The Delaware City Council held a regular meeting on May 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public hearings on zoning changes, property maintenance code updates, and a major economic development agreement, along with consideration of numerous resolutions for grant applications, annexation services, and property acquisitions. Public comments focused on a proposed 23-week street closure for the downtown farmers market, with business owners expressing both support and opposition.
Sandra Pereira, Planning Director, presented a request by Delaware Development Plan LTD to rezone 37.4 acres from C-CC PMU (Community Commercial with Planned Mixed-Use Overlay) to MX-PUD (Mixed-Use Planned Unit Development). The change would allow multifamily residential (up to 25 units/acre) and up to four-story buildings in sub-area A, while also preserving a historic barn and house (to be conveyed to the Delaware County Historical Society). Other sub-areas remain commercial/office.
Public comments:
Council discussion: Concerns were raised about high multifamily vacancy rates in Delaware County (13.1% vs. 8.5% national) and whether changing land use from commercial to residential is wise. Council members questioned the developer about the difficulty of attracting commercial tenants and the possibility of townhomes or condos. The applicant, Connie Klima, stated the site has been vacant for over a decade and that the change is needed to spur development. No TIFs currently exist. The ordinance was not voted on; it will proceed to a third reading.
Sandra Pereira presented a request to rezone 62.95 acres from A-1 (Agricultural) and I-2 (General Industrial) to I-PUD (Industrial Planned Unit Development) west of Curtis Street. The concept plan shows access from Curtis Street, with six lots for an industrial business campus. Manufacturing from raw materials is a conditional use per Planning Commission recommendation.
Public comments:
Council discussion: Members noted the site is in an industrial corridor and appropriate for the use. A motion to suspend the rules requiring three readings failed (5 yes, 1 no – Dr. Bogan voted no, and the mayor’s yes vote did not carry the motion; the transcript indicates the motion did not pass because five votes were needed). The ordinance will return for a third reading on June 8, 2026.
Sandra Pereira detailed updates to Chapter 1303 (International Property Maintenance Code) and a new Chapter 1311 (Exterior Property Maintenance Code). Key changes include: allowing posting of violation notices on non-vacant properties instead of certified mail, a two-step warning process prioritizing compliance over prosecution, exceptions for pollinator gardens with a registry, and regulation of beehives adopting state requirements. The code is adopted by reference; the new chapter makes specific provisions accessible.
Public comments: None.
Council discussion: Members praised the education-first approach. Councilman Ryder asked about escalation of fines and timeline for compliance; City Attorney Mosier explained that low-level misdemeanors are a last resort and the process is case-by-case. A suggestion to include information in the water bill newsletter was accepted. The motion to suspend rules passed (5 yes, 1 no – Ryder voted no). The ordinance was then approved (5 yes, 1 no – Ryder voted no), effective in 30 days.
Nick Langford, Economic Development Director, presented a CRA abatement proposal for PPG Industries’ Project Saturn – a $280 million expansion (120,000 sq. ft.) at their Pittsburgh Drive facility. The 100%, 15-year abatement includes school compensation agreements. The project will create 100 new full-time jobs and retain 450 existing jobs, with operations expected in 2028. Tom Morden, PPG Engineering and Maintenance Manager, confirmed the site was chosen among several options.
Council discussion: Council member McClellan abstained due to prior involvement at the state level. Members expressed strong support. The emergency clause was passed (5 yes, 1 abstain), and the ordinance was approved (5 yes, 1 abstain).
Sandra Pereira presented a resolution of services for 170 acres south of Hills Miller Road (Troy Township, Buckeye Valley School District). The city will provide services except sanitary sewer, which requires significant downstream upgrades before development can occur. A pre-annexation agreement was approved at the prior meeting. The emergency clause was required to meet the 20-day statutory deadline.
Council discussion: Members noted that the sewer limitation was a reason for not approving the full annexation previously. The emergency clause and resolution were approved unanimously (6 yes, absent Vice Mayor Fraser).
City Engineer Dr. Owens presented three resolutions authorizing grant applications:
Dr. Owens presented a resolution authorizing acquisition of temporary construction easements and one permanent right-of-way for a roundabout at Glenn Road and Mill Run Crossing. The total cost is estimated at $17,282 (with a $25,000 cap). The project is part of the Kroger development; construction is expected to begin in June 2026 to be complete before the store opening.
Council discussion: Concerns were raised about ongoing construction on the east side. Dr. Owens noted that average daily traffic on Glenn Road is about 3,600 vehicles. The emergency clause and resolution were approved unanimously.
Jonathan Langford, Assistant City Manager, explained the agreement covers three items: acknowledgment of existing development plan approvals for the Sawmill Farms and Sawmill Towns project, traffic impact mitigation payments ($627,000+ for future US 42/Sawmill Parkway improvements), and utility oversizing reimbursement ($56,500 for upsizing a water line from 8-inch to 12-inch to serve future development). The reimbursement is required by city code when the city requests larger pipes.
Council discussion: A clarification was offered that the $56,500 is not a “kickback” but a partial reimbursement for the developer installing a larger water main than required. The resolution was approved unanimously.
The time is seven o'clock, and we will call tonight's city council meeting to order for May 11th of 2026. Thank you for all being here this evening. Roll call, please. Miss Griffith? Here. Mr. Haynes. Here. Mr. McClellan. Here. Mr. Ryder. Here. Dr. Bogan. Here. Vice Mayor Fraser is absent. Mayor Riggle. Here. Motion to excuse Vice Mayor Fraser. Second. Motion by Mr. Bogan. Second by Ms. Griffith. Roll call, please. Ms. Griffith? Yes. Mr. Haynes? Yes. Mr. McClellan. Yes. Mr. Ryder? Yes. Dr. Bogan? Yes. Mayor Wrigle. Yes. Motion carries. Item two is indication tonight will be given by Reverend Wendy Rikert of St. Martin's Lutheran Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. If you'll all please stand. Invite us to pray. Gracious God, we thank you for bringing us here on this beautiful spring evening.