Spring of 2025

SPRING EVENTS | ZONING | RECYCLING

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Bob Reynolds

Winter is finally over, after Mother Nature made it very clear that the season was going to stay with us right up until the official start of spring this year. Hopefully we have seen our last snowflake and warmer temperatures are just around the corner.

We continue to make progress on our administrative priorities. First and foremost is our goal of increasing the quantity and quality of Wooster's housing stock. In the short term, we have several new housing developments currently under construction, with several more in the preliminary planning stages. Looking to the future, we have been in discussion with the owners of several hundred acres adjoining the current city boundaries about the potential annexation of that property into the city. This would ensure that any future development of this property will be done in accordance with Wooster City planning and zoning standards. It would also help with everyone's goal of farmland preservation. Residential construction within the city can be done with much greater density as a result of the availability of municipal sewer and water services, in comparison

to residential development occurring outside the corporate limits. As a result, if this annexation does take place, it should provide Wooster with room for additional residential growth for years to come.

The second focus of our housing efforts is on our existing residential neighborhoods. We are seeking to encourage investment in these areas, and we are looking to do so through revisions to the Zoning Code. I would refer everyone to Vince Marion's article in this newsletter for details of that effort. I also want to thank Vince and all of the volunteers who have served on the Steering Committee for the time and effort they have committed over the last year on this project. These proposed changes can serve as a much-needed shot in the arm for our existing neighborhoods throughout the city.

The significant number of new housing starts do require that we make the necessary infrastructure improvements to support those new homes. Much of that new development is in the area served by the Oak Hill TIF ("Tax Increment Funding") project. This TIF made this additional housing possible by providing for the extension of city services into that area. In turn, a portion of the additional tax revenue created by that new development has been used to pay for those infrastructure improvements, with the balance of the new funds going to the school district. So far, the TIF has provided funding for the improvements on Oak Hill and Milltown roads (including the two new roundabouts on Oak Hill), sidewalks, and bike paths. We are now looking to make similar improvements to the Winkler/Burbank/Oldman intersection with an elongated roundabout which has been often referred to as "The Peanut". The final drawings for this project are now complete. The vast majority of the additional land needed for the project will come out of the parking lot at the southwest corner of Oldman and Burbank Roads. There are also 5 private property owners affected, but for 4 of those 5 the land needed will be rather minimal - less than 400 sq. ft. each. And 3 of those 4 landowners will be obtaining additional land as a result of the reconfigured roadway, to an extent that they will actually end up with more land than they have currently (the 4th landowner will lose a total of

continued on the next page

WWW.WOOSTEROH.COM

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR continued

120 sq. ft.). The 5th landowner will lose 2170 sq. ft., the majority of which will come as a result of a relocation of the sidewalk. In all cases, the property owners losing land as part of the project will receive at a minimum the appraised value of the square footage they will be giving up, without any reduction for the value of the additional right of way they are effectively acquiring.

The intended fruits of the Oak Hill TIF are already being seen. The Spring Run Development on the west side of Oak Hill is sold out and will have a total of 91 units completed soon. A new development plan has just been submitted for a new allotment on Burbank Road just a short distance north of The Peanut that would have more than 80 new units. And in 2026 we anticipate a new development on Milltown Road that could have as many as 300 new residential units. All this housing was badly needed, but it is going to create a strain on our existing infrastructure. It is going to make the current traffic problems at the Oldman/Burbank/Winkler intersection significantly worse. That is why the administration is working to get these improvements made, and to get them made sooner rather than later.

I also want to remind people to get out and exercise their right to vote at the May 6 election. In addition to primary elections for several City Council seats, there are two other important issues on the ballot which have local significance. The first is the Wooster City Schools bond issue. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, this election will greatly impact Wooster City Schools for years to come, and the Cornerstone Elementary site in particular. If the bond issue passes a new middle school will be built adjacent to Wooster High School, and the Cornerstone site will be redeveloped. Whether that redevelopment involves a restoration of the existing Cornerstone building or not remains to be seen.

