Archives for February 2021

Jeffrey Summer Camp Returns in 2021

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Jeffrey Summer Camp will be back in 2021! Bexley Recreation and Parks is working with community partners to develop COVID-19 protocols for the camp to be hosted safely. More information about Jeffrey Summer Camp can be found by clicking here. Registration will be a two step process to allow flexibility in planning efforts, as classroom totals have not been set by Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

  • Step 1: Registration order
  • Step 2: To confirm acceptance into the program – spots will be limited

Registration will be hosted through Bexley Rec’s new software, MyRec. Visit www.bexleyrec.com to create your account ahead of time if you haven’t done so already. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Sarvas at (614) 559-4300 or ksarvas@bexley.org!

Bexley City Council Winter Retreat Agenda

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Bexley City Council Retreat Workshop
Friday, February 26, 2021 at 9:00 am. A recording of this meeting is available at the end of this post.

The Mayor, City Council, City Auditor and City Attorney will assemble for a planning session to discuss vision, goals and direction for the future of the City of Bexley. There are no planned deliberations and no decisions will be made regarding any specific subject. General discussions regarding goals and direction will occur. This is a workshop and there may not be an opportunity for public comments.

9:00 – 9:45 am: 2021 Strategic Goals for the City including diversity, equity and inclusion, surveys and website updates.

9:45 am: Community Improvement Corporation (CIC)

10:00 – 10:45 am: Safety and Health Discussions:

  • Livingston Avenue
  • Regional Crime
  • Virtual vs. In Person Meetings

10:30 – 10:45 am: Break

11:30 – 11:45 am: Training for Boards, Commissions and Committees

11:45 am – 12:00 pm: Wrap Up


Recording of Meeting

Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Meeting on Thursday, February 25th at 6:00 pm

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Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning meetings are currently being held via Zoom. Here’s how to access the upcoming meeting:

  • To join the Zoom Webinar from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device, click here.
  • Or iPhone one-tap: US: +16468769923,,96600306347# or +13126266799,,96600306347#
  • Or Telephone: +1 646 876 9923 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 408 638 0968 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799
  • Webinar ID: 966 0030 6347

To view agendas and other supporting documents, visit www.bexley.org/meetings. Please note that agendas are subject to change before the meeting occurs. Residents are encouraged to email public comment to Kathy Rose in advance of the meeting, although every effort will be made to accommodate testimony from individuals with standing via the virtual meeting system. 

At the upcoming BZAP meeting, the following applications will be reviewed:

Location: 424 S. Columbia Avenue
BZAP Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and approval of modifications and changes to the Certificate of appropriateness granted by BZAP on February 22, 2018 for a new single-family home as provided in the presentation (Exhibit A) to BZAP at the January 28, 2021 meeting. Modifications may include a proposed solar panel installation on the flat portion of the roof. The residence is under construction and there are existing deviations from the approved plans. Revised elevations and plans identifying select conditions the Applicant sought to modify were submitted by the applicant and before the Board at its hearing
The Board may move to reconsider, upon majority vote, previous action on this application.

Location: 2300 E. Livingston Avenue
BZAP Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and approval to allow a allow a 3- story structure with residential use on the first, 2nd and 3rd floors. The applicant is also seeking a Conditional Use approval to allow a residential use on all 3 floors of this new s-story building. If approved, the existing structure would be demolished.

Location: 420 N. Cassady Avenue
BZAP Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and approval to allow a 3- story structure with commercial on the first floor and residential on the 2nd and 3rd floors. If approved, the existing structure would be demolished.
The applicant is also seeking a (parking) variance from Bexley Code Section 1262.02 to allow eleven (11) parking spaces for this Mixed-Use-Commercial building, with retail space on the 1st floor, and 8 residential units on both the 2nd and 3rd floors.

Location: 2010 E. Broad Street
BZAP Request: The applicant is seeking planning review and approval of a parking lot expansion and landscaping on the east side of St. Charles Preparatory School, which will include underground water detention. The applicant is also seeking a variance for parking in the front/side yard in accordance with Bexley Code Section 1262.04(b). 

Address: 46 N. Parkview Avenue
BZAP Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and approval for an addition connecting the principal structure to the detached garage. The applicant is also seeking a variance from Bexley code Section 1252.09(R-3 zoning) which requires a 40′ setback from the rear yard property line and a 12′ setback from the side yard property line, to allow a 1-story addition that will connect the principal structure to the detached garage.

