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Planning commission approves 6,235-square-foot addition at Gahanna Middle School South
Summary
The Gahanna Planning Commission unanimously approved development plan DP-0032026 for a 6,235-square-foot, four-classroom addition to Gahanna Middle School South; staff said the project meets zoning requirements, requires no variances and is expected to start construction pending civil permits.
The Gahanna Planning Commission on May 13 approved development plan DP-0032026 to add a 6,235-square-foot, roughly 17-foot-tall addition with four new classrooms to Gahanna Middle School South.
Staff presented the project and recommended approval, saying the addition will attach to the south side of the existing building, match exterior materials and meet zoning requirements without variances. Administrative staff said the site will continue to provide 300 parking spaces, above the zoning code requirement of 286, and that the project will plant 8 caliper inches of trees (four trees) to meet landscaping requirements.
Carrie Smith, a project manager with Shore Architects, told the commission the addition is intended to accommodate enrollment growth over the next five to 10 years and that exterior materials will match the existing school. "It's 4 classrooms — they think it's gonna be helpful for, you know, the additional kids that are coming in the next 5 to 10 years," Smith said.
Commissioner Mako asked whether a proposed 10-foot waterline easement involved new service or relocation; Smith said the existing line will be moved. Mako also sought clarification on a curb cut and sidewalk note; Smith said the bus-loop curb cut will be modified to meet PROWAG (Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines) accessibility standards.
Commissioner Greenberg asked about the schedule. Smith said construction is expected to begin this summer pending civil engineering permits; the project already has phased building permit approval and construction is expected to take about a year, with the addition anticipated to be open for the 2028–29 school year.
Commissioner Lazer moved to approve DP-0032026; Commissioner Czapaca seconded. Commissioners Czapaca, Mako, Siriano, Serrano, Tamarkin, Lazer and Greenberg each expressed support during discussion, citing the restrained design, consistency of materials and that no variances were required. The clerk called the roll and the motion carried unanimously.
Staff noted the project is an expansion of an existing permitted school use and that the proposed materials and height are consistent with the existing building. The commission took no additional conditions. The applicant will proceed to obtain necessary civil engineering permits and continued building permits.
The commission then moved on with the agenda and later adjourned.