On the other hand, if the bond issue fails the existing Cornerstone building will be repurposed as a district-wide building serving all the 3rd and 4th graders in the Wooster City School district. The district would then redraw the elementary boundaries for Grades K-2, and those students would be divided up between the Kean, Melrose, and Parkview buildings.

The second issue I would bring to your attention is the Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement Program. This program has been in place for some time and in the last 10 years, Wooster City has received approximately $12.5 Million for local infrastructure projects. However, the program expires after 10 years unless it is renewed by the voters in Ohio, and for that reason it will be on the May ballot.

Finally, our city is blessed with a variety of outdoor public recreational facilities. The warmer weather and longer hours of daylight should provide more opportunities to take advantage of them. I encourage everyone to take the time to visit the parks you are already familiar with, or even better yet, to explore some of the parks that may be new to them. For more information, please go to https://www.woosteroh.com/parks

WHAT’S INSIDE 2

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

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CONSTRUCTION

3

WHAT’S ON IN WOO

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RECYCLING

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PARKS & RECREATION

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POLICE

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CHRISTMAS RUN POOL

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CHIP HOME REPAIR PROGRAM

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RECOGNITION W WW.WOOSTEROH.COM

7-9 ZONING UPDATES

Sincerely,

Bob Reynolds Mayor

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WHAT’S ON IN WOO Stay connected with the latest in Wooster and Wayne County! From Main Street Wooster, the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau, find events, podcasts, sports, and local stories that inspire. From family fun and live music to conversations with community leaders, What’s On in Woo is your go-to guide for all things local. There’s always something happening in Wooster!

Don’t miss out! woosteroh.com/woo-you

PUBLIC COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING The Finance Committee will conduct a meeting on Monday, April 21 beginning at 6:00pm to receive the 2024 Operations Presentation from City Administration. The meeting will take place at City Hall, 538 N. Market Street, Wooster, Ohio, in council chambers.

All interested parties are welcome to attend, and the opportunity to be heard will be afforded to any person interested.

More information can be found on the city’s website at www.woosteroh.com.

When do the cherry blossom

T R I V I A trees bloom at the Secrest Arboretum?

Find the answer on page 18

PARKS

330-263-5275 | 1151 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster

PAVILIONS Looking for the perfect spot for your next family gathering, birthday party, or summer celebration? Park pavilions at all City of Wooster parks are now available for reservations - April 1 through October 31.

You can reserve a pavilion today by calling (330) 263-5207 or stopping by the Wooster Community Center at 241 S. Bever St. For family fun, we recommend Freedlander Park or Christmas Run Park! Both packed with activities for kids of all ages! Enjoy playgrounds, water features, basketball, sand volleyball, tennis, pickleball, disc golf, and more.

Love the outdoors? Don’t miss our best hiking spots! Oak Hill Park, Clear Creek Park, and Wooster Memorial Park offer scenic trails, peaceful surroundings, and a great way to explore nature right here in Wooster.

EARTH DAY | April 22, 2025 | From planting trees and reducing waste to exploring local trails and protecting green spaces, it's the perfect time to think globally and act locally. Let’s celebrate by giving back to the planet that gives us everything!

ARBOR DAY | April 25, 2025 | Celebrated annually on the last Friday in April, Arbor Day is all about trees, their beauty, their strength, and their vital role in our environment. It’s a day to roll up your sleeves, plant something green, and honor the roots that hold our world together. Whether you plant a sapling, take a walk through one of Wooster’s wooded trails, or simply admire the trees around you, every action helps grow a greener tomorrow.

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RECREATION

330-263-5207 | 241 S. Bever Street, Wooster

PROGRAM GUIDE All current and upcoming programs, activities, and events can be found in our spring program guide!

MAKE A SPLASH ALL SEASON – POOL PASSES ON SALE APRIL 14TH We are gearing up to open for the 2025 season! To purchase your 2025 pass, you can visit the Wooster Recreation Department beginning April 14th to purchase pool passes for you and your family! Purchasing a pool pass allows for unlimited admission and season holders will be admitted prior to daily admission paying customers. To find more information about purchasing a pass, visit woosteroh.com/recreation/pools-sprayground.

