Hilliard City Council Approves Rezoning for Major New Housing Development Despite Controversy

Hilliard City Council has officially approved the rezoning necessary for the Hill Farm II subdivision, a 300-unit housing development by M/I Homes. The decision, made during Monday evening’s meeting, passed with a 5-2 vote, despite significant debate and concerns from local residents and environmental groups.

Council Members’ Votes and Amendments Council members Cynthia Vermillion and Greg Betts opposed the rezoning and pushed for amendments backed by project opponents. However, the majority—Tina Cottone, Andy Teater, Les Carrier, Emily Cole, and Peggy Hale—voted in favor, ensuring the project moves forward.

Community Concerns Over Traffic and Environmental Impact The proposed 300-acre development, located in western Hilliard, has sparked strong reactions from nearby residents and environmentalists. Many worry about increased traffic congestion and the potential ecological impact on Big Darby Creek, a vital ecosystem protected under the Big Darby Accord.

While some residents left the meeting feeling reassured by an amendment restricting traffic on Jeffrelyn Drive until further studies are completed, others remain deeply concerned. Environmental groups, including the Darby Creek Association, had urged council members to delay the vote, emphasizing that critical environmental impact data will be available later this summer.

Council’s Response to Environmental Concerns City Manager Michelle Crandall and M/I Homes Senior Vice President Josh Barkan defended the project, asserting that Hilliard has exceeded Big Darby Accord expectations. According to Crandall, the city’s zoning code now mandates at least 70% open space in residential developments—an increase from the accord’s 50% requirement. Additionally, Hilliard has preserved nearly 500 acres of open space, which will expand to 641 acres with this development.

However, John Tetzloff, president of the Darby Creek Association, voiced his concerns: “Hilliard likes to say they have done more than anyone else for Darby, yet they are the first to break the accord. The long-term impact of this decision remains to be seen, but it is deeply troubling.”

Infrastructure and Developer Contributions M/I Homes initially proposed the Hill Farm II subdivision last year, but it stalled due to a lack of adequate sewer taps from the City of Columbus. A recent agreement has now secured over 1,300 additional sewer taps, allowing the project to proceed.

The development will include extensive open space preservation and developer-funded reforestation efforts. Additionally, council members unanimously approved a development agreement granting M/I Homes approximately $1 million in reimbursements for regional sewer improvements. The developer will also contribute $370,000 toward designing and constructing a roundabout at Cosgray Road and Jeffrelyn Drive.

What’s Next for Hill Farm II? With rezoning now approved, M/I Homes is set to move forward with the project. As community concerns persist, local officials and environmental advocates will likely monitor the development closely to ensure it aligns with sustainability commitments and infrastructure needs.

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