Far Northwest Coalition

OCTOBER 2012 FNWC MINUTES

Far Northwest Coalition

Columbus, OH

October 30, 2012

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,

Gary Bruck, Kelly Thompson, Jim Garver and Rich Herner.

It was moved and seconded to approve the Minutes from the previous FNWC meeting held on August 29 as presented.  Motion passed. 

Murley talked about the retirement complex at Smokey Row and Hard; the zoning was approved by Development Commission as a two-story concept, as requested by the neighborhood and the FNWC.  It also looks like the Hard Road Park is open for use with the playground equipment already in place.  The collective thought was that the FNWC should send a letter of appreciation to the City Rec and Parks Department on the opening of park project. 

Jeff Brown, representing Dan Tobin, presented to the group a request to rezone the property located at 2585 Billingsley Road (Buckeye Landscaping property) to a C-4 use.  Brown said the property had annexed into the City from Perry Township earlier in 2012 as a community service zoning.  The City took the property in with compatible zoning from Perry but the C-4 designation would be consistent with the current zoning of the other properties on that strip along Billingsley Road.  He said the plan was for Tobin to open another car dealership on the property.  He also said that most of the text language has now been codified into statute by the City, so not much text needs to be included anymore.  The 75’ parking setback was discussed along with the fact that they had included that any building within 300’ of Billingsley could not exceed 35’ in height.  However, buildings could be up to 60’ in height farther away from Billingsley.

The FNWC then discussed the Northwest Overlay that had been provided by the City for consideration that would come into play for any substantial redevelopments in the area.  The group discussed the possibility of the overlay having conflicting language with current code, especially something that might be less restrictive.  The Northwest Civic Association had apparently approved the overlay but what was presented to the FNWC lacked much detail.  The issue was tabled to receive more information from the City and the NWCA on the matter. 

The FNWC then considered the Billingsley Road rezoning again.  After a short discussion, it was moved and seconded, to approve the request to rezone the property located at 2585 Billingsley Road to a C-4 designation, subject to the text limitations as presented and a review of the site plan by the FNWC when submitted.  Motion passed by unanimous vote.

The FNWC then had a discussion about the Casto development on Sawmill Road (old Kroger store) which has been rumored to be a neighborhood Walmart.  There was a general discussion on traffic issues in the area and any associated traffic study that might be required by the City.  It was suggested the City be contacted and that if and when something happens on the site, that the FNWC be contacted and informed of the proposals, even if no actual zoning changes would be necessary. 

The group then talked about the Sawmill Wetlands.  The group expressed its concern that this green space could potentially be removed from the area.  The FNWC stated that it was not against development but there are many unused buildings in the area now that could be repurposed.  The area working as a filter for local rain runoff and the loss of the hardwood trees was of considerable concern, as was the understanding that this property was supposed to remain a wetland “in perpetuity” and what other possible meaning there might be for the word perpetuity.  It was suggested that the FNWC pen a letter to Governor Kasich about the group’s concerns, with copies to the Ohio EPA and Division of Wildlife.

The FNWC members were then notified of the upcoming Northwest Civic Association meeting on November 7 at the Meadow Park Church on Bethel Road that would be discussing the approximately 325 apartment units across from the Olde Village Bookshop on Dublin-Granville Road.  Some of the FNWC members planned to be in attendance at that meeting. 

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

Respectfully submitted,

Rich Herner

FNWC Secretary