WOOSTEROH.COM/RECREATION

Youth Activities | Soccer, Swim, Basketball, Volleyball, & more!

Adult Activities | Yoga, Coed Volleyball, Pickleball, Referee Training, & more!

Senior Activities | Hiking, Senior Stroll, Daily Activities, Pickleball, & more!

UPCOMING EVENTS April 12 | Youth Soccer games begin!

April 14 | Pool Passes go on sale!

April 14 | Senior Strolls Begin (Weekly) April 18 | Senior Hikes Begin (Weekly) May 3 | Izaak Walton Trout Derby, FREE May 16 | Euchre Tournament May 24 | City Pools Open!

May 24 & 25 | Jeff Beery Memorial Tournament June 26 | Weekly Farmer’s Market For a full list of programs and activities, visit woosteroh.com/recreation

CHRISTMAS RUN POOL CLOSED FOR ONE SEASON, OPEN FOR GENERATIONS TO COME The City of Wooster is thrilled to announce a $5.5 million renovation of Christmas Run Pool! Christmas Run Pool has served our community for 76 years and it is with great pleasure we can invest in a quality facility for future generations. This renovation will offer an accessible facility with upgraded features and slides providing fun for the whole family. To ensure the project is completed as planned, Christmas Run Pool will be closed for the 2025 summer season. We appreciate your understanding and support during this exciting time of improvement.

WHAT TO EXPECT

SITE IMPROVEMENTS

The renovation of Christmas Run Pool will bring exciting new features including: Zero-depth entry, allowing easier access for all swimmers New spray structures and water slides, making the pool thrilling for all ages Upgraded mechanical systems, improving both efficiency and safety

In addition to pool upgrades, the project will include site improvements designed to enhance the overall experience for visitors.

These improvements will feature: A new parking lot providing safety for those driving, walking or biking to the pool Greenspace for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors Utility upgrades, including better stormwater management and improved infrastructure

LOOKING TOWARD SUMMER 2026

The renovations are set to be completed by Summer 2026, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to a newly upgraded Christmas Run Pool. These improvements will ensure the pool and surrounding areas are safe, accessible, and family-friendly, meeting the latest ADA standards and creating a more inclusive space for everyone. Stay tuned for updates and be sure to get your City pool pass to enjoy all our other great facilities this summer!

For more information, visit www.woosteroh.com.

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ZONING Over the last several months, a committee has been drafting revisions to Wooster's zoning code and map.

This is being completed due to several significant findings of the newly adopted Comprehensive Plan, summarized below.

These findings are the result of significant community engagement and research.

1.

We need additional housing options

multi-family use, including duplex, single-family attached, multi-unit (3-4 units), multi-unit (5-8 units), and multi-unit (9+ units). This proposed change meets the following goals and needs: Additional housing options Strategic Growth and Farmland preservation B. Two new Transition Districts are proposed to be added to the code to provide a buffer/intermediary zone between areas of

accommodating various economic situations and

differing land use intensity, such as corridors and

smaller households.

residential neighborhoods. These districts will

2.

have specific development standards to follow.

Increase opportunities for open space and

recreational activity.

This proposed change meets the following goals

3.

Preserve farmland through strategic growth.

and needs:

4.

Do not relax but increase design standards.

Additional housing options

5.

Preserve the style/personality of established

Mixed-use options Neighborhood preservation

neighborhoods.

In addition to the Comprehensive Plan, recent studies completed by the Wayne Economic Development Council and the City of Wooster’s Economic Development team indicate a shortage of housing options across all economic strata. All studies indicate that the community needs over 2000 dwelling units to meet today's demand. To address these needs and the findings of the Comprehensive Plan, the proposed changes are as follows: A. Revised Zoning Districts and Use Table - Tables updated to reflect new zoning districts Over the last few years, all new subdivisions have been built utilizing the current R-2 lot standards, allowing for smaller lot sizes. The proposed amendments change the current R-1 lot standards to R-2 lot standards. These are minimum standards, developers can still have the option to create larger lots. The new R-2 lot standards reflect what exists in neighborhoods immediately north of Bowman Ave. R-3 becomes the new multi-unit district, and the R-4 district is eliminated. Additional dwelling unit types are defined in categories rather than one

