[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-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],{"_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",6102764,"mediaKeyId","2803390-bb5bd2c3ba6383a46fc4aa51951a9276","parentId",2803390,"title","Commission approves landscape plan for 2300 E. Livingston with irrigation, plant substitutions and return review for furnishings","audioSeconds",1978,"startMs",2555000,"endMs",4533000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803390-bb5bd2c3ba6383a46fc4aa51951a9276&start=2555&end=4533","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803390-bb5bd2c3ba6383a46fc4aa51951a9276/thumbnail_2555000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6102764/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/Commission-approves-landscape-plan-for-2300-E-Livingston-with-irrigation-plant-substitutions-and-return-review-for-furnishings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102764-ecc54c45fabb5606bb7054f859e57af9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173135&Signature=SIavRYF-0ZXNoEI4VZjgiBfWtXZBCR9ydwayuS1Adtx32nGABjAQemCMAve6LhKl30x9Vq3DG~CwDZ9~f~2TCbjoPj64H9qxRXhxtR0mEyZYQsEavRWnaAaVImQ45oSvB5~I58Kw6snQoKulKoZVErbDvsw~kDKQ8qVa2h6gXx73f~474yLivnCMwAu~K2tLjuC7jzRj5MxYV21UHH3MPsdnlGb9n8NMI4AlzbGxPnRjyMQek8UmdeKhTF6cVyn8rRdBxP9E450FlvARKcDS05Er2zWa3RxU6vjZYLEWB7LiKO9Q6EDLPlZH0q0tYz1h-B7d45VqxwITXN5rCSMKfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Bexley, OH ","date","2025-03-28T03:09:10.317Z","article","The Bexley Tree Commission approved the landscape plan for 2300 East Livingston with conditions that address plant selection, irrigation and follow‑up review of ground cover and site furnishings.

Walter (staff consultant) said much of the existing plant material on the Livingston property was in poor condition and recommended a heavy replanting that would yield a net gain in canopy as the trees mature. He flagged a revision that listed a holly species (Ilex vomitoria 'Shillings') as unsuitable for Bexley’s climate and asked the applicant to replace it with a site‑appropriate shrub.

Applicant representative Bill Downing confirmed the design team will replace the holly with a compact inkberry and said the Virginia creeper originally shown on a trellis would likely be replaced with climbing hydrangea on that site. Pod Design added that the team had revised the planting palette to accommodate changes and supported irrigation across planting areas.

Why it matters: the Livingston site is the second parcel in the two‑site affordable housing project; landscaping choices will shape neighborhood character, buffer adjacent properties and determine initial maintenance needs during plant establishment.

Key facts and conditions

- Commission conditions for 2300 E. Livingston included:
- Substitute climbing hydrangea or a noninvasive honeysuckle in place of Virginia creeper on the trellis.
- Replace the holly species with a compact inkberry (Ilex glabra or similar inkberry cultivar).
- Provide irrigation for planting beds and tree lawns, with attention to establishment needs for larger caliper trees (the commission noted regular supplemental watering for larger trees).
- Return to the commission later with proposed bench and furnishings cut sheets and to revisit the ground cover selection for tree wells when furnishing plans are presented.

Discussion highlights

- Plant hardiness and provenance: Walter noted the dwarf yaupon holly was hardy to zones 7–9 and likely unsuitable for Bexley winters; the applicant agreed to substitute inkberry.
- Amenity courtyard and safety: neighbors asked about sightlines and plant height near a fence on the north side; the developer agreed to protect existing arborvitae where possible and to replace any private plantings damaged during construction.
- Street trees and sidewalk coordination: staff said street tree replacement on Livingston will align with the joint Livingston Avenue plan and that the exact street tree selection may be finalized later in coordination with the plan.

Action and vote

Commission member Jim Wilson moved to approve the plan with the conditions listed above; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The chair called for ayes and declared the motion carried.

Next steps and context

- Staff said the project will coordinate with the joint Livingston Avenue plan for sidewalk width and street tree selection; the applicant must submit building permits and final planting/irrigation details for verification during permitting.
- The broader two‑site project includes 27 units at the Livingston site (applicant statement).

