COMMERCIAL POINT, OH — A proposed annexation that would bring more than 1,200 homes to Scioto Township that was drawing growing concern from local residents, was denied on Tuesday morning before the Pickaway County Board of Commissioners.
At issue is the Village of Commercial Point’s approval of Resolution 12-2025, which fast-tracked the annexation of 344 acres at Gibson Road and State Route 762 into the village limits. The annexation, passed as an “emergency” measure on April 8, would enable a large-scale residential development featuring subdivisions, apartments, and 55+ condominiums.
Some residents argue that the annexation process lacked sufficient public notice and transparency. They point to Ohio’s Sunshine Laws (ORC 121.22), which require that public meetings and decisions be properly advertised to ensure citizen participation.
Public attention intensified last week after local resident Cory Wasmus posted a Facebook video outlining the scale of the proposed project. The video spread rapidly across local networks, with many residents commenting that it was the first they had heard of the development.
“This isn’t why I moved to Pickaway County,” said Wasmus. “Residents deserve a real voice in major decisions.”
Supporters of the annexation, including village officials and the project’s developer, Rockford Homes, have emphasized that the project would be a master-planned community, bringing infrastructure improvements, parks, and a variety of housing types to the area .
Village leaders have stated that the annexation resolution meets the service requirements outlined in Ohio’s annexation statutes.
Still, questions remain about infrastructure readiness. Under Ohio Revised Code 709.023(C), municipalities must certify that services such as water, sewer, and police protection will be “immediately available” to newly annexed areas — and provide an approximate date by which those services will be delivered. In the case of this annexation, Commercial Point’s resolution stated only that services would be available “immediately,” without providing a specific date, leading some residents to argue that it does not meet the full legal requirement .
Teays Valley Local School District, which already faces overcrowding, has not announced any formal agreements with the developer for school impact mitigation. A school levy currently on the May ballot could play a critical role in the district’s ability to absorb future growth.
The Village Council’s vote on the annexation resolution broke down as follows:
• YES: Sarah King, Ross Crego, Eric Nungester, Jay Weaver
• NO: Nancy Geiger, Audrea Ratliff
In a filled room, Scioto Township trustee Bart Fannin spoke during the Commissioners meeting about concerns about costs for roads, first responders, and transparency. Along with Cory Wasmus, who outlined his concerns with the property annexation and asked for a denial.
Tuesday’s meeting of the Pickaway County Commissioners is a required step in the annexation process. The Commissioners denied the annexation of the property.
The documents will now go back to Commercial Point, where they will allow for additional public input.
