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Council approves multiple development plans, adopts parking and budget measures
Summary
Delaware City Council on Aug. 11 approved several development plans for new retail and housing, adopted changes to controlled-parking rules, and passed an emergency supplemental-appropriations ordinance; other items were referred for later hearings.
Delaware City Council voted on a package of land-use and administrative measures during its Aug. 11 meeting, approving development plans for a Tim Hortons restaurant and multiple residential sections, adopting a parking ordinance change, and passing an emergency supplemental-appropriations ordinance. Council also approved the city's strategic action plan and referred the capital improvement program to the finance committee.
Why it matters: The votes clear the way for several new commercial and residential projects and change how the city will manage downtown parking and certain fee schedules. The supplemental appropriations set money aside for large equipment purchases and other near-term needs.
Most important actions - Resolution 25-51 (Tim Hortons, 900 Sundari Road): Approved (motion by Mr. Schaffer; second by Mr. Ryder). Staff recommended approval with 12 conditions; applicant was not present at the public hearing. Council vote: unanimous yes. (See separate article on the Tim Hortons plan.)
- Resolution 25-52 (Terra Alta Section 15, 84.176 acres): Approved (motion by Mr. Schaffer; second by Mr. Hoffman). Proposal: 61 single-family homes; 54.6 acres preserved as open space. Council vote: unanimous yes.
- Resolution 25-53 (Sawmill Parkway Subarea A, ~61 acres): Approved (motion by Mr. Schaffer; second by Mr. Hoffman). Proposal: 201 single-family lots, internal sidewalks, 15 acres of open space; staff and planning commission recommended approval with 10 conditions. Council vote: majority yes, one abstention noted in planning commission discussion only; council vote passed.
- Resolution 25-54 (Sawmill Parkway Subarea B, ~80.44 acres): Approved (motion by Mr. Schaffer; second by Mr. Hoffman). Proposal: 508 townhome units; 38 acres open space; conditions require additional landscaping/mounding along Sawmill Parkway. Council vote: unanimous yes.
- Ordinance 25-44 (amendments to controlled-parking enforcement and fee language): Adopted on suspension of rules (motion to suspend 3 readings passed; ordinance adopted). Changes transfer some operational authority to the public safety director (city manager if position vacant), move some fee references to the city fee schedule, and repeal specified code sections tied to free parking events; staff said the change will allow quicker operational responses and modernize payment language.
- Ordinance 25-45 (2025 supplemental appropriations; emergency clause): Adopted on emergency (motion passed). Major items noted in discussion: appropriation for a fire engine (listed at $1,200,000 in the staff presentation), replacement cruisers and public-works equipment, and salt purchase authority. Staff said some purchases require early appropriation because delivery lead times can be multiple years.
- Resolution 25-58 (Strategic Action Plan): Approved. Council endorsed a multi-priority plan to address fiscal sustainability, economic development, regional coordination, community connectivity, parking and mobility, and housing initiatives.
- Resolution 25-59 (Capital Improvement Program, 2026-2035): Referred to finance committee for detailed review Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.; staff highlighted deferred-maintenance needs and an unfunded-priorities list that includes neighborhood street repaving.
Other actions: a new D-3 liquor permit for Suela Food Services at 18 S. Sandusky St. was approved after a police-department recommendation of no objection.
What council said: Council members and staff emphasized the need to balance development with open-space preservation (Terra Alta), manage traffic impacts from new drive-through businesses (Tim Hortons), and modernize parking operations with data-driven adjustments.
Looking ahead: Several rezoning and development items (including Ohio Wesleyan University and multiple PUD requests) were set for public hearings on Aug. 25, 2025. The finance committee will take up the capital improvement program and tax-policy work later in the month.
