Columbus Plan Commission Meeting – September 9, 2026

The Columbus Plan Commission met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Meeting Hall at City Hall, 123 Washington Street, Columbus, Indiana. The meeting was streamed live and online. Commissioners present: Michael Kinder (presiding officer), David Bush, Sandy Sherman, Laura Garrett, Keerthi Alapati, and others. The commission considered three agenda items: a site development plan for the Downtown Entrance Plaza, a continuance request for a Wawa gas station, and a preliminary plat for the Timberland Springs subdivision. All actions were approved except a modification for overhead utility lines, which was denied.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the August 12, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Timberland Springs Subdivision: Jesse Perez (733 Dawson Street) expressed support for the development but raised concerns about flooding on Dawson Street and the condition of Danois Creek. He requested a plan for drainage improvements. Colin Roof (4605 South 150 West) questioned the dimensions of the proposed berm and drainage impacts on his property. The applicant responded that drainage would be routed to the Straddlemyer arm with four ponds to control runoff and that homes would be elevated above floodplain elevations.
• Downtown Entrance Plaza: Jamie Goldsborough (downtown resident and Landmark Columbus Foundation) and Brooke Hawkins (director of Columbus Area Arts Council) spoke in support of the project, citing its cost-effectiveness and benefit to downtown vibrancy. Jean Donica also expressed support as an adjoining neighbor.

Discussion Items

• SDP-26-32: Columbus Downtown Entrance Plaza – A proposal by the Columbus Redevelopment Commission for a redesign of Robert Garton Plaza. The site features a public safety plaza, seating, picnic area, and a freestanding sign. Two modifications were requested: (1) to allow a freestanding sign where not normally permitted (site under 2 acres, no primary structure), and (2) to allow the sign to be 64 sq. ft. (ordinance permits 50 sq. ft.). Staff found criteria met for both modifications. The commission approved both modifications and the overall site development plan unanimously (7-0).
• SDP-26-34: Wawa – The applicant requested a continuance to the October 14, 2026 meeting due to fall break scheduling concerns. The commission granted the continuance by voice vote.
• SUB-26-48: Timberland Springs Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat – Arbor Homes proposed 284 lots and 7 common areas on 107 acres at the northeast corner of Deaver Road and 150 West. Three modifications were requested: (1) waiver of sidewalk crossing at Bridal Way intersection, instead providing a sidewalk connection to Renwood Drive; (2) extension of temporary dead-end street length from 150 ft to 310 ft for phasing flexibility; (3) allowance to keep overhead utility lines along 150 West instead of burying them. Staff recommended approval of modifications 1 and 2, but denial of modification 3 (overhead lines). The commission approved modifications 1 and 2 (7-0) and denied modification 3 (6-1 vote, Keerthi Alapati opposed). The overall preliminary plat was approved with staff-required revisions and two commitments: (1) install a 5-foot sidewalk on the west side of 150 West between Renwood Drive and Bridal Way, and (2) install an RRFB (rapid flashing beacon) at the intersection of 150 West and Renwood Drive when that intersection improvements are completed. Vote: 7-0 in favor.

Key Outcomes

• SDP-26-32 (Downtown Entrance Plaza) – Approved with modifications for freestanding sign; all votes 7-0.
• SDP-26-34 (Wawa) – Continued to October 14, 2026.
• SUB-26-48 (Timberland Springs) – Modifications 1 and 2 approved; modification 3 denied. Overall preliminary plat approved with conditions and commitments. Vote: 7-0.
• Next Meeting: The October 14 meeting date may conflict with fall break; a quorum may be affected. The commission will determine if the meeting proceeds or is rescheduled to November 12 (Veterans Day) or November 11.