Hilliard Council approves conditional uses for Beacon and Norwich school additions; parking commitments noted

HILLIARD, Ohio — The Hilliard City Council voted 5-0 Aug. 25 to approve separate conditional uses that clear the way for a new Beacon Elementary School and a preschool addition at Norwich Elementary. The Beacon proposal is for a new 70,613-square-foot building on the eastern portion of the existing site at 3600 Lakon Road; the site plan shows 105 parking spaces. The Norwich plan is for a 20,613-square-foot preschool addition at 4454 Davidson Road with 35 additional parking spaces. City planning staff told council the Beacon site meets setback and lighting requirements and that Hilliard City Schools committed in writing to limit school assemblies to no more than two grade levels at a time. For Norwich, the district committed in writing to limit assemblies to not more than one school at a time. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended both conditional uses by 5-0 votes at earlier hearings. Council members asked several site-specific questions during discussion. Council member Carrier asked whether the Beacon plan addresses drop-off and pick-up traffic that could back up toward Cemetery Road; staff said they would gather more information. At the Norwich discussion, a council member raised concerns about consistent application of parking requirements after comparing required parking counts for a recent private annexation and the number approved for the preschool addition; staff and council noted that schools are reviewed as conditional uses because they raise site-specific issues such as stacking and access. Both resolutions passed by a roll call vote recorded as yes from President Catone, Vice President Teeter, Council Member Hale, Council Member Cole and Council Member Carrier. The conditional-use approvals allow the Hilliard City Schools district to proceed with final design and permitting steps subject to the limits and site commitments in the approved plans and the city code. Second- or subsequent administrative approvals and construction permits will be required before building can begin.