A new, residential development is on its way to Plain City.
Council members approved the rezoning and development plan for the Jefferson Village residential development Monday night.
Village Administrator Nathan Cahall said the ordinance rezoned 6.512 acres of land along U.S. 42. The site is south of the Bidwell-Elsey Ditch, on the west side of the street.
He said the area includes two parcels of land: one in Plain City zoned for single-family residential uses and one subject to annexation, zoned Darby Township “Agriculture.”
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended rezoning to Residential Planned Development (RPD) and approval of the development plan.
Gary Smith of G2 Planning and Design said the developers began the planning process about one year ago.
He said Village staff was supportive from the beginning, but developers worked with them to ensure they were comfortable with the application. That ultimately resulted in requesting a rezoning to RPD.
A multi-family use, Smith said, aligns with Plain City’s comprehensive plan.
“The ‘comp’ plan seemed to support the use in many ways,” he said.
The comprehensive plan intends a commercial corridor and housing in the area, Smith explained.
He described the rezoned site as “fairly narrow” and “deep.” He said there is little direct access to U.S. 42 and not much visibility from the roadway.
For that reason, Smith said it would be difficult to develop the site for commercial uses. He said it is better suited for a residential use that would support commercial growth nearby.
He said the addition of a multi-family development also meets the needs of the community.
The Jefferson Village development will increase affordability and provide housing options for young people, Smith added.
He said there has been some concern from staff regarding the speed limit on U.S. 42 near the development. He said the developers have held an initial meeting with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in an effort to reduce the speed, but will continue to follow up.
Council unanimously approved the rezoning and development plan, 5-0, as Council Member John Rucker was absent.
In other business, council:
– Approved an ordinance allowing Cahall to solicit bids for the Uptown Parking Lot improvement project.
He estimated plans for the project will be complete within approximately 30 days and requested council waive three readings.
During February’s work session, council requested a stage that would have been added to the project be instead designated as a possible second phase of the project. Cahall said this will allow budgeted funds to be used on lighting.
He said the project will also improve drainage in the parking area.
– Passed by emergency an ordinance approving the annual codification process.
Cahall said the updates to Village code include changes made by council and state legislature.
– Heard the first reading of a resolution to apply for Ohio Public Works Committee (OPWC) programs to fund infrastructure projects on Noteman Road and Converse and Shepper avenues.
– Approved a resolution to file the Water Quality Management (208) Plan. Council waived three readings, as the paperwork will be complete by the end of the month, but did not pass the resolution as an emergency.
Cahall said this will allow staff to submit necessary paperwork to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency that designates the purveyor of public water and sewer service.
The Village’s new proposed boundary abuts the Franklin County line and extends east beyond the Village limits.
He said the boundary is “silent” in the Jerome Township area, in which a purveyor will likely be determined on a “first come, first served” basis depending on who provides the infrastructure.
– Approved a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) abatement agreement on 134 N. Chillicothe Street.
The property owner, Timothy D. Dawson, will invest approximately $370,000 to construct new restaurant and event space. He will receive a 100% tax exemption for 12 years, lasting from 2022 until 2034.
– Heard updates from Cahall surrounding projects throughout Plain City.
He said staff recently received confirmation that OPWC funds for the Gay Street project will be available July 1. He said the Village will receive the full amount for reimbursement, as expected.
Bids for the S. Chillicothe Street Water Main Replacement project will open March 18.
The request for proposals (RFP) for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion project will close March 20. Cahall said “about half a dozen” firms have expressed interest thus far, many of which attended a pre-proposal site meeting.