Columbus Plan Commission Meeting

October 14, 2026

The Columbus Plan Commission held a public meeting on October 14, 2026, to consider several rezoning, annexation, and site development plan requests. Key items included a revised rezoning for Beacon Hill with a density cap, a combined annexation and rezoning for TDAK Development, and a site development plan for a new Wawa gas station and convenience store. The commission voted on multiple motions, with some items forwarded to the City Council with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of September 9, 2026: Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Janine Roberts (adjacent property owner to Beacon Hill site): Expressed safety concerns about crossing 325 West and Carlos Folger Road; questioned the need for maximum RM zoning and requested a full buffer around her property.
• Gary Smock (Westview Drive resident): Supported housing needs but emphasized safety; strongly endorsed the cul-de-sac idea to close Carlos Folger at SR 46.
• Benjamin Bailey (425 West 25 South resident): Requested (1) reducing the speed limit on southbound Goeller Boulevard from 30 to 25 mph, (2) upgrading the hidden intersection sign with a vehicle sensor, and (3) installing a barrier between the walking path and Goeller Boulevard. Added a fourth oral request for a pedestrian crossing at the Tipton Lakes school route.
• Hugh Mickel (650 Terrace Lake Drive): Seconded Bailey’s comments on the barrier; asked about left-turn access from the TDAK development onto Goeller Boulevard.
• Ryan Mefford (adjacent property owner to TDAK site): Raised drainage concerns, citing a natural watercourse through his property that could be blocked by the development; requested a culvert commitment.

Discussion Items

PC-26-16: Beacon Hill Rezoning (11.9 acres, AP to RM)

• The applicant (Evan Kleinhenz, representing Beacon Hill, LLC) presented a revised application after withdrawing a previous unfavorable recommendation. The new proposal caps density at 17 units per acre (down from the RM maximum of 25).
• Key points: Staff noted proximity to goods/services (0.35 miles to West Hill Shopping Center), existing high occupancy rates (90%+ for local apartments), and city housing studies recommending more “missing middle” housing. The applicant argued the site offers the shortest walk to a major grocery store (1,325 feet) compared to other RM-zoned properties. Concerns included inadequate road infrastructure (sight distance at 325/Carlos Folger, lack of pedestrian facilities, no sidewalks). The applicant proposed commitments: cap at 17 units/acre, right-of-way dedication, a Type B buffer (south line and southern 400 ft of east/west lines), clearing vegetation for sight distance, closing Carlos Folger at SR 46 (cul-de-sac or barrier), and constructing a sidewalk from the development to 325 West if density exceeds 10 units/acre.
• Commission deliberation: Members debated the sidewalk threshold. The first motion (sidewalk required only above 10 units/acre) failed 5–2. A second motion (sidewalk required regardless of density) passed, and the commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to City Council with commitments including the sidewalk, cul-de-sac, and other conditions.

PC-26-17 (Annexation) and PC-26-14 (Rezoning): TDAK Development

• The applicant (TDAK Development, Inc.) requested annexation of 12.64 acres (90% contiguous to city limits) and rezoning of 11.4 acres from RS1 to RM and 1.24 acres from AP to RS1. A concept plan showed 40 duplex units (80 total units).
• Key points: No direct sidewalk connection exists; the applicant committed to a pedestrian crossing of Goeller Boulevard at Tipton Lakes School route and a sidewalk along the Goeller frontage. Public comments raised concerns about traffic safety and drainage. The applicant responded that drainage would be handled per city ordinance and that a road crossing through a wetland would not disrupt natural flow.
• Commission action: Annexation forwarded favorably. Rezoning approved 6–2 (Michael Kinder and Evan Kleinhenz dissenting due to no density cap, allowing up to 25 units/acre, which could lead to 284 units vs. the concept’s 40). Commitments added: pedestrian crossing, sidewalk, and a center median/turn lane on Goeller Boulevard.

SDP-26-34: Wawa Gas Station and Convenience Store

• MAP Gateway/ Wawa proposed a site development plan for a gas station and convenience store at the northwest corner of SR 46/Jonathan Moore Pike and Johnson Boulevard. Two modification requests: (1) dumpster in a front yard due to three front yards, and (2) reduced stacking spaces (4 instead of 10) for a mobile-order fly-through lane.
• Key points: The applicant updated plans to address landscape and signage issues. Staff recommended approval. Public comments noted the historical flooding of the site; the applicant stated they are raising the site above flood levels. The canopy design was shown (masonry pedestal, no fuel pricing on canopy). The freestanding monument sign (8.5 ft tall) was discussed in relation to potential confusion with an exit.
• Commission action: Modification 1 (dumpster) approved 8–0. Modification 2 (stacking spaces) approved. The site development plan was approved with conditions (10 staff conditions, including updated landscaping and signage compliance).

Key Outcomes

• Beacon Hill Rezoning: Favorable recommendation to City Council with commitments: 17 units/acre cap, right-of-way dedication, Type B buffer along south and southern 400 ft of east/west lines, clearing vegetation at Carlos Folger/325 for sight distance, closure of Carlos Folger at SR 46 (cul-de-sac), and a sidewalk from the development to 325 West (no density threshold).
• TDAK Annexation (PC-26-17): Favorable recommendation to City Council (unanimous).
• TDAK Rezoning (PC-26-14): Favorable recommendation to City Council (vote 6–2). Commitments: pedestrian crossing at Goeller Boulevard/Tipton Lakes, sidewalk along Goeller frontage, and center median/turn lane on Goeller.
• Wawa SDP (SDP-26-34): Approved (vote 8–0) with modifications and conditions. Modifications: dumpster in front yard allowed, reduced stacking spaces for fly-through lane. Conditions per staff report.

Note: The City Council will hold public hearings on the annexation and rezoning items; the Wawa SDP is a final decision.