[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6238629,"mediaKeyId","3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901","parentId",3350518,"title","Council hears updates on Center Street paving delay, street lights, sidewalks and local traffic study","audioSeconds",776,"startMs",456000,"endMs",1232000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901&start=456&end=1232","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901/thumbnail_456000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6238629/Ohio/Council-hears-updates-on-Center-Street-paving-delay-street-lights-sidewalks-and-local-traffic-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238629-24d3d79a9217f59982f59fed1366b3ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770646821&Signature=jwxAYTl0wf72askUwmq7mfcssbNNJyuRkvDm8Vg0ZQzkKwgXAcYuNVKapmBEruutKwR2VGlcMUgh4D9lp3wlnUTQjjP4~A~x31z7uwLWlrFDLCcAzENL~hjENTcJ0-hv5jBZAM807fV1vCcJkk0tw7KcrXhMXOPvf49hKfXSRJxtU1DQT1IHpHOxg3xwCsbh3Wd0iFllcHE3EkoWPqX-T-Yt3PKmLlxWZjHxXNhkOp8ry3VKtWbbiraMaQTtH5kNEMJYKDqEkVT6ofBFNH6w2Gv2owVL6Gs4n9AnaUWpnju5LxUZQmCzrEjpohkgmup3RI8Sn6at3vTE8rmlJLtG7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of London OH","date","2025-05-17T00:09:06.987Z","article","Council staff and members provided multiple public-works updates during committee reports, including a postponement of Center Street paving, plans to seek grant funding for maintenance, sidewalk GIS planning that may require additional appropriations, and traffic-calming options following an electronic speed survey on Jacob Lane.

Center Street and street maintenance: city staff said street work for Center Street was postponed until July because of railroad issues. The committee discussed coordinating sidewalk, curb, and paving work so that sidewalks and curb repairs are completed before resurfacing to avoid cutting new pavement later.

Sidewalks and GIS: councilmembers said previously appropriated funds for sidewalk work will likely require additional appropriation to implement a GIS-based sidewalk grading and inventory system; staff will send the matter to finance for cost discussion.

Street lights: committee members approved proposed legislation regarding new street lights for Kenny in East High, Andrew Court in East High, and Eagleton in Lafayette to go to council for consideration.

Traffic-calming and Jacob Lane survey: Chief Nicholl conducted an electronic traffic survey on Jacob Lane between April 20 and May 1 that recorded 8,777 vehicles. Councilman Hayes summarized the survey results to the committee and said, \"the average violation speed ... was 28.87 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone.\" Members discussed traffic-calming options including striping, portable speed signs, removable speed cushions (to be removed for winter plowing), and potential enforcement increases in the near term.

Sanitation and equipment: committee members noted one sanitation truck is broken and that the city will likely need two trucks in August when certain trucks are paid off; staff will check on glass being left by trash trucks and follow up.

Next steps: items were referred to finance where appropriate for appropriation discussions and to upcoming public service meetings for follow-up on street lights and traffic-calming pilot options.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","London City Council - May 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council and committee members reported that Center Street paving is postponed because of railroad issues, the city will seek additional funding for a sidewalk GIS system, and a Jacob Lane traffic survey recorded an average violation speed of 28.87 mph in a 25 mph zone.","taxTitle","London City Council, London, Madison County, Ohio","taxId",70685,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238634,"Council reviews new police support position, upcoming county dispatch transition and potential building cost overruns",153,2028000,2181000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901&start=2028&end=2181","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901/thumbnail_2028000.jpg","/articles/6238634/Ohio/Council-reviews-new-police-support-position-upcoming-county-dispatch-transition-and-potential-building-cost-overruns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238634-53ad2996cf64a8e377972d7c961c4435/orig.mp4?Expires=1770646821&Signature=bc-KrNfqSJ~OaI~GRU7I4cyg6RgQ0zhFhrnwROwWcDBYWbnuLGput0rlGVjuPWKpkKpi9qWPfxADbdDgi0VynXtwzpQABapnNAfcmwTFeNrbOFsB9EiJ2skRZiT57q9eaXz0h-MeCjOQ9p~2BgHb5FXHFQJVH3Tf6MhVDD8JyAWPLxts7Pc5TuNpWQafeFyyF0KFz51dtNYJNzIHN7f-MNwOD~EH7YYRR7jVAQRU1R0nCpEihDVW5LEoiY4~g-Ek2RQHlE6tKC7SM~nZ5uVkzrt~OeKxIWhd~YiPaFAjv74Kzvvun5vaNgfzW79yOAsdpIn7X5geu~Hl4eqamPn2OQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City council members discussed personnel changes for the police department, the upcoming transition of dispatch services to the county on July 1, and potential budget impacts from a police department construction contract that staff said could be over budget.

Personnel and pay: council reviewed Resolution 136.25 (second reading) creating a police support specialist position described as a supplemental, salaried role to assist with front-counter duties and administrative tasks; this position is not intended to replace dispatchers leaving with the county transition. Council also reviewed Ordinance 138.25, an amendment to ordinance 194.24 to set salary ranges for department heads and non-union personnel to accommodate the new position.

