Circleville Council Allows Joining MORPC, Hears from New Board and ODOT

Tuesday evening, Circleville Council decided to officially become a part of central Ohio...again.

The lone legislation on the agenda was whether to re-join the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).

Councilman Barry Keller said maybe in the 1980s the city was a member. He said the mayor thought it was a good time to join because current benefits include planning, data mapping, government affairs, and grants.

Keller said it would provide tools to help development and economic growth.

A MORPC representative had spoken to a council committee. Council voted to let Mayor Don McIlroy sign the city back up.

The commission area includes 15 counties, extending from Ross to Marion, Fayette to Knox, and Perry to Logan counties.

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Council heard from the newly formed Board of Zoning Appeals. Former councilman and board proponent Tom Spring had been elected chairman.

He said their first meeting was spent sharing thoughts and opinions on the duties and tasks of the Board of Zoning Appeals: basing decision of the rule of law and community standards, balancing the interest of private landowners with the community good, and protecting the quality of life in the built environment of the city.

Spring recommended council develop reasonable fees for the board, to pay for improved services.

Board member Dick Liston pointed out the need for an inspector, who may need to work only half a day a month to inspect and ensure compliance. He said without having an inspector, the board has no teeth.

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Council also heard from an ODOT representative who explained North Court Street would be detoured for 90 days the summer of 2022, for a $1.65 million dollar replacement, of a 60-foot bridge almost a hundred years old.

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Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils and local culture


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