Upper Arlington · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Upper Arlington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
EMS protocol changes including non-invasive ventilation
The board will discuss proposed protocol changes, including non-invasive ventilation, which affects how paramedics treat patients in the field. Changes in protocols directly shape the care residents receive before reaching a hospital.
Public Safety Alert
The board will review the latest EMS call volumes and high-acuity incident data for Upper Arlington. These numbers show how emergency medical services are keeping up with demand in the community.
UAFD Lieutenant Examination Protest
A protest was filed concerning the fire division's lieutenant promotional examination, and the Civil Service Commission was scheduled to take it up as new business. The outcome could affect who is eligible for promotion within the fire department.
Bob Crane Community Center Public Art
Arts on Arlington drew 1,700 attendees (up 41%), Arts on the Block drew 700, and the Labor Day Arts Festival is coming September 7 at Northam Park. Residents also asked for more food options and broader alcohol availability at future events.
Unpermitted above-ground pool at 3272 Mountview Road
A family installed a 5-foot above-ground pool without permits for their autistic son's swim therapy, running into a decades-old ban on pools taller than two feet. The board put off a decision to let the family explore burying or relocating the pool — and the case could test how the city handles special-needs exceptions.
Fire Division operations and Station 71 renovation
The fire division handled 4,814 runs in 2025 with call volume up 6% this year. A $13 million Station 71 renovation is planned for 2028 to fix contamination-zone separation and aging infrastructure, and a Citizens Fire Academy launches spring 2027.
E-Mobility Device Registration and Safety Program
The near-final e-bike/scooter ordinance now only requires registration for riders without a driver's license, mandates helmets under 18, sets a 10 mph sidewalk cap, and requires all riders to be listed on a device's registration. Final vote October 5.
Police and Fire Pension Levy on November Ballot
Voters will decide this fall on a renewal levy with an increase dedicated to the police and fire pension fund — a direct line item on future tax bills.
Zollinger Road Improvements and MORPC Funding
Council's support locks in roughly $3.3 million in federal grant money for a full-length Zollinger Road resurfacing that converts four lanes to one each direction with parking/bike options. Construction is planned next year.
Five Points Intersection Roundabout
The city is moving toward a 194-210 foot multi-lane roundabout at Tremont/Northwest/Fishinger, backed by 55% of survey respondents. Construction is set for 2028, maybe 2029, with driveway changes coming for nearby businesses and education campaigns planned for drivers wary of roundabouts.
Proposed digital billboard at Arlington Gateway
A 2,180-square-foot electronic message center would be the first billboard-style sign in Upper Arlington's history, placed on the city's largest building at the Lane Avenue gateway. The city's sign code has banned billboards since its founding, so approving this would set a significant precedent for other commercial corridors.
Master Plan development process
The city's Master Plan survey on land use, development, mobility and technology is open now, and the board will serve as a focus group at its September 23 meeting. Survey results from spring 2026 will shape future services for older adults.
2026 Sustainable Sewer Solutions contract
Council got a first look at hiring Performance Pipelining to line sewer pipes in two problem areas, sealing cracks that let rainwater flood the sanitary system. The work directly reduces the risk of sewage backing up into basements during heavy storms.
E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Ordinance
Council heard alarming hospital data — admitted e-bike injuries up 122% in a year, mostly kids 10-15 — and shaped a final package: registration for riders without licenses, under-18 helmets, path speed limits, and lighting. The vote is August 24, and it directly affects families with young riders.
Redevelopment of the vacant 'Up house' at Lane and Westmont
The long-vacant house surrounded by Westmont at the Lane will become a three-story retail, event, and members' lounge building. Residents welcomed new life for the site but worry event crowds and patrons will park on their residential streets to the north.
Suffolk and Baldridge Road sidewalk installations
Council moved both sidewalk projects forward, with affected homeowners paying via special assessment. Baldridge neighbors clashed over 11 of 15 street trees slated for removal versus safety benefits for kids walking to school; residents can still object or withdraw petition signatures before the construction contract vote.
Flock license plate reader system and privacy oversight
Police explained how the city's 20 Flock cameras collect only plate and vehicle data, delete it after 30 days, and block federal access — but council members pressed hard on privacy, data sales, and constitutional limits. No vote was taken; this was a transparency session for residents with concerns.
Permanent Collection Artwork Deaccession
The city is reviewing its indoor art collection and a preliminary list flags about 35% of works — many donated or acquired decades ago — as candidates for sale or destruction under the Collection Management Policy. Nothing has been removed yet: artists would be notified and the public would have a chance to comment at a public meeting before any final recommendation.
Campaign contribution limit increase
Council is weighing whether to raise the local campaign donation cap from $250 to $400 to adjust for inflation since 2006. Members split, with a final vote expected June 1.
Columbia Gas pipeline construction impacts
The North Columbus High Pressure Pipeline project is about a third done overall, with work off main streets before the Fourth of July parade. Right after the holiday, Northwest Boulevard closes for a full city reconstruction meant to wrap by year's end.
Police and fire background investigation record retention
How long should the city keep detailed screening files — psychological evaluations, polygraph results — on police and fire job candidates? There are privacy, liability, and public-records concerns on one side, and defensibility of hiring decisions on the other. A recommendation will come back to the commission later.
Lawsuit
The developer behind Upper Arlington's massive $100 million Golden Bear project is suing the city because the deal has stalled. This ties up prime local land and city resources, meaning we'll likely see taxpayer money spent fighting or settling the legal battle.
2026 Street, Waterline and Stormwater Construction Contracts
Council locked in three contracts for this year's paving, waterline replacement (Beverly, Zollinger and Leer roads), and stormwater work. Expect construction activity and possible timing pressure on the grant-funded Zollinger Road improvements.
National Church Residences TIF and school compensation agreement
Council passed a routine TIF-related land transfer that brings the city replacement tax revenue, extra green space around the lake, and public ownership of the lake and waterfront parcel. Similar arrangements are common across Ohio.
Rising construction costs squeezing infrastructure budgets
The waterline replacement bid came in high, driven by fuel surcharges on excavation-heavy work. Staff and council discussed tight scheduling with the Zollinger Road grant project and Beverly Road reconstruction, and asked for regular contingency tracking as inflation may hit other unbid projects.
Summer Day Camp Demand Exceeds Capacity
Recreation programs grew 64% after the community center opened, with registrations up 43% to 13,460 registrants. More options and spaces are now available to residents.
Wellington School campus expansion
The school is getting a major upgrade: 48 more parking spaces (408 total), demolition of the 1918 building, and a 4,115-square-foot addition with new landscaping and outdoor learning areas. Neighbors asked for more time to review, so the board added a condition requiring the school to meet with them.
Infrastructure resiliency planning
Third priority after a tiebreaker vote: a plan to make the city's infrastructure more resilient to future stresses. It would likely require hiring a dedicated staff member or consultant and significant new funding — details still to be worked out.
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA) program
Council's top 2026 priority: creating designated zones where people can carry open alcoholic beverages outdoors, likely at places like Tremont Center or the farmers' market. Staff stressed DORAs only work where there's a reason for people to gather, and noted public safety and liability questions to work through.
City Official Compensation
Upper Arlington just bumped up the pay for its top brass, including the city manager, city attorney, and clerk. Since this directly involves your local tax dollars, it is smart to keep tabs on how executive compensation is growing.
Election
Seven candidates are fighting for four seats on the Upper Arlington City Council, and the winners will decide big things like your taxes, zoning, and city services. It is a crucial race that will shape the direction of local government and everyday life in our neighborhoods.