Location: 2404 Fair Avenue
BZAP Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and approval to allow a 2-story addition to the rear of the principal structure that connect to the detached garage. The applicant is also seeking a variance from Bexley Code Section 1252.09 (R-6) which requires a 25’ setback from the rear yard property line and an 8’ setback from the side yard property, to allow an addition that attaches the principal structure to the detached garage.

City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 23rd at 6:00 pm

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City Council meetings are currently being held on Zoom. Here’s how to access the upcoming meeting:

  • To join the Zoom Webinar from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device, click here.
  • Join by Phone: US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968 
  • Webinar ID: 201 091 469

To view agendas and other supporting documents, visit www.bexley.org/meetings. Please note that agendas are subject to change before the meeting occurs. Residents are encouraged to email public comment in advance of the meeting. Additionally, public comment will be accommodated via the virtual meeting system.

At the upcoming City Council meeting, the following items will be discussed:

  • Ordinance 04-21: Allow for vacation time buyouts for unused vacation time in excess of 10 days, in the instance where a staff member was unable to take vacation leave due to extraordinary circumstances in their job impacted by the City’s COVID-19 pandemic response
  • Ordinance 05-21: Un-appropriate $35,000 from the Salary & Wages line item of the Vehicle and Grounds Maintenance and Urban Forestry account and appropriate $35,000 into the Turf Maintenance line item of the Vehicle and Grounds Maintenance and Urban Forestry account
  • Ordinance 06-21: Authorize a transfer from the Road and Alley Fund of $5,256 to the Bond Retirement Fund and to appropriate $5,256 from the Bond Retirement Fund, to appropriate $52,559 from the Water Fund and to appropriate $7,884 form the Sewer Fund to pay debt service related to the South Roosevelt and Ashbourne Improvement Project
  • Ordinance 07-21: Establish a special fund designated the South Drexel Ave. and Grandon Avenue Comprehensive Improvements Fund to record all revenue and expenses associated with the South Drexel Avenue and Grandon Avenue project, to appropriate $5,158,807 from this fund to pay for the cost of the project and to authorize transfers from the Water, Sewer and Road and Alley Funds of $134,181, $31,572 and $97,347 respectively to the South Drexel Ave. and Grandon Avenue Comprehensive Improvements Fund to pay the City’s portion of the project
  • Ordinance 08-21: Certify special assessments for the repair of sidewalks where the work was not done by the owner after being ordered by the City in accordance with Bexley Code Section 1490.15(b)(4)A or Bexley Code Section 1492.04(b)(1) and it was necessary to do the work and assess the owner
  • Ordinance 09-21: Un-appropriate $86,971 from the Urban Redevelopment Tax Increment Equivalent Fund more commonly known as the City Hall TIF Fund
  • Ordinance 10-21: Creating a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in a specified portion of the Main Street District and enacting regulations and declaring an emergency
  • Resolution 01-21: Confirming the Mayor’s appointments of members to the Citizen Review Board

The following tabled legislation may be discussed: 

  • Ordinance 36-20: Amending Bexley Codified Ordinance 648.09 Mayor’s Emergency Powers

To view current agendas for city meetings, passed ordinances, or to learn more, visit www.bexley.org/meetings.

Recording of the February 23rd City Council Meeting

Free Vehicle Maintenance & Roadside Safety Course

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Presented by Bexley Police Department and Ohio Highway Patrol

Understanding the basic tenets of car maintenance can help prolong the life and overall quality of your vehicle! Bexley Police Department has teamed up with the Ohio Highway Patrol and AAA to offer a free vehicle safety maintenance program that will teach participants how to change a flat tire, check fluids, how to jumpstart a vehicle, roadside safety tips, and much more. All demonstrations will be performed on retired police vehicles.

Two Free Class Sessions Available!
February 27th and March 6th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
4 spots available for each date

Participants will receive vehicle safety and maintenance handouts from each of the presenters and from AAA, as well as a free bottle of washer fluid! Space is limited – click here to sign up today!

Program Information:

Architectural Review Board Meeting on Thursday, February 11th at 6:00 pm

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Architectural Review Board meetings are currently being held via Zoom. Here’s how to access the upcoming meeting:

  • To join the Zoom Webinar from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device, click here.
  • Or iPhone one-tap: US: +13126266799,,767554925# or +16468769923,,767554925#
  • Or Telephone: US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 
  • Webinar ID: 767 554 925

To view agendas and other supporting documents, visit www.bexley.org/meetings. Please note that agendas are subject to change before the meeting occurs. Residents are encouraged to email public comment to Kathy Rose in advance of the meeting, although every effort will be made to accommodate testimony from individuals with standing via the virtual meeting system. 

