Far Northwest Coalition

FEBRUARY 2013 FNWC MINUTES

Far Northwest Coalition

Columbus, OH

February 27, 2013

The Far Northwest Coalition (FNWC) met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the Northwest Library on Hard Road.  Members present were John Murley, John Best,Gary Bruck, Kelly Thompson and Rich Herner.

John Tracy (sign builder) and Mike McCuen (sign installer) representing the Max & Erma’s Restaurant located on Sawmill Road, near Hard Road, made a presentation to the group concerning a graphics variance request for a sign on the side (non-entry door side) of the building.  The sign is located on the south side of the building, near the top of a new faux stone wall, which is above the roof line of the building.  They said the variance request is to allow the sign to remain in place, even though it is on a side that does not have an entrance, which apparently is the graphics code violation.  They said they were looking for final permits when the City disclosed the issue to them.  They said they were under the impression that the sign was in compliance and that was why it had been installed but the City has said that is not the case.

They said this is a new corporate look for Max & Erma’s and they have done approximately 70 stores so far and this was the first time they have had an issue about this signage.  The FNWC questioned whether this was the only graphics violation (sign on side without entrance) since the sign is clearly above the roof line, as well as the sign size could exceed maximum size for graphics.  They produced the letter from the City outlining the code violation and after research by the group; the code sections referenced were for signs on building sides without entrances.

The FNWC discussed the fact that this sets another precedent about installing graphics without prior clearance and then saying “sorry” and asking for a variance.  It was noted however, that the variance precedent for signs on building sides without entrances had already been approved in the area prior to this.

After some additional discussion, it was moved and seconded that the FNWC approve the graphics variance as requested for the physical sign on the side of the Max and Erma’s building as presented and currently installed.  Motion passed.

It was noted that demolition was progressing at the Olde Sawmill shopping center area, though there did not appear to be any other current information on the project.  There are only a few businesses remaining currently in the center.

The FNWC then had a lengthy discussion on the 320 unit apartment project proposed for the south side of St. Rt. 161 across from the Village Bookshop.  It was noted that the NWCA had moved at its February meeting to turn down the request for zoning change but had ended up tabling the matter until the March meeting.  It is scheduled to go before the Development Commission on March 14.  The group felt that perhaps it was necessary to have some media publicity on the issue.  The FNWC noted that the specific development proposal is not in its local area, but did believe that it did affect the residents served by this group and that the FNWC should be able to make a recommendation on the project proposal.

It was then moved and seconded to approve the Minutes from both the October 30, 2012 and January 30, 2013 meetings as presented.  Motion passed.

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

Respectfully presented,

Rich Herner

FNWC Secretary