Council rezones 121.558 acres on US‑42 to Suburban Neighborhood amid calls for sidewalks and park investment

Xenia City Council voted unanimously Sept. 10 to approve Ordinance 20‑26‑32, initiating rezoning of approximately 121.558 acres adjacent to U.S. Route 42 from agricultural classification to Suburban Neighborhood.

At the public hearing, residents raised infrastructure and equity concerns. Cheryl Marcus said that roughly 500 homes could be built on the site and urged the council to require sidewalks, lighting, crosswalks and traffic calming so children, older adults and people with disabilities can move safely through the neighborhood. Catherine Wilson, speaking on behalf of First United Christian Church, pressed council to plan intentionally for integrating Lexington Park into the development so the park remains accessible to long‑term East Xenia residents.

Pat Olding, land acquisition manager for Rockford Homes, told council the company plans to keep density below three units per acre, incorporate additional land into Lexington Park, connect the site to existing trails including the Ohio to Erie Trail, and pay for neighborhood infrastructure. City Manager Brent Merriman said developers are required under city code to cover the costs of streets and utilities needed to serve new subdivisions, though some larger system investments (for example, an East Side water tower) may require broader capital planning.

Mayor Ethan Reynolds moved for passage, seconded by Councilman Rubio; a roll call vote recorded all Aye and the ordinance passed. Council directed staff to continue coordinating infrastructure planning, engineering review and park planning as the rezoning advances toward platting and permitting.