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Council approves start of property appropriation process for Jackson Pike shared‑use path and Hawthorne intersection
Summary
Council authorized staff to begin the property‑acquisition and "good faith" offer process to install a shared‑use path along Jackson Pike and to allow a traffic signal at Jackson Pike and Hawthorne Parkway; the measures start the legal process needed for construction of the bike path and related intersection improvements.
Grove City Council voted to begin the legal process for right‑of‑way acquisition tied to two infrastructure projects on Jackson Pike: a shared‑use bike/pedestrian path and intersection improvements (including a traffic signal) at Hawthorne Parkway.
Law Director Stephen Smith explained that the two resolutions are related but use different eminent‑domain timing. Because the traffic signal sits in the roadbed, Smith said the city can use quick‑take authority — depositing funds with the court would allow the city to install the signal while litigation (if any) proceeds. The bike path, by contrast, crosses private property where quick take does not apply; Smith said acquiring the easements for the path would require a longer process, and construction could not begin until the courts resolve ownership in the unlikely event of a dispute.
Smith said he has spoken with the four property owners along the proposed path; three have indicated they will likely settle after the city sends appraisals and good‑faith offers. 1 property owner — who also holds a conservation easement — indicated no willingness to convey, meaning the city would likely proceed with legal acquisition if needed.
Council approved both resolutions and directed staff to send the offer letters. Smith clarified he will not immediately file lawsuits; action will proceed only after the good‑faith offer process and additional council authorization if required.
During public comments and council discussion, proponents highlighted safety benefits and neighborhood connectivity: the shared‑use path will link neighborhoods to the Camp Chase Trail and other regional routes discussed earlier in the Bicycle Transportation Task Force presentation. A council representative for the task force and task force members had reported earlier on recent progress — including completion of a Gantz Road bridge over I‑270 and an ongoing effort to pursue Bike Friendly America status improvements.
Votes: both resolutions were approved in council; recorded roll‑call votes on each resolution showed unanimous affirmative votes among members present.
The council directed staff to proceed with sending statutory good‑faith offers and to return later if legal filings become necessary; staff estimated court resolution could take up to two years in contested acquisitions.
The projects are tied to the council’s broader transportation and parks goals and were presented alongside an update from the Bicycle Transportation Task Force, which urged the city to continue coordinating connectivity to regional trails and to pursue higher Bike Friendly America recognition.
