Developers present mixed‑use concept for 8940 State Route 161, including 312‑unit apartment plan and Warner Road realignment

Todd Farris, representing Farris Lighting and Design, presented a concept plan for 8940 State Route 161 to the Plain Planning & Zoning Commission. The proposal, submitted on behalf of applicant Kieran Bassaretti with Dublin by Concord Limited, would redevelop the parcel with three primary components: a commercial frontage area, a three‑story multifamily complex of roughly 312 units and a single‑family neighborhood of lots sized at about 52 by 120 feet.

The concept includes relocating Warner Road to remove a 90‑degree dogleg and to route neighborhood traffic off State Route 161. “We’re looking at approximately, you know, with this scheme, 312 units,” Farris told the commission. He said the relocation had been presented preliminarily to the Ohio Department of Transportation and that ODOT had not issued a final determination.

Why it matters: the proposal would change local traffic patterns on SR 161, require coordination with ODOT on access points, and proposes building inside or adjacent to Sugar Run Creek’s floodplain, requiring engineering to address floodway constraints and a bridge or span in one location.

Key elements described by the applicant and discussed by staff and commissioners included: - Multifamily: Approximately 312 units in a three‑story building, marketed mainly as one‑ and two‑bedroom apartments, with a clubhouse and amenities (pool, exercise facilities, dog park). Access to the multifamily portion would be relocated off the proposed Warner Road alignment rather than directly on SR 161. - Commercial: Outparcels sized for multi‑tenant buildings or restaurants; one outparcel was identified as a potential hotel site though the applicant said no formal hotel discussions were ongoing. - Single‑family: Lots shown at roughly 52 by 120 feet, with typical house footprints of about 40 feet of width (two‑car garages); the plan anticipates premium lots backing to Sugar Run Creek. - Stormwater and open space: A large, regional retention pond was proposed to serve the northern half of the site, intended as an amenity and focal entry feature with potential pathways and seating areas around it. - Floodplain and creek crossing: The Sugar Run floodplain and floodway limit where development and crossings can occur; Farris said the team identified a location that could be free‑spanned across the floodway and that a bridge with pedestrian accommodation is feasible, with an estimated added cost “within a couple $100,000” for a pedestrian attachment, per the presentation. - Road and connectivity: The relocation of Warner Road is central to the concept, intended to remove a hazardous dogleg and better activate the site; staff (Derek, planning staff) and commissioners discussed future connections to Pleasant Valley Boulevard, existing and planned trails including the Heritage Trail, and coordination with neighboring developments such as Darby Station and Commerce Park.

Commissioners and staff raised design and safety comments the applicant said it would incorporate: buffering and perimeter landscaping, avoiding long straight neighborhood streets that encourage high speeds, pedestrian connections to adjacent properties, and working with future builders on housing variety rather than a single product line.

No formal action or vote was taken on the concept plan. Farris said the next steps would be annexation and formal zoning submissions; staff noted additional technical review will be required for floodplain, ODOT access, and platting.

Plans and applicants referenced in the presentation were shown as high level; the applicant and staff repeatedly described the package as conceptual and subject to change during annexation, engineering and zoning review.