WESTERVILLE, Ohio — The Westerville City Council on Tuesday postponed a vote on the proposed sale and redevelopment of 64 East Walnut Street following nearly two hours of public opposition, with residents decrying a lack of transparency and the scale of a project they said threatened the character of historic uptown.
The council voted unanimously to delay further consideration of the sale ordinance until Sept. 15, 2026, and directed city staff to hold two additional public open houses before the second reading. The move came after an overflow crowd packed the council chambers to voice concerns about the proposed development, which included a five-story parking garage, 247 apartments, 81 hotel rooms, and a restaurant.
“The sacred is invoked when each part of the community is represented around tables where decisions are made,” the Rev. Mary G. Butler said during the invocation, a sentiment that echoed throughout the evening.
Residents criticized what they described as a secretive process, arguing the city bypassed a formal request for proposals and failed to adequately inform the public before presenting the $2.5 million sale agreement with Continental Development Ventures. Speakers raised concerns about traffic congestion, safety near schools, and the project’s density.
Council members acknowledged the missteps.
“I’m not going to get into how or why we got here or to defend council or the city,” said Vice Chair Glasgow. “People that have been here tonight just want to feel like this process will go on a different trajectory.”
Council member Wright apologized for the rollout and said he would commit to holding twice-monthly informal listening sessions outside city hall.
Despite the contentious debate over the Walnut Street property, the council moved swiftly through the remainder of its agenda, approving all other items unanimously.
The council adopted Ordinance 2026-07, updating vehicle-for-hire regulations to recognize state preemption for rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft while allowing Columbus-licensed drivers to operate in Westerville. The city reserved police powers under the new rules.
Ordinances 2026-08 and 2026-09, approving agreements with American Municipal Power for the Potomac Energy Center and Bright Mountain Solar, respectively, were also adopted as part of the city’s ongoing energy portfolio diversification.
On first reading, the council introduced a budget cleanup ordinance for 2026, which includes $200,000 for a hydro excavator truck, $375,000 for planning and development offset by permit revenues, and $180,000 transferred from street maintenance to the sewer fund. No vote was taken.
The council approved a motion authorizing the city manager to finalize a public-private partnership with Alta Fiber for citywide fiber-to-the-home internet service. Alta Fiber will privately fund the entire capital rollout, and the city will host the company’s equipment in the WeConnect data center.
Two infrastructure bids also passed: a $750,000 project with Complete General Construction Company to install underground conduits along Africa Road, coming in $150,000 under estimate, and a $1.2 million paving project with Strawser Paving Company for sections of the Ohio to Erie Trail, fully reimbursed by a federal grant. Work on the trail is scheduled from June through August.
Council members encouraged continued public engagement, with several noting that the Walnut Street controversy highlighted the need for more consistent community input on major projects.
“We need you guys to share your voices,” said council member Beckett. “If we don’t, then the only voices we’re hearing are saying, ‘Why don’t we have a parking deck uptown? Why isn’t there more housing?’”
The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 2 at 7 p.m.