Far Northwest Coalition
Columbus, OH
September 30, 2009
The Far Northwest Coalition (FNWC) met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the Northwest Library on Hard Road. Members present were John Best, John Murley, Kelly Thompson, Dorothy Martin and Rich Herner.
The FNWC moved, and seconded, approval of the Minutes from the last meeting held on July 29, 2009 as presented. Motion passed. Thompson reported on the civic association areas that had paid dues this year.
Best reported that the zoning request for the property at 7324 Skyline Drive had been approved by Columbus City Council. He also noted that he had contacted the City about the remainder of the Hard Road project, but was told that timing for Phase 3 had not yet been determined.
Thompson gave an update on a citizens group that had met with City officials on the razing of Discovery Playground issue. The City said it had some funds left over from the original construction and the citizens’ group will attempt to raise additional funds needed to make necessary repairs to the equipment. A web site has been setup at savediscoverypark.com for additional information.
She also noted that Olde Sawmill Civic Association now has a presence on Facebook. In addition, the group had been in touch with the City contact, Maureen Lorenz, to discuss a footpath through the Nielsen property and try and leave it in its natural state.
Dave Perry and John Roush then made another presentation to the group to request a change in zoning to CPD, for the property located at 7630 Sawmill Road, to construct and operate a Moo Moo car wash. Perry reported that the water, sewer and utility plans had all been passed by the City and that the applicant would commit to the latest color schemes as presented. The size and change in roof color to better fit into the area were noted. He also said that the City asked that the site entrance be moved to align with the entrance to the shopping center across the street. He reiterated that City staff had signed off on the plans. The request will be going to the Development Commission at the October 8 meeting.
It was noted that this will be a smaller building and smaller overall footprint than the other sites currently in operation. It is designed for a 3 car stack coming out of the wash & they do not feel that will present any traffic issues at all. Hours are to be 8-8 Monday-Sunday and 10-6 on Sunday. This smaller size and roof color change were appreciated by the group as a better fit for the area.
The group discussed the fact that a daycare center is immediately to the rear of the site. Roush noted that their Pickerington operation has a daycare center next door and that there have not been any associated problems. The possibility of a fence on the rear of the site, backing up to the daycare center was considered, and Roush committed to adding a fence on that side to provide more separation from the daycare center.
The FNWC then discussed the various items presented concerning the rezoning request. The fact that the color scheme had been changed, a smaller building footprint and the owner’s commitment to add a fence on the rear of the property were all considered favorably.
The FNWC then moved, and seconded, to approve the rezoning request from C-2 to a CDP for property located at 7630 Sawmill Road (southeast corner of Sawmill Road and Summer Drive) as presented; subject to the addition of a horizontal, white fence on the rear of the site, in keeping with the aesthetics of the subject property and the local area. Motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the FNWC, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Rich Herner
FNWC Secretary