PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Concerned neighbors expressed their frustration Tuesday night in Pickerington after the Pickerington City Council announced they are moving forward with a plan to build commercial and residential properties on a 212-acre lot in Violet Township after a 6-1 vote.
Residents tell 10TV they are disgusted they were not given a vote in the matter.
The ordinance was put on the agenda as a safety emergency. The majority vote means the resident cannot call for a referendum and vote. Other residents expressed a lack of transparency in all of the discussions surrounding the lot.
“When you put this emergency measure on, that made sure we couldn’t have a referendum, and that was also disappointing,” says Violet Township Jenny Camper.
Some of the main concerns residents expressed included the impact on the already-crowded school district and the potential increase in traffic and property taxes.
Council members argued that commercial real estate is the best chance at reducing property taxes.
Out of the 212 acres, the city will be using 75 of those acres for single-family homes, 20 for condos and another 50+ for commercial use, leaving 62 acres for green and open space.
"I'm just trying to meet the legal obligations the city has while trying to reduce the impact to the school system as much as possible,” said Council Member Brian Wisniewski.
10TV tried to interview Pickerington Mayor Lee Gray, but he would not answer questions.
📺 10TV+ is available for free on Roku & Amazon Fire TV: Stay up to date on what's happening in your community with a 24/7 live stream and on demand content from 10TV — available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.