SOUTH BLOOMFIELD, Ohio — Mayor Aaron Thomas is giving residents a first look at the potential future of the village, sharing preliminary sketches for two major developments that could bring hundreds of new rooftops to the area.
In an update to the community, the Mayor’s office revealed that developers are eyeing the Crites farm and the Columbus Turf Sod farm for future residential and commercial hubs. While the projects are in their infancy, the Mayor emphasized his commitment to transparency as the village enters a new chapter of growth.
A Strategy for “Steered” Growth
The proposed developments are expected to seek rezoning as Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). This designation would grant the village and developers flexibility to mix various housing types with commercial spaces.
However, Mayor Thomas was quick to note that no formal applications have been filed yet. The developers are currently in the “due diligence” phase—seeking feedback from village leadership and residents before officially closing on the land purchases.
“Growth can’t be stopped, only steered,” the Mayor stated, noting that the current landowners have turned down “less desirable” offers in the past to ensure any future development aligns with the village’s best interests.
Protecting Current Residents
Addressing common concerns regarding infrastructure and taxes, the Mayor outlined two non-negotiable pillars for these projects:
- No Debt for Residents: While the village’s wastewater plant will require improvements to handle the increased demand, the Mayor insisted that current residents will not foot the bill. “The need for expansion falls solely on growth and so will the cost,” Thomas said.
- School Integration: The Mayor is insisting that local school districts are part of the planning process. If the influx of new families requires additional school facilities, land or provisions for those schools must be included in the development plans.
What’s Next?
Because the parcels have not yet changed hands, the sketches remain conceptual. The village intends to continue sharing information as developers move closer to formal applications.
For now, the Mayor is encouraging residents to review the preliminary ideas, reminding the community that while change can be difficult, the goal is to manage the village’s inevitable expansion responsibly.
