[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6286260,"mediaKeyId","2563335-89565ccea0079e1e66062505aeb29e44","parentId",2563335,"title","1 Bexley initiative launches; community foundations, chamber and library highlight grants, programs and partnerships","audioSeconds",105,"startMs",1479000,"endMs",1584000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2563335-89565ccea0079e1e66062505aeb29e44&start=1479&end=1584","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2563335-89565ccea0079e1e66062505aeb29e44/thumbnail_1479000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6286260/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/1-Bexley-initiative-launches-community-foundations-chamber-and-library-highlight-grants-programs-and-partnerships","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286260-f9621add7b7c69d4ce60394a4fcad541/orig.mp4?Expires=1775209103&Signature=ksSo0H9kSGVoBNnPlwz3LCexXrqfDOpKeuD1uXtO1oIu5i12P53jH04QLzKTzxYW9bCYo1PxxyubysY2TT9n2cYI4x~-7REYNgoXoMXVoQ647tl2BahxxInZ6CBvW5767awb2kRblMR3hVbC97D803fGlLjvyBWDENUKN~d50w5COp~m2kDOKcREeaL5msjL~7WYB6wn4WFkH7BP1rF2rOzi4bAeK9dyKdMzHiBGrgh7D0JdiDQlYs9DYUA2MTnMYFSMk2LF4GtiE8uQw8i~CwJhWdKUDCIGAGrl79iHrWA68CHkSItieoQCwU9R0zZhQDjRry9tZdheR8j7bnq9Lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Bexley OH","date","2025-03-11T14:36:16Z","article","Several community organizations used the State of the Community platform to highlight partnerships, grantmaking and programming that officials said underpin many city projects.

Betsy Lane, identifying herself as president of Congregation Teradata, welcomed city leaders and praised civic partnership and shared space. The Bexley Community Foundation presented a video and summary of grants; the recorded remarks said the foundation had reinvested over $5,300,000 in the community since its founding, and the mayor later said the foundation has awarded $5,500,000 (the transcript records both amounts).

Sheila Straub, identified in the meeting as chair of the Bexley Community Foundation, and director Hallie Raskin were acknowledged for the foundation’s role in projects including the Commonwealth Arboretum Walk, park and playground upgrades, and community events. City leaders credited the foundation with funding elements of Commonwealth Park, the outdoor library reading room and other public-space projects.

Brian Drury, executive director of the Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce, summarized the chamber’s work to support small business and events. Drury said the chamber has nearly 350 members and expanded programs including a small-business grant pilot; he highlighted the Taste of Bexley, Main Event season and a relaunch of women-in-business events.

Library Director Ben Heckman outlined the library’s strategic priorities, an equity statement the staff adopted, and upcoming projects including an outdoor reading room in partnership with the congregation adjacent to the library, a writers-in-residence program and a local-music streaming project called “Listen Columbus.” He reported nearly 500,000 total checkouts in 2024 and described expansions to streaming programming, book lockers and mobile services.

Mayor Kessler and school leaders also announced the launch of “1 Bexley,” an inclusion-focused project that the mayor said is coordinated among the city, the Bexley City School District and the Bexley Public Library to build belonging and allyship through events, training and community conversations.

Why it matters: Officials presented philanthropy, business support and library services as essential partners for city projects and events; the 1 Bexley initiative signals a formalized inclusion effort among major local institutions.

What’s next: Community Foundation events (BCF annual gathering on April 30), Chamber and library program calendars, and early gatherings for 1 Bexley were scheduled for coming months.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025 Bexley State of the Community - Full Event Recording","oneSentenceSummary","Speakers described the new 1 Bexley inclusion effort and underscored philanthropic and business partnerships: the Bexley Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce and Bexley Public Library summarized recent grants, outreach programs and upcoming events.","taxTitle","Bexley, Franklin County, Ohio","taxId",72409,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286265,"Bexley renewables, universal recycling and EV charging expansion touted as cost-saving measures",54,1198000,1252000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2563335-89565ccea0079e1e66062505aeb29e44&start=1198&end=1252","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2563335-89565ccea0079e1e66062505aeb29e44/thumbnail_1198000.jpg","/articles/6286265/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/Bexley-renewables-universal-recycling-and-EV-charging-expansion-touted-as-cost-saving-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286265-c9de1a128e9a6be2f08855155798e282/orig.mp4?Expires=1775209103&Signature=B3X1iDCu0Xa4OgtvMH9ZlXMFVxDkHWQnIIhvcra~6doTkft~oeX9tOpug31bOeUkBwIrviflGtIaAsdbm82-c4onA8SWgtiDX6-Tosat2PCkSFra7gnXI4mr6Xx4~HctelzTxwFniJtIfU6XDRvAH9eZI2pe4fybTKeD3RGF3fulY7dAxaC92CRCUNA1vzFaEZzLAbH48I6QOSknCDJudVH7CS2uvpKz1-RPEsGwMc00bqc2VQn982y73Kj6Dkmp4lEPng-kXtN1pFGQCv4O0gZg-iuizzxBgOiM5GYWaSh8W9Iu5zPiVgSABrK33f9wOL~CsiEEwgcId79bZx3drg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Ben Kessler said the city will continue a suite of sustainability measures that combine cost savings with new services for residents, including a renewable energy aggregation program, universal recycling and more EV charging.

