SOUTH BLOOMFIELD, Ohio – July 29, 2025 — Mayor Aaron Thomas has announced the final buildout of the long-planned Bloomfield Hills subdivision, which will bring 148 new single-family homes to the Village of South Bloomfield. The development, originally approved more than 25 years ago, marks the completion of a subdivision that was once proposed to include over 400 apartments.
In a public statement released this week, Mayor Thomas addressed residents of South Bloomfield and the Teays Valley School District, emphasizing transparency and clarifying several misconceptions surrounding the project.
“Some folks may not be happy to hear this, but I want to be clear — this subdivision isn’t new,” said Thomas. “What we’re seeing now is simply the final section being built out.”
From Apartments to Owner-Occupied Homes
According to the mayor, developers ultimately chose to pursue single-family homes on smaller lots instead of the initially proposed apartment complexes. He framed this shift as a positive for the community.
“Homeowners tend to care more about their property than renters. They have skin in the game,” Thomas explained, noting that owner-occupied homes generally result in better property upkeep and a stronger sense of community.
He also cited more stable revenue streams for the village and local schools, as single-family homes typically bring predictable income and property taxes, compared to high-turnover rental properties.
Development Fees and Infrastructure Upgrades
The final buildout is expected to generate over $2 million in developer fees — including sewer, water tap, and infrastructure fees — that will go toward local services such as parks, the police department, and Harrison Township Fire Department. Thomas emphasized that developers in South Bloomfield “pay their fair share,” crediting these contributions for projects like the village’s new water plant, which was built without raising resident water rates.
The village is also preparing to expand its aging sewer plant, which is now over two decades old. While Thomas could not guarantee rates would remain unchanged, he promised the village would work to keep them as fair as possible.
New Road Connection to Ease Traffic
In response to traffic concerns from Bloomfield Hills residents, the village has worked with developers Arbor Homes and Fischer Homes to construct a new road connecting the subdivision to State Route 316. The new entrance will provide a second access point on the west side and is being built at no cost to the village.
Developers will also install water and sewer lines to village specifications, with the municipality assuming ownership after the warranty period.
No Tax Breaks or Warehouses
Thomas reiterated that the village is not offering tax breaks to developers or entertaining warehouse proposals. In areas where Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has been implemented, he said, the village has ensured local schools continue receiving their full share of property tax revenue.
“We’re not interested in warehouses. We’re not handing out tax breaks. If developers want to build here, they follow our rules,” he stated.
Countywide Collaboration Through Protect Pickaway Alliance
South Bloomfield is also working with other municipalities in the county through the Protect Pickaway Alliance (PPA) to share information, hold developers accountable, and preserve local infrastructure and school funding.
“If we work together, we’re in a better position to protect our schools, our infrastructure, and our quality of life,” said Thomas.
Upcoming Public Q&A
To address community questions and concerns, Mayor Thomas will hold a public Q&A session during the regular council meeting on Monday, August 18. Residents are encouraged to attend and hear details directly from village officials.
“Ask the hard questions — we’re ready to answer them,” Thomas said.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Mayor Thomas, residents can contact him at [email protected]. His office hours are Monday through Friday, 3:30–5:00 PM, by appointment.
