Gahanna Planning Commission Meeting - June 17, 2026

The Gahanna Planning Commission met on June 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Chair Sarah Pollyea led the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Members present: Chair Pollyea, Thomas Shapaka, Michael Greenberg, Elizabeth Laser. Absent: James Mako, Vice Chair Michael Suriano, Michael Tamarkin. The agenda included a variance for a deck, a master sign plan for Stoneridge Plaza, and a development plan and variance for McDonald's redevelopment. All applications were discussed and voted on.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the May 13, 2026 Planning Commission meeting minutes was moved and seconded, passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Variance V-0009-2026 (Deck): Jerry Welch (357 Invicta Place) expressed no objection, noting the deck would be hidden from the street and the applicants are good neighbors. Linda Snyder (172 Andelus Drive) expressed concern that the deck is too close to the fence, making maintenance difficult, and worried about future noise under her master bedroom window. She stated she would support the deck if set back five feet from the fence.
• Master Sign Plan MSP-0001-2026 (Stoneridge Plaza): Eric Leibowitz, representing Casto, spoke in favor, stating the plan supports a 10-year Cinemark lease extension and $10 million investment in the shopping center. He explained the revised plan addresses visibility deficiencies and is a significant improvement over a proposal denied in 2024.
• Development Plan DP-0004-2026 & Variance V-0010-2026 (McDonald's): Bob Bumbarger (Larson Architects), Jason Ramsey (McDonald's Area Construction Manager), and Matt Harper (operator) presented the proposal. They noted the site's small size (0.62 acres), three street frontages, and gas utility easements constrain the design. They stated the drive-through-only prototype is new, with delivery lockers for drivers. Commissioner Laser expressed concern for neighborhood children who currently walk-up order; Mr. Ramsey agreed to relay comments to corporate.

Discussion Items

• Variance V-0009-2026 (345 Invicta Place – Deck): Staff (Maddie Capka) presented that the deck was built without a permit and violates setback requirements. The property is a corner lot with two rear yards; the deck sits at zero-foot setback. Staff identified an alternative location on the north side that would comply. The applicant, Jeremy Steckel, argued the deck provides safe supervision of children and direct access from the kitchen. He noted he plans a privacy pergola. Commissioners debated: Commissioner Shapaka suggested a smaller deck; Commissioner Laser acknowledged challenges but noted feasible alternatives; Commissioner Greenberg cited neighbor concerns. The motion to approve failed 0-4.
• Master Sign Plan MSP-0001-2026 (Stoneridge Plaza): Staff explained the plan updates a 1996 plan, allows more flexible theater signage (118 sq ft wall sign and 72.5 sq ft primary sign), and adds Cinemark on pylon signs. Commissioners asked about the previous denial; Mr. Leibowitz clarified the new plan focuses on permitted areas, not specific graphics. Commissioner Shapaka supported enhancing visibility. The motion to adopt passed 4-0.
• Development Plan DP-0004-2026 & Variance V-0010-2026 (McDonald's at 359 Agler Road): Staff reviewed seven variances including reduced parking (12 vs 20 required), no bypass lane, dumpster placement, reduced buffer, and sign setback. Staff recommended approval due to site constraints. Commissioners questioned the monument sign graphics, fence design, and delivery operations. Commissioner Shapaka suggested a more creative sign; Commissioner Laser disliked the fence but understood constraints. Chair Pollyea worried about "Wi-Fi" messaging encouraging loitering. The variance motion passed 4-0, and the development plan motion passed 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Variance V-0009-2026: Denied (0-4). The Commission encouraged the applicant to consult a professional and return with a revised proposal.
• Master Sign Plan MSP-0001-2026: Adopted (4-0). The plan replaces the 1996 Cinemark-specific plan and adds tenant signage flexibility.
• Variance V-0010-2026 (McDonald's): Approved (4-0), granting all seven requested variances.
• Development Plan DP-0004-2026 (McDonald's): Approved (4-0), allowing demolition and construction of an employee-only drive-through restaurant.

Additional reports: Planning staff noted one item for July agenda. Council Liaison Laser reported 825 Tech Center opening delayed to mid-July due to electrical issues, and City Council approved zoning code amendments (Ordinance 0018-2026) including sustainability language for Creekside, effective June 25, 2026.