Far Northwest Coalition

FEBRUARY 2002 FNWC MINUTES

FEBRUARY 2002 FNWC MINUTES

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

February 27, 2002

The Far Northwest Coalition (FNWC) met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the Northwest Library. Members present of the FNWC Board were John Best, Mark Seeger, Rick Cook, Mark Gresham & Rich Herner.

John Best opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Each of the members of the FNWC were introduced and Best reviewed the boundaries of the FNWC area, as well as outlining some of the activities & duties of the group for the public in attendance. He also briefly discussed some graphics code violations and the master parklands ordinance.

A large group of area residents, who live along the projected construction project on Hard Road (the first section between Smoky Row and Linworth Roads), were in attendance to discuss the project. The residents’ major concerns were the trees, fences and mounding, basically the buffers that protect them from Hard Road and what will happen after the project is complete. From what they have seen, the mounding and many of the trees that have served as a buffer for them will disappear. The city has told them that any trees in the utility easement would probably not be put back. The residents said many of these trees are 20-25 years old and were told that they would have to file a claim & the city would review it for any damage done.

The group discussed the current speed limit of 35MPH and the fact that they would like to see it remain. They also discussed the possible treed median in the project & one resident said city officials told him that would probably not happen. It was noted that the residents should contact directly, as well as sending correspondence to, city council members and to the construction departments outlining their concerns.

Many in the group of residents had received letters from the city about taking their land for the project or providing easements pace during the construction period. Many did not understand how the city came to the figures used in the calculations. They felt the letters were very vague, with little detail or explanation included. The group of residents felt they would like to meet with the city officials involved to have their questions answered. The FNWC provided names of contacts at the city for the residents to call and try and set up a meeting.

Best noted that the 2445 Billingsley Road agenda item (Byers graphics variance) was postponed until next month, at the request of the attorney for the applicant.

Best reported that the West Nile Virus Team (645-6170or Linda@cmhmetro.net) would be having a meeting on Wednesday, April 3 at 6:30 to discuss the West Nile Virus threat. Details of the meeting and further information can be obtained by contacting the group at the above email address and telephone number.

The Minutes from the January 30, 2002 FNWC meeting were approved as submitted. The Treasurer’s report was also given at that time.

It was moved and seconded that John Murley remain as an active member of the FNWC, even though he has moved a half mile out of the actual FNWC area. Motion passed. It was also moved and seconded that John Murley continue to serve as Vice President of the FNWC. Motion passed.

There being no further business to come before the FNWC, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Rich Herner, Secretary