Hilliard council unanimously signs onto joint letter pressing Darby Accord authors over proposed densities

Hilliard's City Council voted unanimously Dec. 2026 to add the city’s name to a joint letter expressing concerns about the Darby Accord land‑use draft, particularly proposed higher residential densities near Hilliard's boundary.

Acting City Manager Riley said the draft letter — authored by Brown Township trustee Pete Marsh — focuses on land-use plan elements that affect areas just outside Hilliard and noted those areas could later annex into Columbus. Riley told council he hopes to present a fuller Darby Accord update in February.

Council members raised objections to maps showing densities as high as 12 units per acre, which they said conflict with Hilliard’s comprehensive-plan expectations of roughly one unit per acre in some areas. Several members also said they had concerns the draft lacks traffic and public-safety impact studies.

Council discussion emphasized the difference in density policies between Columbus, which is updating its zoning code and enabling higher densities, and Hilliard's existing goals to preserve lower-density neighborhoods. Council Member Teeter described the trend of higher-density proposals arriving near Hilliard as “frustrating,” and members asked whether the joint letter seeks to delay the draft’s public-comment deadline or to request more analysis; staff said the letter primarily asks that the land-use map not reflect densities inconsistent with Hilliard or Brown Township plans.

After a short motion and second, council voted 7–0 to add Hilliard to the joint letter and authorize the sign-on.

Next steps: Staff said the draft Darby Accord update is available on the city's website and that the city will compile resident feedback to share with MKSK and Columbus officials; a fuller presentation is tentatively scheduled for the council's first February meeting.