 18-26, 2026
Genoa Township
New Members Appointed to Zoning Boards
Genoa Township trustees appointed new members to two township zoning boards.
David Adler, previously an alternate, was appointed as a regular member of the Zoning Commission. Kristi Ludlow was appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Michael Holleran was reappointed as an alternate member of the appeals board.
The Zoning Commission reviews rezoning and planned-development applications and makes recommendations to township trustees. The Board of Zoning Appeals considers variance requests and appeals involving township zoning regulations.
Sunbury
Final Plat Approved for Kintner Crossing
The Sunbury Planning and Zoning Commission approved the final plat for the second section of Kintner Crossing, a residential development planned for 63 townhomes and 42 single-family lots.
The project includes 12 townhome buildings and the realignment of New Cheshire Road near Hitachi Astemo. The road work is intended to improve traffic movement in the area.
During the same meeting, residents continued to voice opposition to a proposed data center. The commission also tabled a request for an in-home pet-sitting business while city officials review provisions in the zoning code governing home occupations.
Harlem Township
Pizza Restaurant Receives Sign Variance
The Harlem Township Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5-0 to approve a sign variance for Center Village Pizza, which is replacing Fracassos Pizza at 3699 S. State Route 605.
The variance permits two flush-mounted wall signs where township regulations generally allow one sign per property.
Before considering the request, the board received legal guidance concerning private deliberations by quasi-judicial bodies. The board was advised that members may deliberate privately under certain circumstances, but all votes and final actions must occur during a public meeting.
The board also heard an inquiry from a Fancher Road resident about operating an auto-repair business as a home occupation on agriculturally zoned property. No formal decision was reported.
Gahanna
Council Reviews Strategic Plan
Gahanna City Council held a special workshop July 20 to discuss the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan.
The plan is intended to establish long-term city priorities and guide future decisions involving services, facilities and public improvements.
During its regular meeting later that evening, council held a public hearing on special assessments connected to the 2025 Sidewalk Maintenance Program and its lookback program. The hearing allowed property owners to challenge factual errors in the allocation of the assessments.
Johnstown
Council Considers Zoning Map Amendment
Johnstown City Council held a public hearing July 21 on a proposed amendment to the city’s official zoning map.
The proposal was considered under Section 1165 of the Johnstown zoning code. Additional details about the property and requested zoning classification were not included in the published meeting notice.
The city also sought bids for its 2026 resurfacing project covering portions of Leafy Dell Road and Pershing Avenue.
Reynoldsburg
Students Gain Experience Through IT Internship
Reynoldsburg City Schools highlighted its summer student information-technology internship program, known as “Bytes and Bonds.”
The program has operated since 2018 and gives high school students experience working with the district’s technology department. Between 10 and 15 students typically submit applications and interview for five positions.
Interns help district employees prepare computers and other technology for the coming school year while learning about technical support and workplace operations. The district said the 2026 group is mostly female, a change from earlier groups that were predominantly male.
Powell
Council Approves 15-Year Parks Plan
Powell City Council approved the city’s first Parks and Recreation Master Plan during its July 21 meeting.
The 15-year plan identifies future needs involving parks, trails, recreation facilities and programs. It calls for consideration of a larger indoor community center, expanded activities for teenagers and older adults, replacement of aging playgrounds and additional connections between parks and neighborhoods.
Council also approved a separate master plan for Bennett Farm, the city’s newest park property. More than 1,000 people participated in meetings, surveys and other public discussions used to develop the two plans.
The plans identify possible projects but do not provide construction authorization or funding for individual improvements.
A pedestrian connection between Halverston and Rutherford roads remained closed while engineers evaluated damage from a recent windstorm.
Hilliard
Urban Market Sold to New Owners
Urban Market, a clothing and shoe boutique in downtown Hilliard, has been sold to two local business owners.
The store opened in 2017 and had been owned by Lauren McKinniss since 2020. The new owners are Juli Willbarger, owner of New Grounds Coffee House, and Lynn Johnson, a small-business owner associated with The Crazy Cucumber.
Willbarger and Johnson said they intend to retain the features customers already associate with Urban Market while introducing new merchandise and ideas.
The store is at 4055 Main St., Suite 200.
Groveport
School Board Approves Police Contracts
The Groveport Madison Board of Education approved three-year agreements providing four full-time school resource officers for the district.
The agreements provide two officers from the Madison Township Police Department and two from the Groveport Police Department.
The board initially delayed action July 14 after members failed to agree on the contracts. It approved the agreements during a subsequent special meeting.
The discussions included the cost of the program and the division of security responsibilities between the district and the two police agencies.
Grove City
Mixed-Use Project Proposed at Hoover and Holton Roads
A mixed-use development called The Ervin has been proposed at the corner of Hoover and Holton roads in Grove City.
The developer submitted a preliminary development plan, the first stage of the city’s three-step planned-unit development process. The proposal would require rezoning and reviews by the Grove City Planning Commission and City Council.
Much of the proposed development site is currently in Jackson Township and would have to be annexed into Grove City before the project could proceed.
In other city news, Grove City reported that its first book festival attracted more than 10,000 people to Town Center Park and the Southwest Public Libraries Grove City location.
The city closed Big Splash and the Fryer Park splash pad July 17 because air pollution reached levels considered unhealthy for all groups.
Obetz
City Warns About Fraudulent Zoning Invoices
The city of Obetz warned residents, businesses, property owners and developers about fraudulent emails seeking payment for planning, zoning, permit and development fees.
The city said scammers are impersonating government employees and sending invoices designed to resemble legitimate municipal bills.
Recipients were advised not to send money or provide financial information without confirming the invoice directly with the city through a known telephone number or official contact.
The city issued the warning July 22 as part of a nationwide alert involving similar fraudulent invoices.
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