Delaware Planning Commission Meeting - March 4, 2026

The Delaware Planning Commission met on March 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to consider several zoning amendments, a conditional use for a new high school, and two final subdivision plats. All items were approved with conditions, and the meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the motion summary from the February 4, 2026 meeting was approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eric Castor (154 Marblewood Drive) asked about the certainty of the Connet Road extension and its impact on the wooded area and eagle nest. He expressed neighbor concerns.
• Email comments were received from Eric and Deborah Castor, Jim McCurdy, Gabe Franklin, Deanna Crawford, and Caitlin Trowbridge, but were not read aloud.
• No other public comments were made.

Discussion Items

Zoning Amendment MX PUD 26-2 (Corridor Company, LTD.)

• Staff presented a request to rezone 200.59 acres from A-1 Agricultural to MX-PUD (Mixed-Use Planned Unit Development) east of Lantern Chase. The comprehensive plan designates this area as suburban residential. The concept plan includes a mix of single-family, townhomes, and multifamily, with a maximum of 319 units initially due to sanitary sewer constraints, and a potential total of ~1,500 units over 10-12 years. The plan includes extensions of Hauk Road and Connet Road, preservation of a treed area with a bald eagle nest, and a future east-west trail connecting to Smith Park. Staff recommended approval with conditions.
• Applicant Todd Foley (Pod Design) and Bill Keithler (Corridor Company) expressed support for the project, emphasizing a 10-12 year buildout and collaboration with Delaware City Schools for a potential school site.
• Public hearing: Eric Castor asked about Connet Road extension and tree preservation. Staff confirmed the connection is required and will be designed to minimize tree impact, with a tree preservation zone.
• Commission discussion: Questions about road connections, density, housing types, and traffic. Commissioner Nana requested consideration of the eagle nest timing. The commission approved the motion unanimously (7-0).
• Motion to approve with staff conditions carried.

Zoning Amendment C PUD 26-3 (Winkle Civil Engineering & Surveying LLC)

• Staff presented a request to rezone 3.039 acres from PMU to C-PUD for an automotive repair facility (Snappy's Automotive) on the northeast corner of Liberty Road and Belle Avenue. The site was previously rezoned for light industrial but not developed. The concept plan includes a 25-foot setback, a private road, and detention pond. Staff recommended approval.
• Applicant Chris Winkle and Brooke Dietrich (landowner) spoke, noting the sanitary sewer trunk line alignment and future plans for the remainder of the property.
• No public comments.
• Commission discussion: Clarification on minor vs. major auto repair; applicant indicated it is likely major but will be addressed at development plan stage. Commissioner Nana noted potential buffering concerns. Motion to approve with staff conditions unanimously (7-0).

Conditional Use PC 26-2 (Olentangy High School #5)

• Staff presented a request for conditional use approval for a new high school on 139.66 acres north of Bunty Station and west of Sawmill Parkway. The site is currently in Liberty Township but will be annexed. The plan includes two access drives, 1,200 parking spaces, a 25-foot buffer, and lighting compliant with code. Staff recommended approval.
• Applicant Todd Boyer (Fanning Howey) and Jeff Gordon (Olentangy Schools) spoke, noting the school is similar to Berlin and Liberty high schools.
• No public comments.
• Commissioner Nana disclosed his roles with Olentangy levy campaigns but did not abstain. Commission discussed parking, noise, lighting. Commissioner Feller noted practice fields and tennis courts near residential areas will not be lighted. Motion to approve with staff conditions: 6-0-1 (Mr. Cross abstained).

Final Subdivision Plat S 26-1 (Sawmill Farms Section 1)

• Staff presented a plat for 53 single-family lots on 21.284 acres, part of the Sawmill Farms development. The plat meets development plan conditions. Staff recommended approval with engineering conditions.
• Motion to approve: 6-0-1 (Mr. Cross abstained citing transmission line concerns).

Final Subdivision Plat S 26-2 (Sawmill Towns Section 1)

• Staff presented a plat for 101 townhome lots on 14.870 acres. Staff recommended approval with conditions.
• Motion to approve: 6-0-1 (Mr. Cross abstained).

Key Outcomes

• All items were approved as recommended by staff.
• MX PUD 26-2 will have first reading at City Council on March 9, 2026, and public hearing on March 23, 2026.
• C PUD 26-3 will follow the same council schedule.
• The conditional use for Olentangy High School #5 is contingent on successful annexation.
• The next Planning Commission meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 8, 2026, due to lack of quorum on April 1.

Planning Director's Report

• Upcoming zoning code updates, architectural standards review for historic preservation, and South Sandusky focus area plan.

Commission Member Comments

• Commissioner Nana announced expecting a baby around April 9, may miss next meeting.
• Commissioner Feller noted Route 23 connector public comment opportunities.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.