Westerville Council Adopts 2027 Budget, Approves E-Bike Rules Amid Heated Debate Over Walnut Street Property

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt the 2027 tax budget and modernize regulations for bicycles and electric bikes, but the meeting was dominated by public opposition to a proposed redevelopment at 64 East Walnut Street.

Council approved the 2027 tax budget, which estimates expenditures for the general fund, fire fund and bond retirement fund and supports property tax requests to Franklin and Delaware counties. The vote was 5-0.

Council also adopted Ordinance 2026-12, updating traffic code for bicycles, electric bicycles and personal transportation devices. Police plan to implement a three-tier education program before enforcement begins.

A third reading of Ordinance 2026-13, a housekeeping measure adopting 2025 council enactments and conforming city code to state law changes, passed 5-0 with an emergency clause requiring a supermajority.

Council approved a motion authorizing the city manager to purchase Dell desktop and laptop computers from Ex Tech Partners Inc. for $215,000, including a four-year warranty, to replace outdated equipment.

The meeting drew significant public comment on the future of 64 East Walnut Street. Residents opposed the proposed redevelopment, citing concerns over parking loss, traffic, safety, tree removal and a lack of transparency. Several speakers advocated for adaptive reuse of the existing building.

Residents also expressed frustration that public records requests related to the property have been pending for two months, with some alleging delays and redactions. Others questioned the city’s summary of public comments, saying it applied a positive spin to a small number of pro-mixed-use responses.

City Manager Dupy reported on a July 4th shooting incident following the evening fireworks show. A parking dispute led to a shooting and two arrests. Dupy said emergency protocols were executed quickly by the Westerville Division of Police and partner agencies, including the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Genoa Township Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Division of Police. Officers rendered aid to a victim and secured the area, apprehending two suspects.

Council clarified that an August 11 community work session will focus on listening to residents, with a September work session to follow. Council members thanked the community for engagement and wished everyone a good summer recess. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Justice Center.

Key moments

Significant

City Manager reports on July 4th shooting and fireworks disposal

After the evening's firework show, the night ended with an unnecessary tragedy, a parking dispute led to shooting and to arrests.

Contentious

Resident Peter Maxwell criticizes plans for 64 East Walnut

I can't imagine the impact on uptown businesses, the library, and the handy park without them, particularly on weekends.

Public interest Part 1 · 27:20

Resident Peg Duffy calls for open decision-making on 64 East Walnut

Open decision-making has to be participatory, not top-down.

Contentious Part 1 · 44:41

Resident Charles Taylor details parking loss at 64 East Walnut

There's at least 221 parking spots at 64 East Walnut right now. The proposed project was going to have 100 public parking spots.

Significant

Council clarifies August 11th community work session format

The August 11th, that's really for staff to listen to the community and engage with the community, and that is much more specific to that site at 64.

Full analysis

Show structured analysis

Meeting Analysis

City of Westerville — 2026-07-07

Meeting Information

Title: Executive Session & Regular Meeting — 2026-07-07

Parish: City of Westerville

Date: 2026-07-07

Video: Recording

Transcript segments: 1083

Item	Description	Action	Vote Status
Minutes of June 2, 2026 regular meeting	Council voted to adopt the minutes from the previous regular meeting.	Adopted	Unanimous (5-0)
Resolution 2026-08: Adoption of 2027 tax budget	Public hearing held on the proposed 2027 tax budget, which estimates expenditures for the general fund, fire fund, and bond retirement fund. The budget supports property tax requests to Franklin and Delaware counties.	Adopted	Unanimous (5-0)
Ordinance 2026-12: Modernizing regulations for bicycles, e-bikes, and personal transportation devices	Third reading of an ordinance to update traffic code for bicycles, electric bicycles, and personal transportation devices. Police plan a three-tier education program before enforcement.	Adopted	Unanimous (5-0)
Ordinance 2026-13: Adoption of supplement to codified ordinances and code amendments	Third reading of a housekeeping ordinance to adopt 2025 council enactments and conform city code to state law changes. Includes an emergency clause requiring supermajority.	Adopted	Unanimous (5-0)
Motion to authorize purchase of computer hardware from Ex Tech Partners Inc.	Motion to authorize the city manager to purchase Dell desktop and laptop computers for $215,000 from Ex Tech Partners, with a four-year warranty, to replace outdated fleet.	Approved	Unanimous (5-0)

2027 tax budget includes a .55 mill voted property tax levy for the Justice Center with expected debt service payment of $965,400.
Tax budget estimates expenditures for general fund, fire fund, and bond retirement fund.

Opposition to redevelopment of 64 East Walnut Street due to parking loss, traffic, safety, tree removal, and lack of transparency.
Desire for adaptive reuse of existing building at 64 East Walnut rather than demolition.
Frustration with delayed public records requests and perceived lack of transparency from city staff.
Concerns about speeding on East Rock Road and safety at the intersection of North Otterbein and County Line Road.
Requests for better communication and advanced notice of city projects and meetings.

Future of 64 East Walnut Street property: residents oppose redevelopment plan citing parking loss, traffic, safety, tree removal, and lack of transparency; they advocate for adaptive reuse of existing building.
Public records requests related to 64 East Walnut have been pending for two months, with residents expressing frustration over delays and redactions.
Residents question the city's summary of public comments on 64 East Walnut, alleging that positive spin was applied to a small number of pro-mixed-use comments.

City Manager

Reported on July 4th events: a parking dispute led to a shooting; two suspects arrested. Also addressed controlled fireworks disposal on Sunday due to failed inspection of shells.
Announced August 11th community work session on 64 East Walnut from 6-8 p.m. at Westerville Community Center.

Planning Commission

Concept plan review for subdivision at East College Avenue and Otterbein; feedback largely favorable.
Approved final development plan modification for parking expansion at 937 Eastwood with conditions.
Approved site plan modification for flower shop at Main Street and Cleveland Avenue.

Parks and Recreation

Promoted summer events: Frog Friday, Nature Nights, summer concert series, Touch-a-Truck, Holiday Splash, Camp Rock musical, Doggy Paddle.
Encouraged feedback for Parks, Recreation, and Outdoor Spaces plan via Wander Westerville campaign.

City staff to continue planning for August 11th community work session on 64 East Walnut.
City staff to explore opt-in event texting solution for emergency notifications; update expected in September.
Police department to implement three-tier education program for new bicycle/e-bike ordinance.
City to provide answers to questions collected at September 8th work session on 64 East Walnut.