Powell's Veterans Memorial could leave Village Green for a new plaza wedged between a 20-space parking lot and the future Scioto Street extension, but not everyone who served thinks that's an upgrade.
At the Development Committee's Aug. 4 meeting, design firm Realm Collaborative presented three concepts for the relocation and a blended final proposal, Delaware Source reported. Vietnam War veteran Les Wibberley told the committee he'd rather the memorial stay where it is.
"My input is that I prefer it where it is. It seems to me like this is kind of squirreling it off between a parking lot and a road," Wibberley said.
Residents Jeannine Ashton and Tracey Mayberry agreed.
On the other side, former Mayor Jon Bennehoof, a Veterans Committee member, said his comments represent several committee members. He called the group "four-square in favor" of the relocation, arguing it would make the memorial more accessible. Veterans Committee member Ryan Holdren said the relocation idea originated within the veteran group itself, not from city hall.
Veterans Committee member Kaitlyn Burkley said she feels the current memorial is hidden and not enough people know about it.
Three concepts, one blended design
Planning Director Logan Stang presented Realm Collaborative's work, which included three distinct options labeled "passive reflection," "memorial garden" and "ceremonial experience." The firm combined elements into a single proposed design featuring plazas on both sides of a 20-space parking lot, brick signage, green landscaping, outdoor seating and a shared-use path.
The memorial has stood at Village Green since 2008. Its 383 personalized bricks honoring local veterans, five granite branch memorials and other features would move from their current circular arrangement into a parallel line under the proposed design. An American flag post would anchor the center of the back plaza.
The front plaza would include seating with views of a new "Unmarked but Unforgotten" memorial coming to Powell Cemetery later this year, plus a new cemetery entrance. City Council approved that monument on July 21, with the Delaware County Veterans Service Commission providing up to $125,000 in funding.
Chair pushes to keep the circle
Development Committee Chair and Councilman Tyler Herrmann recommended Realm Collaborative preserve the stones' circular arrangement rather than lining them up. He said standing in the center of the circle "creates a certain feeling" and worried a row would eliminate that experience.
Assistant City Manager Jeffrey Tyler told the committee the Veterans Committee had reviewed the design and gave it "overwhelming support."
What comes next
City staff will incorporate feedback into a detailed final design and conduct a financial analysis before returning to the Development Committee. Tyler noted three external funding sources the city could pursue.
City Manager Andy White said construction of the $2.4 million Scioto Street extension will likely begin in mid-2027. The city demolished a structure at 44 N. Liberty St. in April to clear the path. Staff would coordinate the memorial relocation timeline with that project, as we reported earlier.
Planning Director Stang said the relocated memorial would allow the city to shut down Scioto Street for Memorial Day and Veterans Day events. No date has been set for the committee's next review of the project.