Dispatch transition: council members said the county contract for centralized dispatch is expected to begin July 1. One council member stated, \"I believe it's July 1,\" indicating the county will take over dispatch responsibilities on that date. The administration said they have met with current dispatchers and their representatives to explain the transition.

Budget concerns and equipment: staff reported that an initial GMP for the police project is above $9,300,000 and that project managers were \"working to reduce the cost.\" Council members later noted a potential $300,000 in overruns related to the police project; a councilmember said they expected to meet Monday with staff to get clearer figures and bring the information to Monday night's finance meeting. Separately, police sold three older cruisers at auction for $12,005 and requested those funds be obligated toward purchasing an unmarked vehicle.

Job descriptions and committee process: the council also heard that a resolution updating police job descriptions needs to return to the finance committee for clearer highlighting of changes before council action. A separate update to the executive assistant/office manager job description was posted with adjustments for public communications and event support; council members moved to suspend three readings on that item to expedite the hiring process so the position could be filled and trained by July 1.

Next steps: staff will provide more detailed cost estimates for the police project at the finance meeting and will return the police job-description changes to finance with redlined changes. The dispatch transition remains scheduled for July 1 per the meeting discussion.","Council considered a new police support specialist position and related salary ordinance changes, discussed a July 1 dispatch transition to the county, and heard staff concerns about potential cost overruns on a police project.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238638,"Council considers Community Reinvestment Area abatement for West First Street renovations",97,2351000,2448000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901&start=2351&end=2448","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901/thumbnail_2351000.jpg","/articles/6238638/Ohio/Council-considers-Community-Reinvestment-Area-abatement-for-West-First-Street-renovations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238638-eba7890c3526b828959e26a140f31fbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770646821&Signature=PyZSRWgRQwG5o5vE-lSR0jCtCBjEaQIVJYxStjN26DNCC7MtiQLm3lG7cZRHZHzKvt5zvX8vGp88Kc~b3R4CxYi-E15g-HsjO7YZJ2q4rUNsViJ22-oqIBGgMqmOgAZcERWhXoAM3C35r~0Cs6kZa111~pjMsH7zKeZAJ~oVjumj~1XdU4MzYYVTizqyqbcFao~mrYpK-ivbgKLcrfEZk5JqqmjbLluW12tJr65q0-ruYVmjCARn6y~6j8B-SwiiXxqLW7bepdH8I5uiRjRkoGSQEnMqd6Qefx2knYuCHM3zFOjkRFBEzU2rOjXg~RrezYz38F7X-xOYdtaYMoXGGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City council members discussed an ordinance to authorize a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreement for properties at 36 to 42 West First Street that would abate a portion of property taxes on improvements for up to 15 years.

Why it matters: CRA agreements are used to incentivize building rehabilitation and redevelopment by temporarily reducing property tax obligations on qualifying improvements. The project at 36–42 West First Street has begun work, and city staff indicated the owners have started improvements.

Details: the ordinance described a tax abatement on improvements to the properties for a 15-year term. The exact percentage of the abatement was referenced in the discussion as the maximum allowable percentage and maximum duration but was not specified in the meeting record. Council members noted the work has already started and discussed an emergency clause to accelerate council consideration.

Council action: a motion to suspend the three-reading rule was made and seconded. Council conducted a roll-call vote on suspension: Councilman Hayes — yes; Councilman Eads — yes; Councilman Stahl — yes; Councilman McDaniels — no; Councilman Hitt — yes; Councilwoman Trainer — yes. The suspension vote carried by majority, and the item remained on the agenda for further council action.

Process notes: because the work on the properties has already begun, the administration supported the emergency clause; formal approval and the final abatement percentage will be decided by council in a subsequent recorded vote.","Council reviewed a proposed CRA agreement to abate taxes on improvements at 36–42 West First Street for up to 15 years; the council voted to suspend the three-reading rule to allow faster consideration and took an initial roll call.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238641,"Council to review rezoning and preliminary plan for Somerset Crossing 55+ housing",131,989000,1120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901&start=989&end=1120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901/thumbnail_989000.jpg","/articles/6238641/Ohio/Council-to-review-rezoning-and-preliminary-plan-for-Somerset-Crossing-55-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238641-9d97b0259649847914cbd32551359b56/orig.mp4?Expires=1770646821&Signature=HeCWUlpXV69B5URmilME3SgY~JSNEqC2oWjz4~-nJneJqM5Kjhhj--jmkpBsmaCluvyK-21juVRZ9nWelqI1N5GFaGb9D9sm6OqmNqSfrIe8sRjBZlREIUNNyLQiuT3k8rPP8ZW7JQrPU8fjqbCKLYfh0~dkHZ0QHooAFsWyxq392u-HbC6bLmH6KTFcTKjh-v1IjIabinYzIIEs0mM0Rp0LtfjxsWA-Ti6FUOhN6MhBuXslogd1VqN9Vc-eUjuExDX1EROp0-KFr5-ukNccWMJ6DjrX6CBfWG6LEeTaud~WWhP2Iog0XQx-B5VCj-OgjcWzpqoxqccI~r4MMIjtlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The London planning commission has recommended approval of a rezoning and preliminary development plan for Somerset Crossing, a proposed 55-and-older planned unit development off Lafayette Street and Betty Wilson Road, and the planning committee forwarded the recommendation to city council for consideration.

