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Trustees set phased reopening plan; residents raise noise and pool-pass concerns
Summary
Norwich Township trustees approved reopening the lobby May 5 and resuming court May 12 while keeping meeting rooms closed; during public comment residents raised nighttime noise complaints and concerns about Hilliard pool pass availability for township residents.
Norwich Township trustees voted to reopen the township lobby effective May 5, 2021, resume court services starting May 12, and keep meeting rooms closed for the time being while the township continues to allow Zoom participation for public meetings.
Administrator Jamie Fisher proposed a phased reopening—open the lobby immediately, resume court the following week and keep meeting rooms closed so Fire, Police and Township business can continue. Trustees approved the plan unanimously.
Public comment at the May 4 meeting included a noise complaint from Adam Michael, a Columbus resident, who said loud music and disturbances at 4781 Dublin Road had occurred on multiple weekends and that he measured noise levels near 80 decibels from his back porch; Chief Fisher said officers have engaged the property owner and that the Franklin County Prosecutor can be pursued if incidents recur. Resident Samantha Pollack raised concerns that Hilliard's reduced pool-pass allocations for 2021 could limit access for Norwich Township residents; City representative Michelle Crandall said COVID restrictions are limiting allocations but indicated the City hopes to expand passes when state guidance permits.
Why it matters: the phased reopening reflects local government decisions balancing public access and COVID-19 safety, while public commenters raised enforcement and equity concerns that trustees said they would continue to pursue with the City and county authorities.
Votes and approvals: trustees unanimously approved reopening the lobby and resuming limited services; public comments were heard and recorded in the minutes.
