Hugh White Honda unveils new auto sales facility proposal at 250 Columbus Road

In the heart of Athens, Ohio, the Planning Commission convened on July 16, 2025, under the soft glow of city hall lights, ready to tackle the future of local development. With three of its five members present, the commission quickly established a quorum, setting the stage for a meeting that would focus on a significant new project in the area.

The agenda began with the approval of minutes from the previous meeting, which passed smoothly without opposition. However, the real highlight of the session was the introduction of a proposed site plan for a new auto sales facility by Hugh White Honda, set to be located at 250 Columbus Road. David, a city staff member, presented the preliminary site plans, noting that most departments had no comments, although the code office raised a couple of zoning questions. Crucially, he emphasized that the city could not provide water and sewer services to the site until an annexation request was submitted, a point that underscored the importance of compliance with city regulations.

Dustin Todd, representing Arch Hall Architects for the applicant, took the floor to elaborate on the project. He described plans for a 24,000 square foot dealership that would include a showroom and service department, designed to meet the latest Honda prototype standards. Todd highlighted the project's potential to enhance local services, providing a larger facility to better serve the community. He also addressed concerns about the site's elevation, noting that it would be raised to mitigate flood risks.

As the meeting progressed, the commission members engaged with Todd, eager to understand the implications of this development for Athens. The discussions reflected a broader commitment to ensuring that new projects align with community needs and city regulations, paving the way for future growth in the area.

With no further cases on the agenda, the meeting concluded, leaving attendees with a sense of anticipation for the developments ahead. The proposed Honda dealership stands as a testament to Athens' evolving landscape, promising to bring both economic opportunity and enhanced services to the community. As the commission looks to fill its vacant seat, the future of Athens planning remains bright, with new projects on the horizon.