Owner asks for timeline on Westbrook–Hook roundabout as state grant may require right-of-way

A property owner told the Clayton Planning Commission he is paused on construction because of uncertainty over a proposed roundabout at Westbrook and Hook that could require taking part of his lot.

Michael Watson, who owns a corner lot at Westbrook and Hook, said he had a construction contract and a loan but was unsure whether right-of-way for the proposed roundabout would encroach on his property. "There's a likelihood that there would be a need to encroach on the lot that I purchased," Watson said, asking staff for a clearer timeline so he could move forward with building plans.

Staff and other city officials said the roundabout is in the pipeline and that state grant money would likely cover most of the city’s cost. Ellen, a city staff member, told Watson the project will require engineering and approvals from the Ohio Department of Transportation and coordination with neighboring jurisdictions, and that much depends on the timeline for engineering approvals. She said the city’s role would be to complete its part of the engineering and to coordinate local right-of-way needs.

Watson asked for staff help in identifying a decision window because he already has a builder under contract and a construction loan he must start to repay; staff promised to follow up with more specific scheduling information and to coordinate with the relevant departments.

Next steps: staff said they will clarify the procurement and design timeline and inform Watson when the roundabout engineering and ODOT approvals reach the phase that would require local right-of-way adjustments.