Far Northwest Coalition

Far Northwest Coalition

What is the Far Northwest Coalition (FNWC)?

What is the Far Northwest Coalition (FNWC)?

· FNWC is an umbrella group of civic associations seeking to break down jurisdictional walls in working together for the betterment of the far northwest community.
· FNWC seeks open communications between Columbus, Worthington and Dublin, Perry and Sharon Townships, and our neighbors in Delaware County to accomplish this goal.

What are FNWC’s boundaries?

FNWC’s boundaries are State Route 161 on the south, the Olentangy River on the east, Sawmill Road on the west and the Delaware County line to the north.

Who does FNWC represent and how does it operate?

FNWC represents the interests of its member civic associations. Each has a place at the table in discussing issues of community concern. FNWC generally arrives at a consensus and represents that position in writing or in hearings before various governments. However, members may voice a dissenting opinion if identified as their personal opinion.

What does FNWC aim to accomplish?
FNWC aims to shape land use decisions, improve our mass transit and transportation infrastructure, and acquire and improve parkland for future generations. In addition, FNWC may take stances on issues affecting public safety, drainage, utilities, refuse, community schools or a variety of other public issues.

What are FNWC’s recent accomplishments?

FNWC has recently influenced government decisions and accomplished the following:
· Provided input for the annual budget of the City of Columbus and suggested priorities for the Capital Improvements Program (bond package);
· Influenced the revamping of the SR 315, Hard Road, Bluffview Drive configuration; (FNWC provided advice and gave its support to affected residents while lobbying the City of Columbus);
· Supported and gained city funding for an elderly resident’s hardship case where her home will be taken by the above project;
· Lobbied successfully for the addition of an additional turn lane on Hard Road in the Northwest Library and Olde Sawmill area;
Lobbied successfully for enhancements to the Billingsley Retention basin including landscaping, benches and a recreational foot path;
· Lobbied successfully for signalization of various intersections – Stanburn at Hard Road, Caine at Snouffer, Bent Tree at Sawmill Place, etc.
· Fought for the new Hickory Woods Park, five acres of mature hardwood forest along Summitview Road;
· Shaped development more to the liking of the northwest community;

Since zoning decisions are generally made by elected officials, FNWC lobbies for what it feels is the best land use for a proposed development. If FNWC is not in support of a rezoning or variance and elected officials are likely to approve it, we may have to take a damage control position. In such instances, FNWC attempts to either institute various controls, e.g. limit types of business use, hours of operation, etc., or negotiate enhancements such as landscaping, upgrade of building materials, architectural features, etc.

In closing, I am proud of the efforts FNWC has made over the seven years that I have led it.
FNWC relies on unpaid volunteers to get the job done.

I would like to recognize our officers and others who have faithfully served over the past few years in their positions on behalf of their local subdivision and the greater community:
· John Murley, Vice-President (Summit Forest)
· Rich Herner, Secretary - Treasurer (Brookside Estates)
· Ann Brodeur, former Treasurer (Sawmill Forest) · Jayne Hopper (Brookside Estates)
· Rick Cook, Olde Sawmill Civic Association
· Mark Seeger, Summerwood Civic Association

FNWC has many important contributors who provide input in our discussions. I am thankful for the participation, insights and contributions of the following who formerly served:

· Patti Orders (Woodbridge Green) former FNWC Secretary
· John Hart, Brookside Woods Civic Assoc.
· Alan Kundtz, Olde Sawmill Civic Assoc.
· Anton Kaufmann, Summerwood Civic Assoc.
·

FNWC welcomes the following as participants for 2002:
· Jim Kacpura, Summitview Woods Civic Assoc.
· John Hall, Worthington Hills Civic Association
· Tom & Betty Kimball, Brookside Colony Civic
· Judy Perry, Smoky Ridge Civic Association

FNWC is open to representatives from Civic Associations or independent individuals who just plain care about their community. All meetings are "open to the public."

FNWC cordially invites you to our monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of each month at the Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, beginning at 7 P.M.

Sincerely,

John W. Best, President
Far Northwest Coalition

About our association

The Far Northwest Coalition (FNWC) is an umbrella civic association consisting of numerous homeowner and civic associations in the Far Northwest (Greater Sawmill) portion of Franklin County.

FNWC reviews zoning, development and re-development proposals. It seeks adequate greenspace, parkland and recreational activities for its residents. FNWC is active in seeking timely infrastructure improvements and mass transit availability.

FNWC seeks cooperative efforts between the various governmental entities within its boundaries and nearby areas. It seeks to promote a greater sense of community and quality of life for its residents.