(Posted March 2, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
London Mayor Patrick Closser recently started what he calls the “Weekend Update.” Once a week, he posts what he has been up to as mayor, what is going on around the city, and news from local government meetings.
“This is just another way we are looking to get as much information out as possible to the citizens,” he said.
The updates can be accessed via Facebook (look for “Mayor Patrick J. Closser”) and under the mayor’s page on the city’s website at londonohio.gov.
In a recent Weekend Update, Closser reported he had met with two different sets of developers. One is interested in bringing apartments or condominiums to London. The meeting served as an information gathering session for the developer.
The other group of developers is interested in purchasing and renovating three properties in downtown London–22 S. Main, 106-114 S. Main St., and 116-122 S. Main St.
“They are very community oriented, wanting the best for London, and will complete surveys to see what kind of businesses people would like to see in those buildings,” Closser said. “They have done many rehab projects in historic downtowns, including Old Hilliard and Plain City.”
Public hearings
In other development news, changes have been made to the plan for the Keny Station Apartments complex on Keny Boulevard. The public hearing date has been rescheduled for March 16 during city council’s regular meeting which starts at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.
The city planning commission approved a preliminary development plan for the Lexington Green housing development, situated between Eagleton and Keny Boulevard out to State Route 38. City council held a first reading on the plan on Feb. 16. A public hearing is set for April 6.
The planning commission also approved an amendment to the zoning map for a small area encompassed by Lincoln Avenue, Fairview Avenue, Antietam Avenue, and Toland Street. The area is home to nine properties and is currently zoned commercial, even though all the properties are residences. The current zoning designation dates back to when one of the properties was a business. The proposal, which must be approved by council, is to update the zoning to residential to match current usage. A public hearing is set for the April 6 council meeting.
Police department
The police department implemented a new body camera system on Feb. 1. The new system allows the older cameras that are no longer supported by the maintenance plan to be used by officers working special duty and other events where more than 10 body cameras are used at the same time.
Parks, recreation, and fireworks
Council set aside $20,000 for this year’s Independence Day fireworks. The display is scheduled for July 3. Last year, the city spent $15,000 on fireworks.
Council voted to update minimum pay rates for parks and recreation employees to reflect the current minimum wage.
