Council hears paving and park updates; advances Lockpoint right-of-way and public-works resolution

Canal Winchester — At the May 18 work session and council meeting, Construction Director Bill Sims told council that Winchester Boulevard will be milled and paved during night operations this week and that Deetsz Drive pavement removal and stabilization is scheduled to begin June 1 with an approximate four-week schedule. Sims said McGill Park site work is underway and that East Waterlue Street storm-sewer construction is essentially complete, with only minor punch-list items remaining.

Sims and council members discussed coordination with Columbia Gas, which recently completed gas-service lowering and service replacements on Deetsz Road; Sims said coordinated scheduling and test holes helped avoid utility conflicts, but that some older service lines were unexpectedly shallow and that the city requires advance coordination before excavation.

Council also considered development-related items: staff introduced ordinance 26-011 to accept a right-of-way dedication from Lockpoint Village LLC to permit turn-lane improvements for the Lockpoint Village multifamily project on Hill Road. Staff clarified that adopting the right-of-way acceptance enables turn-lane work but would not, by itself, prevent the apartments from being built if council voted it down.

On the consent agenda, council moved and later adopted resolution 26-024 recognizing Canal Winchester public works professionals and supporting National Public Works Week for May 17–23, 2026.

Quote: “We will be paving this week,” Construction Director Bill Sims said, describing night work for Winchester Boulevard milling and paving operations.

What happens next: Deetsz Drive work is programmed to start June 1; staff will continue coordination with utilities and post resident notifications; right-of-way and contract-related items will return for final readings and permitting as required.