Design Standards C. Proposed changes to the Clustered Residential Development include a minimum setback reduced from 25 feet to 20 feet to match the rest of the district and increase density. This proposed change meets the following goals and needs: Additional housing options Strategic Growth and Farmland preservation D. Proposed changes to Planned Developments include making them conditionally permitted rather than a separate zoning district and reducing the setback from 50 to 30 feet to be more similar to existing setbacks in other districts.

Conditionally permitted uses will require a public hearing before the Planning Commission.

Additional housing options Strategic Growth and Farmland preservation Design Standards E. Proposed changes to single-family attached and multi-unit include design standards, density, and setbacks. This proposed change meets the following goals and needs: Additional housing options Design Standards Strategic Growth and Farmland Preservation continued on the next page

ZONING F. A proposed change to the open space requirements includes an option for developers to pay a fee instead of creating open space within a new development. This fee will be earmarked for a more strategic plan for open space, park preservation, and park expansions that meet the community's needs. This proposed change meets the following goals and needs: Additional housing options Increased strategic Open Space and Recreational opportunity Strategic Growth and Farmland preservation

NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION AND DESIGN STANDARDS There has been considerable discussion within and outside the committee regarding preserving neighborhoods and their distinct styles and personalities, especially around downtown and its older neighborhoods. The proposed code and map do not eliminate the traditional residential district but incorporate new transition districts along corridors. The transition districts are designed to encourage investment in an area of the community that has lagged behind other areas of the city, address greater opportunity for mixed-use development, and encourage housing options that provide walkability to downtown or places of work.

Conversions to multi-family remain prohibited within the traditional residential district. New construction is limited to single-family detached and duplexes. Single-family attached are conditionally permitted.

Conversion would be conditionally permitted in the new transition districts but only for two-family dwellings and a live-work development. A live-work development is a development that has housing units above commercial/office uses. A conditional use means a public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission.

The transition districts are not limited to the downtown area but are proposed throughout the city, with significant use within the Comprehensive Plan focus areas. (Arts District, East Liberty District, Hospital District, Smithville Western Road District, and the Geyers Chapel Road District).

The T-1 transition district would allow the following typologies: duplexes (side by side or stacked), stacked triplexes, and fourplexes. *Images below and on the next page

Duplex side-by-side

Fourplex Stacked

continued on the next page

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ZONING Duplex stacked

IMAGES TO THE RIGHT ARE CONTINUED FROM THE T-1 TRANSITION DISTRICT TYPOLOGIES

Triplex Stacked

Townhomes

Cottage Court

Courtyard

IN THE T-2 TRANSITION DISTRICT, THE FOLLOWING NEW CONSTRUCTION WOULD BE PERMITTED, THE SAME AS T-1, WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDED: TOWNHOMES, COTTAGE COURT STYLE, COURTYARD, AND LIVE-WORK UNITS. *IMAGES TO THE LEFT The next steps in the process will include a committee review of the proposed changes.

Following the committee review, the

Live-work

Wooster Planning Commission will review and provide a recommendation to City Council. The City Council will hold a hearing and review the proposed changes before taking action.

Credit for this work goes to the many community volunteers who have participated on the following committees: the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, the Committee currently reviewing the zoning code, the employers who participated in the economic development studies, those who participated in a focus group and especially all the residents who responded to surveys and participated in the community forums.

CONSTRUCTION CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS Billiar Alley & Billiar St. Waterline Replacement | Project includes the replacement of waterlines on Billiar Street and Billiar Alley. Expected completion is April 15, 2025 City-Wide Sanitary Sewer Lining | Project includes the cured-in-place pipe lining of approximately 13,000 feet of sanitary sewers. Expected completion is April 30, 2025.

W. Liberty St. & W. Bowman St. Traffic Signal Replacement | Project includes the replacement of the traffic signal at the W. Liberty St. and W. Bowman St. traffic signal.