At the upcoming ARB meeting, the following applications will be reviewed:

Address: 160 S. Merkle
ARB Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and approval for a new front porch.

Address: 112 S. Parkview
ARB Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow a first floor addition with a bay above. The applicant is also seeking architectural review to allow a second-floor addition with exterior staircase at the east end of the detached garage.  

Address: 2371 Commonwealth Pk. S.
ARB Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new 1-story screened porch addition to the rear of the principal structure and skylights on garage roof. 

Address: 929 Vernon
ARB Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and approval to allow a pergola on a portion of the existing deck.

Address: 93 S. Cassingham
ARB Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and approval for a third-floor dormer addition

Address: 46 N. Parkview
ARB Request: The applicant is seeking architectural review and a recommendation for a Certificate of Appropriateness to the BZAP for an addition connecting the principal structure to the detached garage.

City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 9th at 6:00 pm

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City Council meetings are currently being held on Zoom. Here’s how to access the upcoming meeting:

  • To join the Zoom Webinar from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device, click here.
  • Join by Phone: US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968 
  • Webinar ID: 201 091 469

To view agendas and other supporting documents, visit www.bexley.org/meetings. Please note that agendas are subject to change before the meeting occurs. Residents are encouraged to email public comment to Debbie Maynard in advance of the meeting. Additionally, public comment will be accommodated via the virtual meeting system.

At the upcoming City Council meeting, the following items will be discussed:

  • Ordinance 02-21: Appropriate $100,000 from the Grant Reimbursed Expenditures Account of the General Fund for the purpose of paying for expenses associated with the Jeffrey Mansion Expansion and Accessibility Project after the receipt of $100,000 from the 2020 State of Ohio Capital Budget
  • Ordinance 01-21: Approve the collective bargaining agreement between the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City Lodge No. 9 and the City of Bexley
  • Ordinance 04-21: Allow for vacation time buyouts for unused vacation time in excess of 10 days, in the instance where a staff member was unable to take vacation leave due to extraordinary circumstances in their job impacted by the City’s COVID-19 pandemic response
  • Ordinance 05-21: Un-appropriate $35,000 from the Salary & Wages line item of the Vehicle and Grounds Maintenance and Urban Forestry account and appropriate $35,000 into the Turf Maintenance line item of the Vehicle and Grounds Maintenance and Urban Forestry account
  • Ordinance 06-21: Authorize a transfer from the Road and Alley Fund of $5,256 to the Bond Retirement Fund and to appropriate $5,256 from the Bond Retirement Fund, to appropriate $52,559 from the Water Fund and to appropriate $7,884 form the Sewer Fund to pay debt service related to the South Roosevelt and Ashbourne Improvement Project
  • Ordinance 07-21: Establish a special fund designated the South Drexel Ave. and Grandon Avenue Comprehensive Improvements Fund to record all revenue and expenses associated with the South Drexel Avenue and Grandon Avenue project, to appropriate $5,158,807 from this fund to pay for the cost of the project and to authorize transfers from the Water, Sewer and Road and Alley Funds of $134,181, $31,572 and $97,347 respectively to the South Drexel Ave. and Grandon Avenue Comprehensive Improvements Fund to pay the City’s portion of the project

The following tabled legislation may be discussed: 

  • Ordinance 36-20 amending Bexley Codified Ordinance 648.09 Mayor’s Emergency Powers

To view current agendas for city meetings, passed ordinances, or to learn more, visit www.bexley.org/meetings.

Joint Livingston Avenue Plan Update

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In late 2020, the City of Bexley and the City of Columbus put out a request for proposal (RFP) to develop the Livingston Avenue Corridor, and the planning process is scheduled to launch later this month.  Bexley and Columbus are developing a steering committee for the 12-month Livingston Avenue Plan framework, which is expected to launch later this month. 

This Joint Livingston Avenue Plan is being launched to provide a vision and concrete recommendations for safe and accessible infrastructure; attractive streetscape; and cooperative development and land use policies along Livingston Avenue. The plans will be focused on revitalizing the corridor and surrounding neighborhoods of Bexley, Berwick, Eastmoor, and Driving Park.

