Hilliard approves grocery store addition at Hoffman Farms despite zoning concerns

A significant zoning change took center stage at the Hilliard Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on May 8, 2025, as the commission unanimously approved a proposal to allow grocery stores in the B-2 zoning district. This decision comes after a coding error from 2014 inadvertently removed grocery stores from the list of permitted uses in the district.

The applicant, Khadija Hamati of Urban Mineral Magic, expressed a desire to enhance the community by adding a grocery store to the existing commercial center on Cosgray Road. The proposal aims to rectify the zoning text to reflect the original approval that permitted grocery stores, providing a swift solution to the oversight.

During the meeting, concerns were raised by local resident Dimitris Agarades, who questioned whether this change could pave the way for larger grocery chains in the future. He sought clarification on whether the approval was an exception or a permanent change to the zoning code. City officials reassured him that the amendment strictly applies to the current site and does not affect surrounding properties, which are under different zoning classifications.

The commission's approval, which passed with a 7-0 vote, is now set to be forwarded to the city council for final consideration. This move is seen as a positive step towards improving local access to grocery options while maintaining the integrity of the existing zoning framework. The anticipated outcome is a revitalization of the area, aligning with the community's needs and preferences.