Columbus suburbs: Hilliard elects supporters of denser growth, Gahanna outs attorney

Development was a big issue in a number of Franklin County communities this year, and that matter apparently had an impact in some races this election.

In Hilliard, the big issue has been how to approach development.

Hilliard City Council in April passed a comprehensive development plan 5-2. That plan is a blueprint that calls for taller, denser development in Hilliard's core along Main Street to Cemetery Road, and along Cemetery Road west of Interstate 270.

On Tuesday night, the top vote-getters for three seats on Hilliard City Council were newcomer Emily Cole, incumbent Cynthia Vermillion, and challenger Greg Betts, the first two with 20% each of the vote and Betts with 17%. All three are pro-development.

For unofficial Franklin County election results, go to: https://www.dispatch.com/elections/results/local/2023-11-07/39049/

For overall unofficial election results, go to: https://www.dispatch.com/elections/results/local/

"We all were very much in favor of the city's comprehensive plan," Vermillion said.

"It's basically a continuation of how the direction of Hilliard is going," she said, making sure it's more vibrant while preserving the charm and historic nature of Old Hilliard.

"Everything needs to go by planning and zoning and City Council," she said. "We always look at each proposal on its own merits and how it fits into the neighborhoods. We always want to hear from residents."

The comprehensive plan prompted a "Save Hilliard" campaign for people who want to preserve the feel Hilliard has now. Asked whether Save Hilliard was a scare campaign, Vermillion said, "Absolutely."

Gahanna Mayor Jadwin reelected

In Gahanna, Mayor Laurie Jadwin won re-election over challenger Steve Browne, 58%-42%.

But a race involving Gahanna City Attorney Ray Mularski and challenger Priya Tamilarasan showed how important development issues can be in a suburb, with Tamilarasan winning 53%-47%.

"I think the people of Gahanna want a change," Tamilarasan said. She said that she wants to improve communications with residents and implement changes to mayor's court. That includes asking Gahanna City Council for public defenders in that court.

Tamilarasan also noted she is the first woman, person of color and Democrat to win that office.

In April, Gahanna residents filed a lawsuit against Academy Development, which had previously been denied permission to build shops and businesses along 5 acres at the southwest corner of North Hamilton and Beecher roads in the city.

The residents of the 81-lot Academy Ridge Community Association objected because they were to lose a wooded area buffering their properties from busy North Hamilton Road. Their anger peaked when they learned that Mularski had entered what residents felt was a "secret agreement" with the developer to allow the developer to move ahead and clear-cutting of the trees began.

Mularski was authorized by city council to represent the city in legal matters and to settle the dispute with Academy Development, which had threatened to file a federal lawsuit over the matter. In July, a Franklin County judge sided with the city of Gahanna over the land dispute in which residents' filed legal action over Mularski's settlement.

Worthington voters back vision

Meanwhile in Worthington, the top three vote-getters for three seats on City Council were challengers Rachael Dorothy, Amy Lloyd and incumbent Peter Bucher, with 18%, 17% and 16% of the vote respectively.

Dorothy, the top finisher who coordinated her campaign with those of Lloyd and Tom Burns, said that the vote shows Worthington residents want to implement the Vision Worthington plan.

"It's about having collaborative forward-thinking leadership, having diversity and equality in Worthington with high-quality downtown services, sustainable economic development, a thriving economy," Dorothy said.

In Worthington, the former United Methodist Children's Home property, now simply referred to as "1033 High Street," has been mired in litigation since Lifestyle Communities filed a request three years ago to rezone about 37 acres of the property. Lifestyle, which purchased the property for $5.2 million, sought to build single-family homes, multi-family townhomes and apartments, along with commercial and medical offices.

There also were several issues on the ballot in Franklin County.

In the village of Valleyview, voters rejected by 12 votes an additional 5-mill levy for operational expenses for five years, according to unofficial results. It would cost $175 for each $100,000 in appraised value.

In Hamilton Township, voters renewed a 7-mill fire levy and passed a new 1.5-mill levy for a total of 8.5 mills, which would cost a total of $238 for each $100,000 of appraised value for five years.

In Perry Township, voters renewed two 1.5-mill road construction levies, with one starting in 2023 and one in 2024. Each costs $37 for each $100,000 in appraised value.

In Sharon Township, voters passed a permanent 4.06 mill additional levy for fire protection that costs $142 for each $100,000 in appraised value.

mferench@dispatch.com

@MarkFerenchik

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Hilliard City Council candidates supporting denser growth win