Delaware Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Downtown Delaware's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Renewed
The City Council approved Resolution 26-38, renewing the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in downtown Delaware. The DORA, initially established in 2017 and amended in 2021, allows for the consumption of open alcoholic beverages within a defined district. Staff recommended renewal, citing overwhelmingly positive economic results for downtown businesses and no noted increase in criminal activity. The renewal maintains the current boundaries without expansion, with potential future boundary changes or expansions to be handled through a separate application process. The decision was made following a public hearing where residents expressed mixed views on public alcohol consumption.
Ohio Wesleyan University Property to Absorb Vacated Public Rights-of-Way
The City Council approved Ordinance 26-27, vacating four public streets (Hay Street, Walnut Street, Harrison Street) and four public alleys within property owned by Ohio Wesleyan University. These rights-of-way were part of an original 1870s plat but were never constructed, except for a portion of Hay Street which has pavement. The vacation aims to clean up "paper alleys" and "ghost roads" and allows Ohio Wesleyan to manage their property without encumbrances. Hay Street will be formally adopted by the university as a private street. Utilities within the right-of-way will continue to be protected by easements. The city will no longer provide winter maintenance or resurfacing for Hay Street. This action follows previous vacations and works with the county to adjust property lines. Planning Commission recommended approval.
Undeveloped Jane Road Right-of-Way Vacated
The City Council approved Ordinance 26-28, vacating Jane Road, an undeveloped public right-of-way west of Winston Road and north of Cotswold Drive. The road was part of the original Skyview Acres subdivision laid out 70 years ago but was never constructed. Following discussions with affected neighbors and review by public works and planning commission, the vacation was recommended. Jane Road is unlikely to be constructed in the future due to the layout of the adjacent Wesleyan Woods development, which effectively cut off western extensions. The four affected property owners will benefit by gaining additional property. Utilities within the right-of-way will remain protected by easements. The city will not provide future services for this road.
City Council Approves Supplemental Appropriations, Including Funds for Downtown Kiosks and Cemetery Projects
The City Council considered Ordinance 26-32, a supplemental appropriation measure. The largest portion, over $4 million, is for cleaning up appropriations related to bonds and transferring them to the general bond fund. An advance of $350,000 is requested for the parking fund to cover kiosk costs, to be repaid by future revenues. Other items include a fully reimbursed $320,000 for a veteran's statue at Oak Grove Cemetery, appropriations for fire department needs, stormwater pollution prevention programs, and the project trust fund. The ordinance was declared an emergency measure to provide for expenditures through the end of the fiscal year and allow for immediate action on items like kiosk implementation and cemetery projects. The council moved to suspend the rules for three readings and approved the ordinance with an emergency clause.
Tax Abatement Approved for Historic 4 North Sandusky Street Renovation
The City Council approved Ordinance 26-29, authorizing the city manager to execute a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreement with Stephen P. Hartman, LLC for real property improvements at 4 North Sandusky Street. The agreement provides a 75% real property tax abatement for 15 years on new improvements totaling approximately $450,000. The project aims to renovate the building's second and third floors, which currently lack contemporary access beyond a fire escape. The abatement is crucial because without it, potential property tax increases would make the renovations too risky for the owner, especially as there is no secured tenant or revenue source yet. The project is speculative, focusing on extending the building's life and adding a new asset to downtown, potentially including multi-purpose space, apartments, or an event center. Planning and staff recommended approval, emphasizing the beautification and preservation of a historic building, even with uncertain future use and payroll generation.
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