Far Northwest Coalition

October 2005 FNWC Minutes

October 26, 2005

The Far Northwest Coalition ( FNWC ) met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the Northwest Library. Members present were John Best, Joe Macomber, John Murley, Mike Brown and Kelly Thompson. This was the first board meeting since July 27 since there has been no new business. John Best updated every one in attendance about several important items affecting our community.

Dennis Hyundai continues to push the envelope on prohibited advertising. Violations include signs over the size limits and unauthorized banners which can be seen from 270. Representatives for Dennis Hyundai may be back before the FNWC at some time requesting additional variances. The Dan Tobin dealership is likewise in violation for using signs reflecting automobile prices which are visible to drivers on the freeway and vehicles parked on the grass during weekend sales. Several businesses did not take advantage of the noise barriors which were recently installed along 270.

Suzanne Vais, Senior Planner for the Columbus Planning Division will issue a preliminary draft of the new Northwest Plan ready in January 2006. This will mark the first time in 14 years that this Plan will have received a major rewrite. November 4, developers and Columbus will be meeting to discuss the future of 20 acres of land west of the railroad tracks along SR 161 for future transportation / light rail development.

Kelly Thompson reported that the Far Northwest Coalition treasury currently has a balance of $899.80.
Eight communities are presently paying members although only five have regular attendees at the monthly meetings. Membership fees for 2006 will remain at $25.00.

Guests at this months meeting were Chris Anderson, Larry and Isabella Thomas and Meribah Mansfield representing Worthington Libraries.

Isabella Thomas is a 17 year trial lawyer who is running for Franklin County Municipal Court. This is her first time running for public office. This Cleveland native received her undergraduate degree from Ohio University and her law degree from Capital. Hard work, private practice experience and working for equal justice for all are just a few of the principles guiding her candiacy.

In June M/I Homes came before FNWC requesting a property variance for a new home which did not quite configure to the land by five feet upon which it would be built with regard to the building setback. The FNWC Board requested for M/I Homes to customize the home for the lot. This was seconded by the city by a vote of 3 to 2.

During the Summer of 2006, phase II of Hard Road widening will begin from Linworth Road to State Route 315. A number of homes on the the south side of Hard Road have already or will be affected. They were purchased by the City of Columbus for demolition to allow for additional right of way for five lanes through the area.

There are two pieces of land at Sawmill and Summitview Roads that should be preserved as parkland. Both property owners are interested in negotiating with the city for the sale of this land. Columbus Recreation and Parks will continue dialogue with these sellers. Presently this area of Columbus continues to have the fewest acres of park space in the city based on a minimum of 5.5 acres per 1,000 residents.

Continue to expect commercial and retail changes at Olde Sawmill and New Market Malls as building and development continues along that area of Sawmill Road. Much needs to be done in this area to control traffic and speed along this portion of Sawmill Road.

Meribah spoke at length regarding the need for the library levy on November 8th. Circulation at the Worthington libraries has increased by a staggering 49% while state funding has decreased. The library board has been able to make some cuts without reducing hours or eliminating services. But, without additional money the existing reserves the library has will be gone by the end of 2006. If Issue 81 does not pass Worthington will have no choice but to cut staffing, reduce hours or eliminate some programs. Meribah asked for the FNWC's endorsement for this Issue and received unanimous approval from the board. These libraries continue to be such a value to our community. The Columbus Metropolitan Library system was recently ranked the best library system in the USA.

Final FNWC Board meeting for 2005 will be Wednesday, November 30. Since there was no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Joe Macomber
Acting Secretary