Far Northwest Coalition

OCTOBER 2001 FNWC MINUTES ( TENTATIVE )

WED., OCT, 31, 2001

FAR NORTHWEST COALITION
P.O. BOX 340285 COLUMBUS, OH 43234

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL !!! SEE OCT MINUTES & NOV. AGENDA BELOW.

JOHN BEST

October 31, 2001 MINUTES

The Far Northwest Coalition (FNWC) met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the Northwest Library. Members present of the FNWC Board were John Best, Ann Brodeur, John Murley, Mark Seeger and Mark Gresham.

John Best opened the meeting at 7:00 P.M. The Minutes from the September 26, 2001 meeting were approved with some format corrections. Ann Brodeur gave the monthly Treasurer's report. Ann also informed the group she is getting married and is moving to northern Delaware County. She will try to find a replacement from Sawmill Forest for the next meeting.

Mr. Best proceeded to update the group on some zoning issues, which had previously been to FNWC along with a few other matters of community interest. He also went on to articulate the immense need for a major park in the far northwest area according to the City Council approved (1991) Northwest Plan. The Far Northwest area is more than 200 acres short of what it should have given its population and the current city standard of 5.5 acres per 1,000 residents according to Mr. Best. He emphatically stated there is a great sense of urgency of acquiring a specific property since it is the only major property (totaling 191 acres) that remains undeveloped.

Councilman Kevin Boyce appeared before FNWC highlighting some of his initiatives and accomplishments after being appointed to City Council to replace Fred Ransier. Mr. Boyce, seeking election in November, took questions from the Board and sat through the Recreation and Parks Master Plan presentation by Maureen Lorenz. Mr. Boyce serves as the Chairman of the City Council Recreation and Parks Committee. Findings covering needs and wants of the study were presented. The survey findings also included an apparent willingness by voters to boost taxes to increase recreation and park offerings.

Bill Halley provided an update for a property he is seeking to rezone at 6208 Thompson Street for Single Family Residential (SFR), where this rezoning encompasses 23 lots on 9.34 net acres. Far Northwest Coalition (FNWC) unanimously voted to support the rezoning from RR and LRR to PUD-4 for this development known as Linworth Creek. It was the collective opinion of FNWC that this development is a good fit in keeping with the character of development in the area.

Far Northwest Coalition (FNWC) also heard a presentation from attorney Jack Reynolds of Smith and Hale requesting a detached garage at 2910 Brookdown Drive. FNWC unanimously voted to support the variance allowing the detached garage where the applicant will also have a hobby wood or carpentry shop. It was the collective opinion of the group that this detached garage is a good fit in the neighborhood given that many other adjoining properties, most of which are in Perry Township, also have detached garages. It was also noted that the acreage of this property is unusually large relative to its neighbors to accommodate the detached garage structure.

There being no further business, the Far Northwest Coalition was adjourned at 9 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

John Best, Acting Secretary