Development Commission tables 2345 Demerest Road rezoning after residents, township cite traffic and infrastructure concerns

The Columbus Development Commission voted to table Z25-055, a rezoning request for 2345 Demerest Road that would allow a 216-unit apartment complex, after extended public comment from neighbors and a township official raised traffic, infrastructure and density concerns.

Staff told the commission the 11.39-acre site was annexed from Jackson Township and that a concurrent variance (CV25-098) to reduce the required perimeter yard from 25 feet to 7 feet was pending at city council. Planning staff described the request as inconsistent with the Westland area plan’s institutional recommendation but consistent with the Columbus growth strategy and citywide design guidelines, and recommended conditional approval pending resolution of a traffic impact study.

Brian Posen, representing KD Property Group, described the proposal as workforce housing with all units set at incomes tied to 60% of area median income and rents the developer listed as roughly $1,097 for a one-bedroom up to about $1,633 for a four-bedroom. Posen said the project had been revised several times to reduce unit count and increase open space, incorporate a northbound turn lane, align the entrance to the adjacent park, increase building separation and add security coordination with the Columbus Police Department.

Neighbors and stakeholders urged caution. Richard Perea, a resident directly across the road, said the proposal was “overdeveloping” a corridor that lacks infrastructure and noted nearby projects that already add hundreds of units and cars. Gavin Price Fuller, who lives directly across Demerest Road, cited a concentration of approvals in a small corridor, argued the stretch lacks sidewalks, shoulders and lighting, and said the Westland Area Commission unanimously opposed the rezoning. He also cited the project’s bedroom count and said the combination of nearby projects would dramatically increase population and traffic on a narrow stretch of two-lane road.

Shane Farnsworth, Jackson Township administrator, told the commission that annexed properties remain served by township first responders and estimated the area’s developments could generate roughly 200–250 additional emergency runs a year, stressing the need to consider service impacts. A traffic representative noted the access is under Franklin County Engineers jurisdiction and that the traffic impact study was under review by county and neighboring jurisdictions.

In response, the applicant said the reviewed traffic study shows the site’s trips would not degrade operations at the nearby roundabout or at Big Run South and Demerest intersections and asked for time to work with county and Grove City staff to resolve comments. Commissioners advised the applicant to engage directly with neighbors, consider flipping building orientation or acquiring additional land from the adjacent church to preserve trees and privacy, and to return with clearer site plans if seeking straight zoning.

After deliberation, the developer asked to table the case to refine plans; the commission voted to table Z25-055. Commissioners who recorded votes in favor of tabling included Kay Mukquay, Dan Ferdleman, Janice Keys and Chair Fitzpatrick.

Next steps: the applicant will continue coordination with agencies on the traffic study and is expected to return with revised site plans; the variance CV25-098 will proceed through city council.