COMMERCIAL POINT, OH – The Pickaway County Commissioners unanimously denied a proposed annexation of 344.391 acres from Scioto Township into the Village of Commercial Point on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, citing ongoing concerns about a bisected roadway. The decision follows a contentious debate over a development plan valued at over $30 million, which includes building up to 1,200 homes on the site.
The Village of Commercial Point had passed Resolution 22-2025 on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. during a special council meeting at the Municipal Building, adopting a statement of services and declaring an emergency for the annexation. However, Scioto Township Trustees countered with a resolution on Thursday, June 26, 2025, opposing the plan along Gibson Road.
During today’s commissioners’ meeting, the Struckmans’ legal team argued that objections related to school population, water, and sewage were invalid under annexation law and urged the commissioners to overlook them. They also addressed the divided roadway issue, noting a similar Struckman-owned annexation along Gibson Road five years ago, which proceeded without a service agreement despite the same split road boundary concern. A Commercial Point Council member highlighted a 50-year “handshake” agreement with Scioto Township for fair management of shared roadways and maintenance funds, suggesting no significant issues historically.
Wendy Struckman pleaded for the commissioners to approve the annexation, emphasizing her family’s right to develop their property. Meanwhile, Cory Wasmus of Teays Valley Against Overgrowth spoke briefly, citing a lawsuit that he said limited his ability to comment freely. Scioto Township Trusteed Fannin was at the meeting but told Commissioners that their ordinance against the annexation spoke for itself.
Commissioner Gary Scherer, speaking for the majority, acknowledged that the annexation met six of seven criteria but flagged the seventh—concerning a divided street creating a road maintenance problem—as unresolved. He noted Scioto Township’s ordinance against the plan and moved to deny the annexation, a motion seconded and approved by all commissioners.
The Struckmans’ lawyer indicated two options: refile with Commercial Point or pursue a legal injunction. The decision leaves the future of the development uncertain amid ongoing tensions. The Legal team said that they feel that no agreement is needed and hasn’t been needed in the past, citing fair practices and the history of many annexations that have occurred in the village. They believe that the Commissioners are wrong and that it would not stand in court.
Cort Wasmus from Teays Valley against Overgrowth says that they have put together a petition calling for a 12-month pause on high-density housing developments that connect to village sewer and water. Classrooms are full. Sewer systems are strained. Taxpayers are footing the bill for reckless growth. Wasmus says that you may see this petition on the next election. he also said that he plans to run for Scioto Trustee in the next election.