For the Joint Livingston Avenue Plan to be successful, it must engage with multiple stakeholders on the future of the corridor. In addition to representatives from the City of Bexley and City of Columbus, input from key community stakeholders; residents; business owners; religious and educational institutions and civic and neighborhood associations; will be sought through the project steering committee, stakeholder interviews and public workshops.

Overview of the 12-Month Framework

  • Phase 1 (Month 1)
    Information Gathering • Inventory & Analysis • Visioning • Stakeholder Interviews
  • Phase 2 (Months 3-7)
    Draft Design • Confirm Findings • Preliminary Vision & Challenges • Develop Concepts • Concept Exhibits • Refine Draft Concepts • Draft Final Plan
  • Phase 3 (Months 8-12)
    Final Plan & Delivery • Refine Draft Final Plan • Finalize Plan • Final Plan Report

We’ll keep the community updated as the planning process progresses and the multiple opportunities for community feedback are scheduled.

‘Share What You Can’ Food Drive with Bexley Police Department and BCPAAA on February 12th

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On Friday, February 12th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, the Bexley Police Department and Bexley Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association are hosting a food drive outside of Montrose Elementary School. Non-perishable food items, cereal, and toiletries collected will be used to stock the free pantries in Bexley, as well as the Bishop Griffith food pantry! More information is posted below.

Celebrating Black History Month

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Black History Month honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, and launched in the 1960s as the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. 

Make it a goal to engage in an educational program this Black History Month. Our community partners – in Bexley and beyond – are hosting various programs, which you can enjoy from the safety and comfort of your own home.

Black History Month Events at Bexley Public Library

Black History Month Trivia with Bexley Public Library
Tuesday, February 9th at 7:00 pm
Librarians Bryan, Leann, and Jeff are hosting a special edition of BPL trivia on Zoom to celebrate Black History Month! Grab your trivia team and join them virtually! You don’t need a Zoom account to participate, just go to zoom.us in a web browser or your Zoom app and enter 849 8927 3022 for the Meeting ID.

Raggin’ On – The Art of Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson’s House and Journals
Tuesday, February 16th – 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Join Carole M. Genshaft and Deidre Hamlar for a virtual program to celebrate Raggin’ On: The Art of Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson’s House and Journals, the accompaniment to a landmark exhibition of MacArthur Fellow Aminah Robinson’s work, which revolved around her family and community, African American history, travel, and the stories her elders told her. The Zoom meeting ID for this program is 813 4096 1511.

Carole M. Genshaft is curator-at-large at the Columbus Museum of Art and enjoyed a close relationship with Aminah Robinson beginning in the late 1980s. A native of the Near East Side of Columbus, Deidre Hamlar is a lawyer, arts administrator, artists’ representative, arts business consultant and independent curator.

Online Elementary Read Aloud – Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Book Awards
February 11th, February 18th, February 25th at 2:00 pm
The Library’s Youth Services team is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, with a picture book chosen especially for the elementary school crowd. Click here for more information, or find them on Facebook on Thursdays at 2:00 pm!

Black History Month Virtual Events with The Ohio History Center

The Ohio History Center is hosting virtual programs all month long in celebration of Black History Month. Programs include “Connecting Cultures: Masks, Identity and Community”, “Underground Railroad Immersive Experience”, “Evolution of American Cuisine”, and many more. Some events are free to enjoy, and others cost $10/ticket. Click here for details!

Bexley City School Launches Virtual Library of Stories and Poems

In order to celebrate this national theme in our community, Bexley Schools staff will record stories and poems written by African American authors, as well as personal narratives and experiences. They extended this invitation to the entire community in order to have a rich library to share with students during the month of February and beyond. We will share more information once this project is complete! Email Tyler Trill (link) with Bexley Schools if you have any questions.

Black History Month Facts from the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission

Our friends at the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission are releasing historical facts about prominent Black leaders and their impact on government work and advancing Black voices. They’ll be making posts all month – so keep an eye out on their Facebook page!

Born in Columbus, Granville Woods was an inventor who held more than 60 patents in the U.S. He was known as the first African American electrical and mechanical engineer, after the Civil War. His work mostly involved trains and streetcars and he became known for helping to develop a better and safer transportation system.

Resources to Continue Learning
We will continue to add resources to this list! Have one in mind? Send us an email and we’ll get it added.

African American History Month Resources – National Archives (link)
Books by Black Authors at Bexley Public Library (link)
For Educators: Black History Month Lesson Plans and Resources (link)
African American Heroes (link)
African American Children’s Book Fair (link)