Expected completion is April 30, 2025.

UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS Portage Road Microsurfacing | Project includes microsurfacing (applying a thin layer of asphalt and fine aggregate) of Portage Road between the bridge over the Dix Expressway and Akron Road. Expected completion is June 2025.

Akron Road Turn Lanes & Shoulder Widening | Project includes the construction of turn lanes in both directions and shoulder widening of Akron Road (SR 585) at Schaeffler Way Intersection. Expected completion is August 2025.

Wooster Streets Resurfacing | Project includes resurfacing of Westridge Drive (East of Oak Hill), the asphalt portion of Beechwood Ave, and Melrose Dr. (south of Portage Rd.).

Expected completion is September 2025.

Oldman Road Sanitary Sewer Extension | Project consists of the installation of approximately 1,250 feet of sanitary sewer along Oldman Road. Expected Completion is September of 2025.

Long Road Water Tank Painting | Project consists of interior/exterior painting and tank repair work. Expected completion is August 2025.

Water Well S-4 Drilling| Project includes the contract to drill the new Well S-4 potable water well. Expected completion is August 2025

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RECYCLING How often do you currently put out your recycling bin for curbside collection?

How would reducing curbside recycling collection to every other week impact your household?

Knowing that reducing curbside recycling collection to every other week would prevent an increase in collection fees for the next three years, do you support this change?

62.9% said every week

51.3% said it would have no impact

62.5% said “Yes, I support this

23.7% said every other

20.5% said it would be somewhat

change”

week

convenient

27.8% said “No, I do not support

9.9% said once a month

26.6% said it would be very

the change”

3.5% said rarely or never

inconvenient

9.7% said “I am

1.6% said not sure

neutral/undecided”

RECYCLING SURVEY RESULTS

In a recent survey conducted by the City of Wooster, 493 data responses were collected regarding the impacts of collecting recyclables every other week for pick up.

RECYCLING UPDATES Recycling Schedule Update: Community Supports Move to Bi-Weekly Collection Thank you to the 493 residents who participated in our recent online survey regarding recycling collection! Based on your feedback, the City will transition to every-other-week recycling collection, starting soon. This change reflects our community’s recycling habits—only 62.9% of respondents reported setting their bins out weekly—and supports our goal of keeping services cost-effective and efficient. In fact, 71.8% said the change would either have no impact or only be somewhat inconvenient, and 72.2% indicated support or neutrality toward the adjustment.

By moving to a bi-weekly schedule, we are able to avoid a rate increase to $17.93 per month and instead set the new monthly rate at $17.00. The updated recycling collection schedule will be available on our website and included with your monthly water bill. We appreciate your continued input and commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable Wooster!

RECYCLING

RECYCLING SERVICE MAP

Fore more information on recycling, please go to woosteroh.com/utilities

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POLICE

330-287-5720 | 3333 Burbank Rd., Wooster

ANNUAL BICYCLE RODEO Get ready to ride! Our annual Bicycle Rodeo is rolling into Cornerstone Elementary School on Friday, June 14 from 10 AM to 12 PM. This fun and educational event promotes bicycle safety and features safety inspections, instructional lessons, and hands-on experience for young riders. Open to local children in kindergarten through fifth grade, the Bicycle Rodeo is a free safety clinic where kids can learn the rules of the road from the very best... our Wooster City Police Officers! Officers will guide participants through safety courses set up right in the school parking lot, teaching them how and where to apply these important skills in real life. The Kiwanis Club of Wooster will be joining us again this year, providing volunteer support and giveaways to every child in attendance. Registration is FREE! Waivers can be completed at woosteroh.com or by scanning this QR Code: All registered participants will receive giveaways, enjoy lunch, and are invited to continue the fun at Main Street Wooster Kids Day at the Wayne County Public Library immediately following the event.