Why it matters: the project would convert a long-vacant field into a PUD with housing and some retail frontage, changing the parcel's zoning from its earlier commercial designation. The developer proposes single-unit, cottage-style homes restricted to residents age 55 and older, along with retail along Lafayette Street.

Details discussed: the planning commission voted 4–0 to recommend the rezoning and preliminary plan, and the committee asked for several stipulations before council action: engineering approval, a landscaping plan approved by the tree commission, and street lighting approval from Ohio Edison. During the committee report, a staff speaker summarized the project as \"I think it's 289 units, it's 55 and older, single unit housing complex, so, kind of condo style, but single units not hooked together,\" and said retail is shown in the PUD along Lafayette Street.

Process and next steps: the planning committee voted 3–0 to forward the commission's recommendation to council; the item is expected to appear on a future council agenda with Mr. Stahl listed as the sponsor of the ordinance. Council members asked staff to ensure engineering and landscaping stipulations are met before final approval.

Public context: council members discussed the change in zoning history for the site and said they would review financial details and engineering approvals before final action. No final council vote on rezoning or the PUD was recorded at the meeting; the item will return for formal consideration.","The planning commission recommended approval of rezoning and a preliminary development plan for a planned unit development called Somerset Crossing, a 55-and-older single-unit community; council committee forwarded the item to full council with stipulations.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238643,"Council committee moves to allow upgrades to existing billboards under amended code",326,774000,1100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901&start=774&end=1100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350518-7b24497a429e0c42343ffc04aace8901/thumbnail_774000.jpg","/articles/6238643/Ohio/Council-committee-moves-to-allow-upgrades-to-existing-billboards-under-amended-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238643-9386b1d4f226d114c4093af51747c6cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770646821&Signature=h9nLzvWOxobiwJWRqmvSo3SeMPfWISwAVHHDMfhN5lye09IYpqQvljEz9CzP-6~4DBY9WocItIvY8k8NNg6Zs6OZPkLNRnul9~malX8QjH~Ozpej9rjmCZ0saFxtoC5zZuoO5I0QH5pkYIC1-h8gBMddfa7oKCccLLlsej-aSi75oMMA1wz02XE0F7skQPnX4sQNqDazHvKIuejPxNeIlDoJe5CnwAia6~INhkZoQbmbkfo0SgBESsnPjAdvVv2iDU-J9vXY-CL8gX~JgZmgXle2~o1MJn5pcPAug0~sfLrWI2Yvc1iGPrAyE0uF6kZzT3mSo5Su-FQHXTsNirrrcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","London City Council committee members voted to send changes to the city sign code to council that would allow existing billboards to seek permits for improvements or replacement rather than being limited to maintenance only.

The change would amend ordinance 1268.14 to add a subsection saying “improvements or expansions of illegal nonconforming sign may be considered and shall require a permit and approval from the planning commission,” the safety service director reported during committee updates.

Why it matters: the city currently prohibits new billboards and restricts existing ones to maintenance only. Representatives from Lamar, which owns several double-sided billboards near Wendy’s and other locations, asked for permission to remove decayed structures and replace them with a single, taller, updated sign. City staff told committee that the proposed amendment would preserve the prohibition on new billboards while creating a review path for changes to the existing signs.

Details: the safety service director described the company’s request as aiming to “get rid of the old junky ones, put up 1 real nice 1 that sets a little bit higher,” and said renderings shown to the commission would “look 10 times better than what's currently there.” Committee members noted there are only a handful of billboard locations in the city today, including the double-sided signs near Wendy’s, a sign above Tony’s Bar and Grill, and a sign on West High Street.

Process and next steps: the safety service committee voted 3–0 to forward the recommended amendment to full council, where the ordinance would be considered at a future meeting. If approved by council, the amended code would require permit review and planning commission approval for any proposed improvements or expansions of existing nonconforming signs.

Public context: councilmembers asked clarifying questions about which signs the change would affect and whether the code would still bar new billboards. The discussion emphasized that the city’s long-standing policy against new billboards would remain in place.

No final ordinance vote was recorded during the meeting; the item will appear on a future council agenda for formal consideration.","A council committee recommended adding a permit path for improvements or expansions to illegal or nonconforming signs, after a proposal from a billboard company and discussion about several existing signs in the city.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears updates on Center Street paving delay, street lights, sidewalks and local traffic study

Council reviews new police support position, upcoming county dispatch transition and potential building cost overruns

Council considers Community Reinvestment Area abatement for West First Street renovations

Council to review rezoning and preliminary plan for Somerset Crossing 55+ housing

Council committee moves to allow upgrades to existing billboards under amended code