Far Northwest Coalition

JULY 2015 FNWC MINUTES

Far Northwest Coalition
Columbus, OH

July 29, 2015 

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

Jeff Brown made a presentation to the FNWC for the owner of the Germain Ford dealership at the corner of Sawmill and Billingsley Road.  Germain’s auto service is now a separate entity and they are requesting a graphics variance to put up a pole sign for “Quick Lane Lube” on Billingsley Road.  The sign would sit in front of the area for service but a monument sign would not be seen because of the cars parked in the immediate area.  There is currently a large wall sign on the south side of the building for the auto service business.  The applicant feels they need the additional signage exposure to compete with other quick lube places, like Valvoline and Jiffy Lube.  The sign would be internally lit, with a “menu” of services offered.  

There was a general discussion of the request and pictures of the site were reviewed.  The FNWC members felt that the public knows that the dealer has auto service available, not just for new cars, and there was real concern over the “menu” of services offered that were listed on the sign.  Specific discussion points were that the FNWC felt that appropriate signage is already in place, do not want to set a precedent for the “menu” of services as requested and that the message conveyed by the topmost graphics obviated the need for any additional listing of services.  

It was moved and seconded, that the FNWC not approve the graphics variance request as presented by Germain since there is already sufficient signage currently in place on the side of the building for the Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center.  Motion passed unanimously.

There then ensued a discussion about the progress of the Hard Road project.  It was noted that the Hard /Sawmill Road intersection will be modified.  Sidewalks are currently going in on Smoky Row Road, which project will also add some turn lanes at selected intersections.

The Northwest Plan being updated by the City of Columbus has hit a snag since some staff handling the Plan revision have moved on to other positions, essentially putting a hold on the project until fall when new staff will be appointed.  It was also noted that the Byers setback variance request for the dealership on Billingsley Road from the FNWC May meeting had been tabled by City Council because of some organized opposition to the request.

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

Respectfully submitted,



Rich Herner
FNWC Secretary