Delaware City Council voted 5-2 this week to deny a 160-unit apartment complex aimed at young professionals and empty nesters.

Only at-large council member Kent Shafer and 4th ward representative Kyle Rohrer voted in favor of the three ordinances need to approve the Highpoint Place project at council’s Oct. 22 meeting.

The city’s planning commission in August denied the Highpoint proposal, which meant it needed a super majority of council – at least five "yes" votes – to move forward.

"We clearly need multifamily housing and I understand where they’re coming from with density. The question is, are we comfortable overriding the zoning commission?” Shafer said.

Plans called for 160 apartments on about 17 acres on Bowtown Road, just west of Village Gate Apartments.

Some council members and residents had criticized the density, building heights and potential for more traffic at the congested Point intersection of East William Street and East Central Avenue.

The Highpoint plan also drew ire because it would have fronted a narrow section of Bowtown Road.

The complex was billed as much-needed workforce housing for people commuting from Marion, Marysville and Columbus.

Council voted to deny a preliminary development plan, as well as a mixed-use overlay district and a conditional-use permit.

Read the full story Oct. 28 online and in the print edition of ThisWeek Delaware News.

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