Centerville Residents Oppose Land Rezoning for New Development

Residents voice concerns over impact on farmland, traffic, and historic property

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:06am

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Residents of Centerville and Bellbrook, Ohio packed a planning commission meeting to voice their opposition to a proposal to rezone 29 acres of land for a new residential development of 162 single-family homes, 59 villas, and 102 townhomes. Concerns were raised about preserving the existing farmland and waterways, as well as the impact on already congested roads. While the rezoning was approved, the preliminary development plan was unanimously rejected, sending the developer back to the drawing board.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tensions that can arise between city development plans and the desires of local residents to preserve the character and natural resources of their community. The debate over this rezoning reflects broader challenges faced by many growing cities as they balance the need for new housing with the concerns of existing homeowners.

The details

The Centerville Planning Commission approved the rezoning of the 29-acre plot of land at 7155 Wilmington Pike in a 5-1 vote, despite strong opposition from residents. The preliminary development plan proposed by the HPA Development Group, which would have allowed construction of 162 single-family homes, 59 villas, and 102 townhomes, was unanimously rejected by the commission. Residents voiced concerns about preserving the existing farmland and waterways, as well as the impact the new homes would have on already congested roads in the area. The developer's representatives said they would work to address traffic issues if an upcoming study found problems, but neighbors remained unconvinced of the benefits to the city.

  • The Centerville Planning Commission meeting took place on the night of Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The rezoning was approved in a 5-1 vote, while the preliminary development plan was unanimously rejected.

The players

Centerville Planning Commission

The local government body responsible for reviewing and approving land use and development plans in Centerville, Ohio.

HPA Development Group

The real estate development company that proposed the 162 single-family home, 59 villa, and 102 townhome project on the 29-acre plot of land in Centerville.

Todd Tayloe

A Centerville resident who expressed relief that the preliminary development plan was rejected, as he lives near the proposed site.

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What they’re saying

“I thought we were in for a long road of this new development, but when they—at least currently—they said no to the current development, I think they heard us. We are relieved, at least as of now, because we live right on the edge of where they would put it, right in the residential area.”

— Todd Tayloe, Centerville Resident

What’s next

The developer will need to redraft their preliminary development plan before it can be considered again by the Centerville Planning Commission.

The takeaway

This debate over land rezoning in Centerville highlights the ongoing challenges faced by many growing cities as they try to balance the need for new housing development with the desires of existing residents to preserve the character and natural resources of their community. The rejection of the initial development plan suggests the planning commission heard the concerns of local residents, but the ultimate outcome remains to be seen as the developer revises their proposal.