NATIONAL POLICE OFFICER MEMORIAL DAY Each year, on May 15, National Police Officer Memorial Day honors the brave men and women in law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the courage, dedication, and selflessness of officers who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities National Police Officer Memorial Day is a reminder of the dedication, strength, and bravery that law enforcement personnel exhibit every day.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

The Wooster Elks Lodge #1346 recently recognized two outstanding members of the Wooster Police Department for their dedication to community service. Captain Tony Lemmon and Community Resource Officer Don Hall were presented with the 2025 Elks Community Partnership Award in honor of their efforts to strengthen community connections. In addition, both officers received the Elks Medal of Valor for their exceptional commitment to public safety. Officer Hall was also named the Elks Citizen of the Year for his leadership and contributions to the ongoing partnership between the Wooster Police Department and the Elks Lodge to support our community. We extend our congratulations and gratitude to Captain Lemmon and Officer Hall for going above and beyond to make Wooster a better place to live.

Congrats Guy & Scott!

Congratulations Detective Bremenour and Assistant Chief Rotolo for their recognitions this year! See more on page 16.

CHIP HOME REPAIR PROGRAM CHIP GRANTS FOR HOME REPAIRS ARE AVAILABLE FOR WOOSTER HOMEOWNERS The City has secured federal funds for grants to assist homeowners with emergency home repairs and also comprehensive home rehabilitations. There are no costs to homeowners for utilizing this program. Households are eligible when annual earnings do not exceed $48,900 (for a 1-person household) or $69,850 (for a 4-person household). Landlords agreeing to temporary rent-control are also eligible. Please visit www.waynemha.org for more information (See Programs). To apply, contact CHIP Administrator, Tanya Sargeant, at Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority at 330.264.2727 or tsargeant@waynemha.org.

WE ARE SEEKING ADDITIONAL APPLICANTS FOR OUR CHIP HOME REPAIR PROGRAM! FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.WOOSTEROH.COM/ECONOMIC-DEVELOPMENT/CHIP

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WOOSTER CITY SCHOOLS

RECOGNITION LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS Officer of the Year Assistant Chief Rotolo presented the 2024 Officer of the Year award to Detective Guy Bremenour. Detective Bremenour was recognized for his unwavering commitment to solving cases and an unapparelled drive to uncover the truth. He played a pivotal role in getting the conviction of four individuals involved in a 2022 homicide investigation Detective Bremenour also serves on the department's Special Response Team (SRT) and participates in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

Administrator of the Year Scott Rotolo, Wooster Police Assistant Chief of Police, has received the Law Enforcement Administrator of the Year award for his outstanding leadership in public safety and mental health advocacy. His dedication to the Ohio Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, trauma-informed approaches, and collaboration with mental health providers has greatly improved crisis response in our community.

Rotolo’s compassionate leadership and commitment to bettering public safety make him a deserving recipient of this honor.

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RECOGNITION CITY AWARDS Excellence in Financial Reporting The City of Wooster has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The report was praised for its transparency and clear communication, reflecting the City’s commitment to excellence in financial reporting.

Top 3 Nationwide Micropolitans Wooster is proud to be named one of the Top 3 Micropolitans in the nation by Site Selection for 2024! This recognition highlights the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our businesses, organizations, and residents, all of whom contribute to making Wooster a thriving community. Ohio continues to lead the way in micropolitan development, securing six of the top seven spots in the rankings. Wooster’s success is driven by our strong businesses, solid infrastructure, and most importantly, the people who call this city home.

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Mayor’s Office 330-263-5242

Engineering 330-263-5251

Human Resources 330-263-5254

Utility Services 330-263-5286

Law 330-263-5242

Utility Billing 330-263-5228

Public Prop. Maintenance 330-263-5275

Parks 330-263-5275

Income Tax 330-263-5226

Fire 330-263-5266

Building Standards 330-263-5241

Police 330-287-5720

Planning & Zoning 330-263-5241

Recreation 330-263-5207

Economic Development 330-263-5250 All City offices will be closed on the following dates: May 26th - Memorial Day June 19th - Juneteenth

TRIVIA ANSWER End of April!

TRIVIA ANSWER @CityofWooster

The City of Wooster!

Along with the cities of Westerville and 330-263-5200 woosteroh.com Springfield, 2024 will mark the 48th year of recognition for each community 18