By Andrea Cordle
Southwest Editor
A development plan for a large parcel of land along State Route 104 has been tabled to work out some outstanding issues.
At the Jan. 22 meeting, Grove City Council agreed to postpone several pieces of legislation pertaining to the Farmstead – Hancock property, located east of Hawthorne Parkway, along Jackson Pike. The legislation includes a change in zoning classification, an annexation and a development plan.
The Farmstead development would consist of five parcels in approximately 206 acres. It would include a maximum of 535 homes and an 11-acre space for a possible elementary school. Jason Wisniewski, with Grand Communities, said the development plan also includes two miles of trails and 67 acres of open space.
Council members, as well as residents, had concerns about the additional traffic a development of this size could bring.
Councilman Ted Berry said he has major concerns about a housing development along the two-lane road in an agricultural area.
“Do multi-family units fit that area,” asked Berry.
Councilwoman Christine Houk said she has spoken to many residents in that area and they too are concerned about the added traffic along 665 and 104 – two state routes maintained by the Ohio Department of Transportation. She said ODOT is unlikely to allow an additional traffic signal in the area and the state is also unlikely to lower the speed limit.
“The safety concern is huge,” said Houk.
The councilwoman also said she is concerned about the impact this size of development would have on the schools and the township for providing emergency services.
Part of the plan includes space for a new elementary school. According to Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage, the city has met with officials from the South-Western City Schools District.
“This area is a target for a school site,” said Stage. “The location makes sense.”
Two residents addressed council about the plan and shared concerns about added traffic.
Wisniewski said he has had two traffic engineers review the project and he is willing to work with the city. He asked that the legislation be postponed so his team could review the concerns before council votes on the matter.
The legislation has been postponed to the Feb. 19 council meeting.
