Westerville In Review - March 2025
City Hall Renovation Progress - March 1, 2025
Construction continues on Westerville’s $21 million City Hall renovation, with recent work focused on laying foundations for a new underground structure behind the old police station. The project, which includes an elevated walkway linking City Hall and the renovated police building, will consolidate all city offices into one location. Completion is expected in 15 months.
Fox In The Snow In Uptown? - March 3, 2025
Fox in the Snow is planning its fifth Central Ohio location at 79 S. State St. in Westerville, the former site of Fusian and Cucinova. The plans submitted to the Uptown Review Board include exterior updates, new windows, and painted fox murals on both the front and side of the building. The board will review the design on Thursday; no lease or opening date has been announced.
Mural To Highlight Corbin’s Contributions - March 3 2025
A planned mural at Uptown Deli and Brew will depict Westerville’s Prohibition-era history, highlighting the Corbin family’s role and using public art to connect current visitors with local stories.
Call To Remove Invocation From Agenda - March 5, 2025
Council member David Grimes proposed removing invocations from Westerville City Council agendas, citing concerns about religious overtones. Megan Reamsnyder voiced support. Council Chair Mike Heyeck defended the tradition, referencing Supreme Court precedent. The issue will be revisited as part of the city’s by-law update.
Firefighter Training Day - Photo Gallery - March 6, 2025
Westerville firefighters practiced Rapid Intervention Team training at an old car lot on 3C Highway, simulating smoke conditions to rehearse rescuing colleagues using ropes, sensors, and air pack locators. The Westerville Quilt Guild received a City Council proclamation honoring its 20th anniversary and designating March 15 as National Quilting Day, with Uptown displays planned to mark the celebration.
Fox in the Snow and Corbin Mural Approved - February 7, 2025
The Uptown Review Board approved four proposals, including an oversized painted sign and exterior changes for a possible Fox in the Snow café at 79 S. State St., despite the sign exceeding code limits. A prohibition-themed mural at Uptown Deli & Brew was also approved with little debate. Additional approvals included signage for Blue Turtle Tea & Spice and a rear patio at Asterisk.
“The Planets” On Sunday & Dirty Snow - March 8, 2025
The Westerville Symphony will perform Holst’s The Planets on Sunday, March 9, at Otterbein’s Cowan Hall, featuring visual projections and astronomy-themed extras. Residents noticed a layer of dusty snow across cars and streets, which they attribute to windblown dust from Texas and Oklahoma.
East of Africa Construction Begins, Early - March 11, 2025
Construction has started ahead of schedule on East of Africa, a $30 million, 88-acre mixed-use development aimed at increasing Westerville’s tax revenue. Site preparation includes tree removal and roadwork connecting the area to Westar, Polaris Parkway, Hoff Road, and Africa Road. The project is expected to finish by fall 2026.
East of Africa Groundbreaking - March 12, 2025
Crews began early site work this week ahead of today’s 2 p.m. groundbreaking for the East of Africa development, an 88-acre project along Africa Road. Roads will divide the site into four sections and connect to Hoff Road and Polaris Parkway via a new roundabout.
East of Africa Begins in Ceremonial Groundbreaking - March 13, 2025
Westerville officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the $30 million East of Africa project, which will turn 88 acres of former farmland into a mixed-use commercial corridor. Funded through a AAA-rated bond, the development will include roads, trails, and green spaces, with completion expected in 2026. While city leaders highlighted the project’s economic potential and the preservation of the Stephen Sharp House, nearby residents expressed concerns about noise, traffic, and future entertainment uses related to the site’s Community Entertainment District designation.
Moving Earth and Hancock Home Renovation - March 14, 2025
Grinding work started at the East Africa site, with crews reshaping the terrain behind the Sharp Home and preparing fill for a road to Polaris Parkway. The 18-month infrastructure phase is now in progress. In Uptown, the restored Harold Hancock home on West Park, which previously lacked a kitchen and interior stair access, is now listed at $599,000 after extensive renovations. Hancock was a notable Otterbein historian and author. Stained glass restoration has resumed at the Holmes Hotel’s front entry.
Ampersand Shubbery, Soil, And Stones - March 15, 2025
Ampersand Asian Supper Club is approaching its debut in Uptown Westerville as landscaping finishes around its new location on West College Avenue, where owners Megan Ada and Joshua Cook are preparing to serve Guam- and Japanese-inspired dishes in a modern setting. A 1964 Porsche 356 C recently arrived in town with Ted Chaney, who plans to enjoy a road trip before adding it to his antique car collection. Also this week, Otterbein University received zoning approval to install a backup generator closer to its property line than normally permitted, citing safety concerns near wooded areas.
Fish and Grapes - Food Reviews - March 17, 2025
Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich returns for the Lenten season with solid marks for flavor and texture, though the American cheese remains a weak spot. This week’s green grape taste test found Meijer’s Cotton Candy Grapes at $1.77 per pound to be unbeatable, especially compared to standard grapes from Kroger.
