At a briskly moving meeting of the Galion City Council Economic Development and Airport Committee on Tuesday evening, members convened to advance a significant housing proposal that could bring more than 100 workforce apartment units to Dawsett Avenue.
Pivotal Presents: Plans for Workforce Housing on Dawsett
Representatives from Pivotal, a multi-family housing developer, shared their plans for a workforce apartment complex designed for individuals earning approximately $15 to $25 an hour. Garrett Blackwell of Pivotal explained that the development, pending rezoning approval, would include three to four walk-up style buildings with green energy certification, offering lower utility costs to residents.
The proposed development includes a clubhouse with a community room and kitchenette, fitness center, playground, dog park, picnic pavilion, and a large open recreation field. The design promises a 30-foot buffer between buildings and neighboring properties, addressing early concerns about privacy and site layout.
“This isn’t Section 8 housing,” Blackwell clarified. “It’s federally-supported workforce housing, and we maintain high standards across the board—including for security and long-term property management.”
Council Seeks Clarity and Commitments
Committee members posed questions about infrastructure, including stormwater management, sewer capacity, and traffic concerns. Pivotal staff acknowledged the need for engineering studies but indicated that all systems—storm, sanitary, and electric—are expected to support the new units. They emphasized a long-term commitment: Pivotal owns and manages its developments directly, and routinely rehabilitates aging properties after 15 years.
Another highlight of the discussion was a conditional clause that would revert zoning back to its current status if state funding is not secured. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) designation is also under consideration to provide more community input during the design and approval process.
Timing and Next Steps
The public hearing for the rezoning request is scheduled for August 5 at 8:00 PM. If approved, the developers will submit their funding application shortly thereafter. A decision from the state is expected within several months, with a construction timeline beginning as early as mid-to-late 2026 and completion projected by 2027.
Clay Street Concerns Continue
In other business, discussion resumed over the contentious Clay Street property and its uncertain ownership. A local businessperson has expressed interest in redeveloping the site for manufactured housing, but confusion over existing lease agreements and prior owner activity has complicated the process. Committee members weighed the city’s role in potential acquisition and whether private development might be a more effective solution.
Legal questions were also raised regarding licensure for the site should it remain a trailer park. The group agreed to proceed cautiously, keeping the door open to both public and private paths forward.
Closing Thoughts
The meeting concluded at 8:19 PM after brief updates on roadway repairs and future agenda items. The next meeting will take place on August 19 at 8:00 PM.
