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Residents raise noise and traffic concerns during public hearings on Uptown and Westar entertainment districts
Summary
On second reading council held public hearings for ordinances to create the Uptown and Westar community entertainment districts; no final votes were taken. A nearby resident presented a petition asking council to limit alcohol-serving establishments near homes.
At its April 15 meeting the Westerville City Council held public hearings on two ordinances to establish community entertainment districts — the Uptown Entertainment District and the Westar Entertainment District — under Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.8. Both measures were at second reading; no final council votes were taken.
The city displayed maps of the proposed Uptown and Westar district boundaries and staff reported there were no changes since the first reading. City staff opened the hearings, invited public comment and swore in speakers for sworn testimony as required for public hearings.
Joanne Turner, a Village Green Loop resident whose neighborhood is adjacent to the 44-acre Africa Road project (the property referred to in council materials as the Westar area), spoke against the Westar ordinance. Turner said neighbors understand the rationale for the district but asked council not to allow future alcohol-serving establishments to locate near existing residences. She submitted a petition signed by affected neighbors and asked that it be included in the public record. Turner cited concerns about late-night noise and increased traffic should entertainment venues be allowed close to homes.
Staff response and next steps: the council asked staff to return answers at the third reading addressing the neighbors’ questions about noise and other concerns. City staff indicated they would work with planning/engineering staff (identified in the meeting as staff members) to prepare responses for the next meeting. Council set the third reading for the next regular meeting on May 6, 2025.
Why this matters: establishing a community entertainment district changes local licensing and operational allowances for businesses within the district (including where alcohol can be served), and can affect adjacent residential neighborhoods through changes in traffic, parking and late-night activity. Residents seeking protections asked council to consider proximity limitations and to provide specific answers at the next reading.
What council said: staff confirmed the ordinances remain at second reading and that the requested follow-up will be provided for the May 6 meeting. The petition submitted by residents will be included in the meeting records.
