Canal Winchester council moves ahead on Winchester roundabout property steps, awards 2025 street contract and picks up mayor’s OPERS contribution

Canal Winchester City Council on March 3 approved measures that start the property-acquisition process for a planned roundabout on Winchester Boulevard, awarded the 2025 street program contract and amended and adopted an ordinance authorizing the city to pick up the mayor’s Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) contribution.

The council adopted three companion resolutions authorizing notice of intent and authority to appropriate limited fee interests and temporary easements on multiple Franklin County commercial parcels to allow construction of a roundabout at Winchester Boulevard. "This legislation is the opening step that is necessary to acquire property by eminent domain," said Thad Boggs, the city law director. He told council appraisals will be completed and good‑faith offers made to property owners before any legal action would be taken.

Why it matters: the property actions clear an early legal step so appraisals and offers can proceed on a schedule the city says is necessary to secure funding and keep the Winchester Boulevard project…