Moraine council denies zoning change for 6844 Germantown Pike after neighborhood opposition

MORAINE, Ohio — Moraine City Council voted to deny a zoning change for 6844 Germantown Pike on Oct. 23, approving Ordinance 2200-25, the second reading of legislation that would have rezoned a roughly 1.5-acre parcel from R-2 single-family residence to B-1 neighborhood business.

The ordinance, read aloud by the clerk, was preceded by public comment from residents who live near the site and from the property owner. Council took the roll-call vote after the second reading; the transcript records five yes votes in favor of denying the rezoning and one no vote, resulting in adoption of the ordinance to deny the district change.

Why it matters: Neighbors said the change would bring traffic, lighting and commercial character incompatible with their rural-feeling residential area. Dozens of signatures opposing the rezoning were submitted to the planning committee, residents told council.

What was said: One nearby resident, Mary Getter of 6891 Germantown Pike, said, “We do not want a business there. Whether it’s a Dollar General or any business, we don’t need that rezoned B-1.” Brett Scott, 6879 Germantown Pike, also told the council he opposed the rezoning and questioned traffic claims. Doris Fisher of 6919 Germantown Pike said the applicant’s estimate of 0.4 cars per minute equated to 24 cars per hour and asked how a business could be viable at that level.

The property owner — who identified himself on the record and said he owns the property in question — told the council the area already contains B-1 uses nearby and said a traffic study would determine whether physical changes (signalization, widening) are needed.

Council action: Ordinance 2200-25 was read as the second reading and a motion was made to deny the zoning change. The clerk recorded a roll-call vote during which Brashat (yes), Witt (no), Allen (yes), Miller (yes), Marcus (yes) and Mayor Murphy (yes) were recorded; the ordinance denying the change carried.

Background: The rezoning request was for parcel IDs J442042010034 and J442042010035 and for a 1.5-acre lot described in the ordinance exhibit. Proponents presented trade-area maps and a traffic-engineering summary during public comment; neighbors said they were not consulted and raised quality-of-life concerns.

What’s next: Because the council adopted the ordinance denying the rezoning at its second reading, the property remains zoned R-2. Any future proposal would require a new application and review.

Sources: Public comments and the council’s readings and roll-call votes as recorded during the Moraine City Council meeting, Oct. 23, 2025.