Resignation, Solidarity, and Fencing - March 18, 2025
Tracy Davidson resigned from the Westerville School Board after 12 years of service, receiving a warm farewell from colleagues and community members while promising to keep working on The Big Bus initiative. Her departure occurred during a tense board meeting where members of the Westerville Education Association silently supported each other ahead of expected staff cuts and difficult contract negotiations. A silt fence was installed to protect the historic Sharp House during the early stages of East of Africa development. However, nearby outbuildings are not scheduled for preservation.
Tower Painting Approved, Again - March 19, 2025
Westerville City Council approved a new contract with BRZ Coatings to finish delayed water tank upgrades at Maxtown and Otterbein after the original contractor defaulted, with Old Republic Surety covering extra costs. The council’s public comment period was mainly focused on the future of meeting invocations, with residents, religious leaders, and council members sharing differing views on the tradition's constitutionality, inclusivity, and role in civic life. This debate led Council Chair Mike Heyeck to defend the invocation as a longstanding and lawful expression of free speech rooted in Westerville’s history.
Spring’s Arrival in Westerville - March 20, 2025
Dave Talbott’s annual pansy display has returned to Uptown Westerville, signaling the unofficial start of spring with bright florals adorning the sidewalk outside his shop, continuing a long-standing local tradition that resonates with both longtime residents and newcomers. City crews began the final touches on the Old Town Park playground, laying grass seed and preparing for the installation of swings as the renovation nears completion.
Delayed Response to Gun Report at Westerville Community Center - March 21, 2025
A February incident at the Westerville Community Center involving a man who displayed a BB gun during a basketball game went unreported to police for over two hours, raising public concern and prompting a city investigation into procedural failures. City Manager Monica Dupee delivered the 2025 State of the City address, emphasizing Westerville’s ongoing financial strength, upcoming development projects, and efforts to modernize city services. She reaffirmed the city’s dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Champions and Volunteers for Westerville - March 22, 2025
Westerville celebrated its most dedicated residents this week, with Craig P. Treneff named Westerville Champion for over three decades of civic service, Marty Freado recognized as Volunteer of the Year for her environmental efforts, and the Friends of the Westerville Public Library honored as Volunteer Organization of the Year for their fundraising and support efforts. Also making headlines were Westerville North High School’s boys basketball team winning the state championship, Heritage Middle School receiving a 500-book donation during National Reading Month, and anticipation growing for the opening of Mashawee Stop, a new Mediterranean restaurant on Schrock Road.
Jewels And Grapes To Start the Week - March 24, 2025
Westerville Jewelers is moving to a new location next to Java Central following Flavor & Fire’s closure, with plans to reopen on April 1. Local food reviews highlight Dairy Queen’s surprisingly fresh Lenten fish sandwich—though it’s let down by an average bun—and a standout selection of grapes from Aldi and Market District, with Aldi’s $1.49-per-pound green grapes earning the top spot of the week for flavor and value.
Africa Road Closure, Matcha, and Upgrades - March 25, 2025
Africa Road will be closed for three weeks in early April to install a sanitary sewer, leading to traffic disruptions at County Line Road and Polaris Parkway. West Main will stay open. Espresso Air will launch a matcha service on Sunday and plans to open a dedicated Matcha and Chocolate shop this summer. Market District is getting a roof replacement as Potbelly and Wingstop prepare to open in the redeveloped former Panera space.
Banking and Baking Between Chicken and Cars - March 26, 2025
A new bank and Dunkin’ Donuts are planned for a 1.8-acre site between the under-construction Chick-fil-A and Germain Volkswagen on Polaris Parkway. City staff have expressed concerns about the layout and circulation before a Planning Commission review. Qargo Coffee recently opened nearby after receiving zoning approval for illuminated signage, offering Lavazza coffee and a drive-thru.
Revised Day Care Plans Times Two - March 27, 2025
Westerville’s Planning Commission approved revised plans for a daycare at North State Street and County Line Road, replacing a previously planned office building with a bioswale stormwater system. They also approved a home-based Type A daycare for up to 12 children on East College Avenue, updated outdated zoning language, and eased staffing restrictions.
75 Years of Uptown’s Iconic State Theater Marquee - March 28, 2025
Westerville celebrates the 75th anniversary of the State Theater marquee with a free historical presentation at the library. The city prepares for Saturday’s Repair Café at Otterbein’s The Point, where residents can fix items, recycle Styrofoam, and enjoy live music, coffee, and donuts.
Crash On Sunbury Road and City Hall Updates - March 29, 2025
A driver was detained after a crash on Sunbury Road injured two children, who were taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Westerville’s City Hall renovation continues with work on a covered walkway, improved rear access, and underground construction connected to the former police station.
Shame On Me Food Review - March 31, 2025
A second attempt at Burger King’s “Big Fish” sandwich had a slightly better texture but still fell short in flavor and overall experience, leading to a final decision not to try it again. Green grape prices decreased at Market District and Meijer, offering nearly identical, crisp, subtly sweet grapes, only differentiated by PLU codes and prices.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
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