By Andrea Cordle
Grove City Editor
The city plans to purchase another property that would add to the redevelopment of the Grove City Town Center.
At a recent meeting, Grove City Council approved an ordinance to set aside $202,500 from the general fund for the ability to purchase the space at 3343 Columbus St. This is currently a log house structure at Columbus Street and First Street that houses the Hair Shoppe. This legislation is an option contract with Robert and Beverly Stephenson.
“We fully intend to exercise this option,” said Stephen Smith, the city’s law director.
According to the legislation, the city will pay for an option with the ability to close on the purchase before the end of December in 2025.
“That gives the city time,” said Smith.
Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage said city officials did not want to take ownership of the property right now. He said the city owns the building behind the Columbus Street property, which was the old barbershop. The city also owns the nearby parking lot by the Gold Star Memorial.
Stage said the plan to develop that space would be driven by the Broadway Live plan.
In December of last year, the council signed off on Axiom Venture’s preliminary development plan for Broadway Live, a mixed-use development that is planned north of Columbus Street and east of Broadway. According to Axiom, the development would include about 200 apartments, along with a dining and entertainment district. It would include a public plaza, a 40,000 square foot food hall and event center, as well as restaurant, retail, and office space. This would be built on 4.36 acres of land.
The Broadway Live proposal includes two pedestrian connections to other areas in the Town Center. One would be the old library site on Park Street with a First Street promenade. The other would be a connection to Beulah Park via the Columbus Street extension.
In related news, the council approved a resolution of intent to appropriate property and easements for the Demorest Road corridor reconstruction project. Road construction has been underway on Demorest Road, and this would extend that work up to Southwest Boulevard.
According to the legislation, the Demorest Road corridor is in need of improvements to support safe vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. The project requires that the city obtain space from multiple property owners along that road.
Smith said the project requires right-of-way on one side of the street. He said they will begin the process of contacting property owners.
“We will have the property appraised and will offer a fair market value,” said Smith.
In other news, the council unanimously approved the development plan for Seasons Grove, located at 1050 Lamplighter Drive.
At a meeting last month, the council postponed the development plan to address potential safety issues. The plan calls for the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority to build an 82-unit age restricted community on just over four acres of land. The living units will be inside of a three-story building.
According to Jackson Township Fire Chief Randy Little, the development plan did not allow emergency vehicle access to the back of the building. He said he would like to see the developer make changes to the plan that would allow maneuverability for fire engines or medical vehicles.
The developer has agreed to work with the fire department and city staff to make sure the property meets safety requirements.
