The familiar large puddle that forms for most of the year in a field on the west side of Old Hamilton Road in Groveport may become a thing of the past if a rezoning measure is approved by the village.
An assortment of birds and amphibians often populate the flooded field, whose waters linger because the field drains slowly.
However, at its Oct. 27 meeting, Groveport Village Council heard the first reading of an ordinance that would allow Rockford Homes, Inc., to rezone 32.8 acres, that are part of the Founder’s Bend subdivision, from R-4 residential to R-6 planned residential. The rezoning would enable Rockford Homes to build a proposed condominium development made up of 68 ranch style condominiums in clusters of four units per building.
The action would reduce the current approved future 123 lots to 24 lots, plus 68 condominiums for a net reduction of 24 residences on the land.
"Condominium developments, such as the one being proposed, have historically been successful in the village with a demonstrated appeal to empty-nesters and single older adults," wrote Groveport Economic Development Director Jeff Green in his report to council.
According to Green, because of recent changes to the FEMA flood plain maps for Groveport, the land proposed to be rezoned "would have been largely unsuitable for the construction of single family homes. The proposed development addresses this and provides much needed drainage improvements along Old Hamilton Road through the construction of a series of ponds that are low enough to not back water up onto adjacent property, but high enough to discharge under the railroad tracks and into Hendron Ditch."
The rezoning request will be discussed further at the Groveport Planning and Zoning meeting to be held at the municipal building, 655 Blacklick St., at 6 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Other Groveport news
•Councilman Ed Rarey suggested the village consider making the intersection of College Street and Wirt/Rohr roads a three way stop to help slow down traffic on Wirt Road. Currently the intersection has a stop sign on College Street. Village officials will review the situation and report back to council at a future meeting.
•Council heard the first reading of an ordinance for a $2 increase in 18 hole golf cart fees at The Links at Groveport golf course. Additionally, a decrease in the 9 hole rates for greens fees to equal one half of the 18 hole rate is being considered.
