By Rachel Scofield

“It is just so nice here,” Rose Damron said as she sipped wine on the back patio of her home on Loeffler Drive in Madison Township. “I come out here every morning to have my coffee. Our neighbors have ducks and chickens, and they bring us eggs.”

Her husband, Larry, tends a garden near the back of the lot while birds flock to the feeders. Occasionally a raccoon or fox pays a visit.

That serenity, however, is poised to change. Nearly 300 acres along Ebright and Sims roads are slated to become “Addison Groveport”, a major mixed-use development that will bring more than 1,200 homes, retail shops, offices and recreational spaces.

“It’s going to be real busy,” Rose said. “This is our solitude, but I know people need homes. I’d rather see houses than have warehouses and diesel fumes. It may still be OK—we’ll put up a barrier or something. It’s a big change. But maybe it can be done right.”

Larry agreed the situation could be worse.

“There’s nothing we can do about it. We don’t own the land,” he said. “My buddy out near (state route) 317 has four acres surrounded by warehouses. He just puts up with it. We’re hoping for something a little more thoughtful here.”

Groveport Development Director Michael Loges assured that the development has been given a lot of thought.

“The project is expected to meet housing demand, boost the local economy, and allow Groveport to guide growth responsibly rather than letting development spill over from Columbus or Canal Winchester,” Loges said.

Council to vote Sept. 8

Groveport city staff advised the developer, Cleveland-based Addison Properties, to request a zoning change from Rural (R) zoning to Planned High Density Residential (PR-18), since Groveport’s Planning and Zoning Code does not include a Planned Unit Development (PUD) designation.

“PUD zoning allows for a flexible approach to land development, combining various land uses and building types within a single planned area, often resulting in a more creative and integrated design than traditional zoning allows,” Loges said.

PUDs encourage innovative site planning, potentially including a mix of residential, commercial and recreational spaces, while prioritizing community amenities and open space.

“More than 60% of the site—182 acres in Subareas C and D—is most similar to Urban Residential (R-6) zoning. It made sense to incorporate the entire site into a single planned zoning type to allow for a more comprehensive review of items such as open space requirements and circulation, to name just a few,” Loges said.

On Sept. 8, Groveport City Council will vote on whether to accept the rezoning request as well as the development plan. A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. in council chambers, 655 Blacklick St., followed by the council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

If approved, the largest section, Subarea C, would replace the farm fields abutting the Damrons’ backyard. This 124-acre parcel would be developed into single-family homes, detention ponds and 35 acres of open space.

Benefits to Groveport

“Groveport is situated in a rapidly growing region of Ohio, particularly attractive due to its proximity to Columbus and strong logistics and manufacturing presence near Rickenbacker International Airport,” Loges said. “By introducing a mix of housing types—single-family homes, apartments and townhomes—the new development helps diversify residential offerings and meets the community’s increasing need for affordable and varied housing options.”

The greater Rickenbacker area is a growing job center, especially with Anduril’s announcement to create more than 4,000 jobs. However, there is a “spatial mismatch” between where jobs are located and where housing is available—something this project aims to address.

“Constructing more than 1,000 new homes and commercial spaces will likely bring in more residents who contribute to the local economy through spending, property taxes and income taxes,” he said. “This expansion also adds impetus for nearby businesses and retail to grow—creating a more vibrant and economically resilient community.”

Lastly, the necessary investment in sanitary sewer and water infrastructure will unlock adjacent sites along the south side of U.S. 33 for development.

Property taxes and schools

For the Damrons, another concern is how the development could affect their property taxes.

“It is going to drive our taxes up higher,” Larry said. “When they reappraise these new homes, that’s going to drive our taxes up too. Politicians in Ohio can’t figure out a way to lower senior citizens’ property taxes.”

Loges acknowledged the Addison project is expected to raise the value of nearby properties.

“A mix of new housing and supportive retail, commercial and medical uses, for instance, can make existing homes more attractive since it brings more amenities and options within walking or driving distance,” he said. “Mixed-use projects often signal investment and long-term confidence in the area, which can attract follow-on investment. Lastly, new construction often sells at higher prices than older housing stock, which can lift appraisal values for existing homes.”

The Damrons also worry about the impact of 2,000 new residents on the Groveport Madison School District.

“They’re going to have to build more schools, and they already complain that they need new schools every year,” Larry said. “They need a new way to fund the schools.”

The school district has struggled to pass a bond issue to meet enrollment demands. In May, 68% of voters rejected a proposal to build three new middle schools and add space at the high school.

P&Z recommends

The Groveport Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposal on Aug. 4.

“Addison’s proposal aligns with the city’s adopted comprehensive plan, which guides land use planning with multi-family residential and mixed-use structures north of Sims Road to take advantage of the planned Bixby Road/U.S. 33 interchange,” Loges said.

Groveport’s comprehensive plan and ODOT’s plans for an interchange both date back more than two decades. They represent long-standing aspirations to spur development near the U.S. 33 corridor.