Thousands moving to Delaware County fuels need for more housing

DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio — People in Delaware County said it feels like new housing developments are popping up on every corner.

WSYX

“What haven’t you noticed, right? The whole area just exploded,” said Scott Shonebarger.

Scott Sanders, the executive director of the Regional Planning Commission, said companies like Intel and other industries are a main driver for thousands of people moving to Delaware County.

With the big boom comes an urgent need for more housing.

John Wicks is the developer at Real Property Design and Development.

He has spent over a decade building homes for families in Delaware County.

Wicks said the Olentangy School District is one of the hottest spots for new homes.

“I started with one high school up until the 90s, then now we’re up to four up to five different high schools so it’s just a big draw,” said Wicks. “It’s a beautiful community.”

The district has grown into the fourth largest in Ohio with a new elementary school opening next year, and a fifth high school in 2028.

Wicks said the growth has presented some challenges over the years like labor shortage and some opposition.

“It’s become a big issue for a lot of people that live in and around these areas. They tend to oppose new growth and new development, so restrictions have gotten a little bit harder. Costs have obviously gone up over the last 20 years,” said Wicks.

The planning commission says between 275,000 and 350,000 people could call Delaware County home by 2040.

That’s up from 214,000 in 2020.

Scott Shonebarger said he supports growth but wonders when is enough.

“I mean to a certain extent I think you know at some point right you have to have some sort of boundaries I think, getting into the fact that now you have five high schools,” said Shonebarger. “What’s the limit?”