“We’ve saved the community nearly $2,000,000 to date on our current wind based, fully renewable aggregation program,” Kessler told the audience, and said the city is working to identify the next phase of renewable aggregation.

Kessler said Bexley launched universal recycling last year, funded by grants, and described the program as the first city in Ohio to provide recycling access to every business tenant, apartment resident and student. He also said the city added four new EV charger locations with a focus on overnight charging for apartment tenants and that the municipal fleet is expanding, which he said saves taxpayer dollars and is “really fun to drive for our crews.”

On trees and green policy, Kessler described a revamped infill tree program, community tree giveaways and draft tree preservation standards for council consideration. He also said the city is developing a green building code and a formal sustainability action plan.

Why it matters: Officials positioned the sustainability work as both an environmental and fiscal strategy: the renewable aggregation program was cast as a community savings measure, while recycling, EV infrastructure and green building standards target long-term cost and quality-of-life gains.

What’s next: City staff will return recommended sustainability code changes, tree-preservation standards and the next-phase renewable aggregation plan to council for policy decisions.","Mayor Ben Kessler outlined the city’s renewable aggregation program that he said has saved nearly $2 million, a universal recycling rollout funded by grants (the city said it is the first in Ohio), and new EV charging locations and an expanding municipal EV fleet.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286270,"Bexley City Schools unveils facilities plan, Cassidy Avenue purchase and seeks state budget relief",866,2512000,3378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2563335-89565ccea0079e1e66062505aeb29e44&start=2512&end=3378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2563335-89565ccea0079e1e66062505aeb29e44/thumbnail_2512000.jpg","/articles/6286270/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/Bexley-City-Schools-unveils-facilities-plan-Cassidy-Avenue-purchase-and-seeks-state-budget-relief","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286270-9b8cc6de277a94d178ca098291f34152/orig.mp4?Expires=1775209103&Signature=dlS~7FVa159MJasixq8ERiNPdzTnEPk7G-El3HmtEtxr0tBKgaTjW9xxEupAsxQ337m6e0wHcmohPhYZI0CQK4N1wlRdoX1qttTdyScTY7AS8F6PtDiAwKHiCNkO0VCuOfqSCs8Amzj01ks7JvxV5mmngiAFVdDzWuWujf8xyruMIOB20jBl6D8sIe5-VOBiW46Rm5GlIF-084QTWWUD2lQCt7b3mPmIBhwRr7SUyUS68zSOhxsOISDax~il9m0IsiQfPT51lZ1wJs5JzAHJsNBrlTchVhR~uEpejWuwRl6OX6io6tkN0tQiPSfFcTYcOLhTqnyw0IfpBU1WqRv9ew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bexley City Schools Superintendent Jason Fine and Treasurer Kyle Smith used the State of the Community platform to summarize the district’s community-driven strategic plan, an active facilities planning process and a recent land purchase intended to address long-term space needs.

Fine said the district is in the third phase of a facilities planning process led with architecture firms Perkins&Will and Moody Nolan. He said the process has included about a year and a half of work, with 12 public engagement sessions and 24 building-team meetings, and that the community will help decide how the roughly 30-acre Cassidy Avenue property will be used.

\"There is no zero-cost option,\" Fine said of the facilities choices facing the district, adding that the community has reviewed projected costs for 0–5 years, 6–10 years and 11–15 years. He said the board and core team will take the architects’ final plan to the school board in the spring for decisions.

Treasurer Kyle Smith described financing options under consideration, including bonds/property taxes and an income-tax option using certificates of participation. Smith said Bexley has limited state facility assistance and emphasized stewardship of local tax dollars.

Board President Victoria Powers and Smith said the Ohio budget proposal introduced as House Bill 96 would reduce funding to the district. Powers said the district’s nonpartisan budget analysts estimate the proposal would reduce revenue to Bexley City Schools by more than $318,000 over the next two fiscal years. She said the board planned to consider a resolution asking the Ohio General Assembly and the governor to fully fund the Fair School Funding Plan without the cuts; the resolution was scheduled for the board meeting the following day.

