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Council’s delay on annexations doesn’t last long

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Council’s delay on annexations doesn’t last long
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Mark Ferenchik
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Just a little more than a month after she tabled an annexation application so she could study growth in Columbus, Councilwoman Maryellen O’Shaughnessy has deemed the city’s policy sound.

But critics say a month isn’t nearly enough to determine whether annexations stretch city services too thin.

"I think, clearly, that it’s a sham," Northwest Side neighborhood leader Mike DiNapoli said.

"I don’t see anything that’s changed," said John Tetzloff, president of the Darby Creek Association.

Last night, the City Council approved an annexation application for a 171-acre tract in Prairie and Pleasant townships just south of Bolton Field. On Jan. 26, O’Shaughnessy, who leads the development committee, tabled the request because of "heightened concerns" that the city couldn’t serve growing areas.

On Feb. 19, O’Shaughnessy held a hearing on the city’s annexation policy, which Tetzloff called "a stunning parade of development interests."

Yesterday, O’Shaughnessy said the city isn’t growing too fast, saying the way the city annexes land "really is a managed process."

DiNapoli said that while the city says it wants a growth plan, its actions indicate otherwise.

"We should take a timeout and analyze what the true costs of annexation and development are," he said.

O’Shaughnessy said there is no reason to hold up the annexation. She also said the council had to approve it last night or the developer would have to apply all over again.

Developer Paul S. Coppel has an option on the land.

Tetzloff, who was named to Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s task force charged with a 30-year growth plan, said the city is sending mixed messages.

"What in the world is the hurry to go through annexations?" Tetzloff asked.

For full story click link below.

Annexations Move Forward

The Columbus Dispatch