Senior Planner Bassem Bitar was a student at The Ohio State University when Westerville first caught his eye. He recalls thinking the City would be a great place to work after attending a Planning Commission meeting. Bitar watched for job opportunities here until 1997, when he joined the Planning & Development Department. He has since become closely affiliated with many planning activities related to the Uptown District.
Where are you from? How did you come to work in Westerville?
I was born and raised in Damascus, Syria. After high school, I came to Columbus to study at OSU. I admired the character of Westerville, but went on to start my career with the city of Muskegon, Mich. When Westerville had a job opening for the position of Planning and Zoning Officer, I was fortunate to be selected for that role. In 2011, my title was changed to Senior Planner and I became responsible for administering the duties of the Planning Division within the Planning and Development Department.
What steps did you take in order to pursue a career in planning?
While studying architecture, I realized individual buildings or sites could not be effectively developed without taking their contexts into account. A class that focused on the University District at OSU and a summer study program at Oxford University in England changed my focus to city planning.
How have you noticed Westerville change over time?
Infrastructure improvements, including the construction of Polaris Parkway and extensions of Cleveland and County Line, have been significant. This led to the construction of office (professional and medical), service and retail facilities. Major planning and redevelopment efforts have also taken place along the South State Street corridor.
What project do you rank as one of the most successful in our community?
The Westar project, which included major roadway improvements, has had the most impact on the community in recent years. In addition to providing better access to highways, it has helped diversify the community’s tax base and spur major new developments.
Tell us about the Plan Uptown project.
We often hear that the Uptown District is what most other communities strive to create. The Uptown Westerville Comprehensive Plan – or Plan Uptown – is intended to protect and enhance Westerville’s core. A 2011 market analysis revealed demand for additional retail, restaurant and entertainment. The plan also takes into account opportunities for infill or redevelopment of certain sites. Public participation has included public open houses, stakeholder meetings and a dedicated website (www.PlanUptown.com).
What are some of the key recommendations from that program?
Improving circulation and making access and wayfinding to parking more user-friendly are key recommendations. The plan advocates for the creation or enhancement of alleys parallel to State Street that would provide better circulation, slower vehicular traffic and bicycle and pedestrian access. This could promote enhancements to the rear of buildings and improve access to the parking lots. The creation of a public open space and enhancement of the streetscape have also been suggested.
Uptown is one of the few original downtowns in the region to maintain its charm amid new amenities. To what do you attribute that success?
Old towns and their centers were built during an era when various uses co-existed to create a walkable environment. All towns go through economic cycles, and while many chose to demolish their older buildings during tough times, Westerville has always recognized the importance of Uptown. Demographics and trends have made mixed-use urban environments extremely desirable. Uptown is perfectly positioned to benefit from these trends, which I believe has been recognized by the merchants who continue to operate successful businesses.
How is the City working to maintain and restore the historic integrity of Uptown?
Due to the dedicated efforts of its citizens, the City designated the Uptown District as an architectural review district in 1973 and established the Uptown Review Board. In the 1980s, electrical lines were buried and City Hall was expanded, improving the streetscape. More recently, a façade improvement program was developed to match grants to merchants or property owners who restore or substantially improve their buildings. The program has generated a significant return on investment. The City also offers certain tax abatements on the value of improvement through the Community Reinvestment Area program.
Tell us about the project at 7-9 N. State St.
This project will have a significant positive impact on Uptown and serve as an example for other potential improvements. Owners have been working diligently with the City to turn their buildings into community assets. When renovations are complete, the two storefronts will have been restored to their original elegant proportions, while at the same time incorporating compatible modern window systems. The second and third floors – vacant for 30 or 40 years – are being transformed into apartments with historic charm and modern amenities.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like traveling and practicing my hobby of photography and photo editing. I also enjoy (or suffer) following and attending Cleveland and Ohio State sporting events, especially Ohio State football and basketball.
Westerville Open Records Policy
In accordance with the state of Ohio Public Records and Open Meetings laws, collectively known as the “Sunshine Laws,” the City of Westerville maintains an Open Records Policy. This policy is posted in all City of Westerville office buildings. If you have questions, please contact Mary Johnston, clerk of council, at 614-901-6410.
Westerville Open Records Policy
- The City of Westerville will manage and make available public records in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances, and the City Records Retention Schedule.
- Anyone may request a Public Record.
- Subject to certain legal exceptions, a “Public Record” is generally defined as any item kept by the City that is ALL of the following:
(1) Stored on a fixed medium AND
(2) Created, received, or sent under the jurisdiction of the City, AND
(3) Documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations or other activities of the City.
- The City may ask for additional information to assist in satisfying the needs of the requester, but the person making the request:
(1) Does NOT need to make the request in writing
(2) Does NOT need to reveal his or her identity
(3) Does NOT need to provide any information relative to their intended use of the requested public record.
- If a request for Public Records is denied, the requester is entitled to an explanation of the reasons for that denial.
- Certain information in a requested Public Record may be redacted (blacked-out); the requester is entitled to an explanation of the reasons for any redactions.
- Public Records are available during the normal business hours of this office. If copies are desired, copies will be provided, subject to a charge for the cost of producing those copies.
