The new apartment complex under construction on Main Street has created some opposition due to the potential effects it will have on Bexley and the surrounding area. Residents and business owners have expressed their concerns about the possible negative impact the complex could have on numerous aspects of the community.
However, the complex as a whole would be beneficial for the Bexley community because the economy would thrive, students would gain opportunities and the culture of the city could become more diverse.
Main Street is well known in the community for its variety of restaurants, activities and aesthetic. Furthermore, Bexley is designated as an arboretum, so the city’s trees are important to the environment and charm. Although the complex is temporarily cutting down 58 trees, they will eventually be replaced by 84 trees. The area willtemporarily be unappealing; however, by the end of 2026, when the project is finished, it will be a stunning addition to Bexley’s beauty.
While Main Street is only about a mile long, the popular street is dense with businesses. The apartment complex would provide not only more restaurants, but it would also increase the consumers in the area. The building consists of 232 apartments, ranging from one to three unit bedrooms. The complex could provide anywhere from 232 to 696 new Bexley residents. Additionally, the employees working in the new office spaces would be inclined to visit local businesses as well. Overall, the complex would be very beneficial to the success of the businesses in Bexley and the surrounding area.
In addition to businesses, students at the high school would benefit from the complex because of its potential work opportunities. There are students working at almost every entertainment venue, restaurant or store on Main Street; the addition of a restaurant and office spaces would increase available jobs for students. In fact, the office spaces could offer more professional work depending on what businesses decide to take on the space, increasing the opportunities for students.
Education and quality of life are characteristics Bexley thrives on. For this reason, many residents were concerned about the possibility of an overpopulated school district. However, this isn’t likely because a similar situation occurred at the Grandview and Dublin school districts. Bexley City Council Zoning and Development Chair Sam Marcellino said the number of students that moved to those schools because of new housing didn’t affect the district in a negative way.
Additional concerns regarding parking and traffic on Main Street have surfaced. Traffic is already a problem, and it likely wouldn’t experience a significant change. On the other hand, parking won’t be an issue because the complex is creating 300 new parking spaces.
The complex would be beneficial because it would bring in a wide range of people who could share their cultures and enjoy the beauty of Bexley while creating a diverse and supportive community. Bexley is such a wonderful place to live, but since the demand to live here outweighs the availability of housing, many people miss out on this opportunity. The complex will be a positive addition because more people would be able to experience the connectivity and care Bexley residents share with each other.
Although it is a big change, the complex will be a wonderful addition to Bexley because it has virtually zero foreseeable downsides and an infinite upside for the future.