City Council reviews new landscape plan for police department's aging greenery

The Tree & Public Gardens Commission Meeting held on May 21, 2025, in Bexley, Ohio, focused on a significant landscape plan for the police department property. The meeting began with a discussion regarding the recommendation for a certificate of appropriateness to be submitted to the Bexley Zoning and Planning Commission (bZAP).

The commission addressed the necessity of landscape reviews based on the zoning districts involved. It was noted that the general commercial and open space districts do not legally require landscape reviews, while the mixed-use commercial district does, as it adheres to the main street design guidelines overseen by bZAP.

Walter, a commission member, presented an overview of the existing landscape, highlighting the aging plant material surrounding the police department. He emphasized the need for replacement due to the current landscape's failure to provide adequate screening and aesthetic value. Walter praised the proposed new plantings, which he believed would enhance the property’s beauty and canopy cover. He specifically noted the addition of an Evergreen Garden, which would serve as a pleasant visual feature for both the police department and the adjacent community garden.

The discussion then shifted to the project's origins, which stemmed from a site walk with the mayor and police chief. Three primary goals were identified: addressing overgrown evergreen junipers that obstructed parking, revitalizing the front landscape that had deteriorated since its last update in 2009, and improving vehicular safety around the building. The police chief expressed a desire for better connectivity between the police station and the community garden, aiming to create a cohesive aesthetic.

The meeting concluded with a recommendation for the approval of the landscape plan as submitted, marking a step forward in enhancing the police department's surroundings and addressing community needs. The commission's focus on improving public spaces reflects a commitment to maintaining the beauty and functionality of Bexley's landscapes.