Residents press Vandalia council for independent traffic study, raise school and wetlands concerns over South Brown School-area development

VANDALIA, Ohio — Residents urged the Vandalia City Council on Jan. 21 to require more independent study and greater safeguards before approving a planned unit development proposed near South Brown School Road, saying traffic, school capacity and wetlands need clearer analysis.

Speakers at the council meeting during the public‑comment period said existing congestion on South Brown School Road already limits emergency access and that proposed housing could add hundreds of daily vehicle trips. “So just please take a little bit more consideration in regards to the traffic study because it isn't just gonna last for 5 years,” resident Donald Hutchison told council members.

The comments built on a series of concerns documented across multiple speakers. Several residents asked that the city require an independent traffic study, re‑examine cul‑de‑sac variances, and check density comparisons that the developer presented. “I hope you guys do your thorough job … make that proper decision accordingly,” resident Alex Conardre said, urging the council to require a traffic study and tighter controls on cul‑de‑sac extensions.

School impacts were a recurring topic. Corey Shanahan, who identified himself as a lifelong Vandalia resident and high‑school swim coach, cited a district letter saying the school system could face a student surge and suggested the council obtain cost analyses for modular classrooms, additional staff and the developer’s estimate that the project would yield about $800,000 in annual revenue to the school district. “Can I expect the city to lower my taxes? And by how much?” Shanahan asked rhetorically, requesting the calculations that back the developer’s revenue estimate.

Neighbors also warned of environmental and stormwater risks. Robert Shanahan and Barbara Breisch both said the development concentrates stormwater into detention ponds that route runoff toward Poplar Creek and a ravine, and they flagged two isolated wetlands on the site. “A PUD won’t make the traffic situation any better,” Robert Shanahan said, and he read language from the city comprehensive plan highlighting environmentally…