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025 03-26-2025 Tree Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Bexley Tree Commission conditionally approved the landscape plan for 2300 East Livingston (2300 E. Livingston), requiring substitution of Virginia creeper, replacement of a holly species with inkberry, irrigation for planting beds and tree lawns, and a return for approval of furnishings and ground‑cover selection.","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},6102769,"Bexley commission approves landscape plan for 420 N. Cassidy with conditions on vines, irrigation and street trees",2337,229000,2566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803390-bb5bd2c3ba6383a46fc4aa51951a9276&start=229&end=2566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803390-bb5bd2c3ba6383a46fc4aa51951a9276/thumbnail_229000.jpg","/articles/6102769/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/Bexley-commission-approves-landscape-plan-for-420-N-Cassidy-with-conditions-on-vines-irrigation-and-street-trees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102769-7cb2343129c4ad4fe7b3f2e16c43af7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173135&Signature=FrVliLzdhSwS04ozMXN7z2yfMJQ69pwilScbMNd2CowYCQAF9arClOF82DvK7nvzJB6KBpAgwdqcVjik17i3x4r8HDbjo4Iyc~pIM-riMWZPjfCrb~-y5bCfAKdK-mI7lPKbsBzJekEgPa0EvKyxgwip3NL20qjJ030mz7o-kj6UeyCSal9RsbJBkK~OH4ye0UYm-mx0ahvjpE5xoJygSMjMaVZoi3VGCZgcpjX-rHBESEbwnPBetNu6hmElieWp1diLQmJIey9G5x-8TFwNbYjmV53u1xyHcZS2KBY5Qie10Rb9zNO6M4tuTF4HW42j~aONFVyih2X~bZ4LaKabrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bexley Tree Commission approved the landscape plan for 420 North Cassidy, a mixed‑use redevelopment of the former senior center, with conditions requiring plant substitutions, an irrigation system and a forestry review of proposed street trees.

Consultant Walter (staff consultant) told the commission the plans show few high‑value existing landscape features but would produce a “net gain in canopy” as new trees mature. He flagged the proposed use of Virginia creeper on trellis structures as problematic, saying the vine “would do a little too well” on a commercial façade and could become “a real hassle” for maintenance crews. The commission’s motion required replacing Virginia creeper with climbing hydrangea or a noninvasive honeysuckle.

The applicant, Community Builders’ Senior Development Project Manager Bill Downing, said the project is part of a long‑standing concept in Bexley and includes 16 residential units at the Cassidy site and a permanent senior center as the commercial component. Pod Design landscape architect Alex Campaneshi said the design team accepted staff recommendations and “are on board with the recommendation for swapping out the Virginia creeper,” and confirmed the developer will irrigate both sites.

Why it matters: the Cassidy site is one of two lots for a two‑site affordable housing project; the landscaping decisions will affect street character, future canopy cover and maintenance responsibilities for the senior center and residential buildings.

Key facts and conditions

- The commission approved the landscape plan with conditions requiring:
- Substitution of Virginia creeper on trellis structures with climbing hydrangea or a noninvasive honeysuckle.
- Installation of an irrigation system covering planting beds and tree lawns.
- Regular supplemental watering for newly planted larger caliper trees (the motion specified attention for 3‑inch caliper trees during establishment).
- Return of cut sheets for benches and other site furnishings for later commission review.
- Consultation between the developer, the City Forestry Department and the commission’s landscape consultant on whether honey locust is the best street tree choice along Columbus (the developer may substitute a species with Forestry/consultant approval).

Discussion highlights

- Plant selection and long‑term canopy: Walter reviewed species and quantities, saying the plan will likely produce a net canopy gain but urged attention to species selection and long‑term maintenance for tree establishment.
- Virginia creeper concerns: Walter cited Ohio State University guidance and local maintenance realities to argue Virginia creeper can be overly vigorous; he recommended climbing hydrangea or noninvasive honeysuckle as alternatives. Pod Design agreed to swap species.
- Street trees: commissioners debated honey locusts versus other species for the tree lawn along Columbus; the motion left final selection to the City Forestry Department in consultation with the developer and landscape consultant.
- Irrigation and maintenance: Walter emphasized that commercial properties typically require irrigation for plant establishment; the commission made irrigation a condition of approval.

Action and vote

Commission member Jim Wilson moved approval with the conditions listed above; the motion was seconded (Charlotte). The vote was taken by voice; the chair called for ayes, and the motion carried.

Next steps and context

- Staff said the Cassidy application already has conditional use and variance approvals from bZAP and a positive design recommendation from the Architectural Review Board; the project will seek a certificate of appropriateness from bZAP and then submit for building permits.
- The Cassidy site counts 16 residential units; the developer stated the broader two‑site project includes a second site on East Livingston (27 units) that was discussed separately at the same meeting.

","The Bexley Tree Commission approved the landscape plan for 420 North Cassidy — part of a two-site affordable housing project that will include a senior center — but required substitution of Virginia creeper on trellises, irrigation for tree lawns and review of honey locust street trees by City Forestry.","actionData","errors"]

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Commission approves landscape plan for 2300 E. Livingston with irrigation, plant substitutions and return review for furnishings

Bexley commission approves landscape plan for 420 N. Cassidy with conditions on vines, irrigation and street trees