Chillicothe City Council amended Chapter 11.51 (Downtown Enterprise District) of the city's codified ordinances during its Aug. 25 meeting, adopting language that references the planning commission's recommendation and a public‑hearing notice under Chillicothe Ordinance 11.17.07.

Councilman DeMint presented a motion to amend the ordinance, saying the change implements the planning commission recommendation and updates the statutory notice language. The motion was seconded and the roll call recorded unanimous support for the amendment in the transcript.

Separately, council advanced a resolution (second reading referenced during the meeting) concerning the potential conveyance of two city‑owned properties — 145 South Bridge Street and 364 East Fifth Street — to the Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development organization to facilitate future housing development and to authorize city officials to continue coordination and review of a potential development agreement. Council's development committee reported it had met earlier that evening and planned further committee meetings to continue work on a Green Chillicothe Joint Economic Development District.

The transcript records committee and council discussion limited to process: planning commission recommendation, public hearing compliance, and the need for additional committee meetings to finalize terms and any development agreement. No sale or conveyance was completed at this meeting; the resolution moves the matter forward for continued coordination and review.

Why it matters: The actions pave the procedural path for possible redevelopment of city land for housing and adjust downtown zoning rules that can affect future projects downtown. Council signaled continued committee review rather than final approval.

What remains unresolved: Specific purchase or conveyance terms, financial commitments, developer responsibilities, required zoning changes beyond the amended ordinance language, and any associated funding were not addressed in detail during the meeting record.

Ending: Council will continue committee meetings and coordination with the Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development organization before presenting a final development agreement or conveyance for a vote.