Why it matters: Fine framed the Cassidy Avenue purchase and the facilities work as solutions to long-standing capacity and scheduling pressures for student activities. The treasurer’s summary of financing options and the board’s planned resolution on the state budget set out the fiscal choices that will drive whether and how construction or renovation proceeds.

What’s next: Architects will present a final facilities plan to the board in spring; the board will consider a resolution requesting full state funding and will discuss financing mechanisms that could include levies, bonds or certificates of participation.","Superintendent Jason Fine and Treasurer Kyle Smith outlined a community-driven facilities process, the recent purchase of nearly 30 acres on Cassidy Avenue and funding options; the board will ask the Ohio legislature to avoid proposed cuts under House Bill 96 that would reduce district revenue by about $318,000 over two years.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286275,"Bexley outlines land-use overhaul and large infrastructure push backed by federal grants",228,982000,1210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2563335-89565ccea0079e1e66062505aeb29e44&start=982&end=1210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2563335-89565ccea0079e1e66062505aeb29e44/thumbnail_982000.jpg","/articles/6286275/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/Bexley-outlines-land-use-overhaul-and-large-infrastructure-push-backed-by-federal-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286275-1a2559e4c96826263e78e18691104612/orig.mp4?Expires=1775209103&Signature=ZqdKsM5wq-3kIUGK6-kl7m~sJqFUpNXSNEW71ds9ZQH3Cs5QrLkuox1TTgnH7znoxoPlK1Cban8gZpN2XWfaBWkYy4n7X5tIoYriKW6C8NvlCUWP22Cox63dERYKtMKap7B3QyhAKM3TToEoH8iOIsVY74N6nipqw88D705VDzumVZV4ukoSgMPtVh01ZcFm5I5qI0zdLt6bU-6~hCTKuF3HodejUvBADuCBgBeuW-n6rB3cxvpItgd-7cNTCnvkbbuP57N555Wn5vRrM-L7Vb-23d3BmFK9Kc1wStja5~10XBAKQ6c-fYGzHkOX8iaF~8aojDrceKslaollGC8IsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler and City Council leaders onstage at the city’s State of the Community described a multi-year land-use and infrastructure program that officials say will target Main Street activation, expanded housing options and a major refresh of the city’s water and sewer systems.

Kessler said the city’s land use strategy “envisions new strategies to activate Main Street,” including work to bring “two-sided commerce” to West Main, expand a mixed-use commercial district at Parkview and support a revitalized Livingston Avenue commercial corridor. He said the plan will recommend accessory dwelling units for council consideration and that the city will update commercial design guidelines and commission a walkability study by planner Jeff Speck.

The mayor told the audience that Bexley has secured “13 and a half million dollars in federal grants through our partner, the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission,” a funding stream he said will help advance sidewalks, sewer and other projects. William Murdoch, identified in the meeting as director of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, was acknowledged as a partner during the presentation.

On utilities, Kessler outlined several near-term investments: a planned 7,300 feet of new water mains this summer; a galvanized waterline replacement loan program pending council approval; the launch of AquaHawk to allow residents to monitor water use and receive leak alerts; and a large-scale update of the city’s sewer plan. He said crews will line 4,100 feet of sewers this summer as part of ongoing work to reduce flooding and improve regional water quality.

Kessler said the updated long-term capital plan will follow these projects and noted the city has been “very selective about what and how we’ve borrowed,” with the goal of strengthening reserves and reducing the general fund debt burden.

Why it matters: City leaders framed the land-use work and utility investments as coordinated steps to support development, improve walkability and protect public infrastructure. Officials said community engagement has been extensive and the funding from regional partners will move several projects from plan to implementation in the coming months.

What’s next: Staff will bring design guidelines, ADU policy language and recommended capital projects to council for formal consideration. The federal grant work will proceed in coordination with Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and city departments, the mayor said.","Mayor Ben Kessler and council leaders described a coordinated strategy to activate Main Street, expand housing options and invest in water, sewer and sidewalks, noting a $13.5 million federal grant package through the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

1 Bexley initiative launches; community foundations, chamber and library highlight grants, programs and partnerships

Bexley renewables, universal recycling and EV charging expansion touted as cost-saving measures

Bexley City Schools unveils facilities plan, Cassidy Avenue purchase and seeks state budget relief

Bexley outlines land-use overhaul and large infrastructure push backed by federal grants