Far Northwest Coalition

JUNE 2005 FNWC MINUTES

FAR NORTHWEST COALITION ( FNWC )

FAR NORTHWEST COALITION
P.O. BOX 340285 COLUMBUS, OH 43234-0285

June 29, 2005

The Far Northwest Coalition (FNWC) met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the Northwest Library. Members present of the FNWC Board were John Best, John Murley, Joe McCumber, Mike Brown, Kelly Thompson and Rich Herner.

Best updated the group on the most recent Northwest Plan meeting. He discussed a survey given at the meeting on various issues, with the results to be presented at the July meeting. It was noted that attendance at the last meeting was about half of the prior meeting’s attendance. The next meeting will be held on July 13 at the Northwest Library and will speak to transportation issues in the area.

It was noted that site clearing has begun on the property at the corner of Hard and Linworth Roads, for the planned condo development there. In addition, several graphics violations in the area were discussed but no action taken since there were no City code officers in attendance.

Sherri Tackett, President of Delta Energy LLC made a presentation to the group concerning a property her company plans to purchase located at 2674 Federated Blvd. With the purchase, they would like to increase the number of parking spots from 22 to 36 (an increase of 14 spots) which would require the removal of several trees on the lot. She noted the request is for an additional 14 spaces, but she could probably accept as few as 10 or 12 more. The request is for a change in zoning, tho it was unclear whether the current zoning language requires no tree removal or whether there is an issue with the number of parking spots.

Tackett said she has 25 employees, as well as several company cars which is why they need the additional parking. She said an offer had been made to rent parking space across the street, but they would prefer to have all of their spots on their own property and not have to cross the street. She noted that there is a lot of debris and trash in the area and she would see that this was all cleaned up and she would spruce up the property in general. This would include repairing the patio and fence along the back. She would clear out the underbrush, move the dumpster to an inconspicuous location and generally put the place in an orderly condition. She wants to make the property inviting to both her employees and visitors. This property will be owner occupied, and being a neighbor in the community, she plans to keep it well maintained.

The property has just under 6000 usable square footage and all areas are well within required setbacks. She said all signage would conform to current zoning requirements as would any additional lighting, which she would like to maintain as close as possible to the current condition. She noted that the current lighting was no higher than 14 feet, and she would like to stay consistent with that presentation. The group discussed the necessity to keep any additional lighting low so it doesn’t impact the adjacent properties, especially with trees being removed.

Tackett said she was willing to replace any trees removed with a like number of new ones. The tree preservation plans as well new landscaping plantings were discussed. Drainage issues were also touched on in the discussion because of the additional pavement necessary for the parking spots. Notification of the adjacent property owners was also mentioned to with Tackett.

Additional discussion was held on the rezoning request, including possible vandalism of any cars parked in the lot overnight. It was then moved, and seconded, that the FNWC conditionally approve the rezoning request for the property located at 2674 Federated Boulevard as presented; subject to notification of the adjacent neighbors, any additional lighting be limited in height to no greater than the height of the existing lights, that any drainage issues caused by the additional parking be addressed so as to not impact the adjacent property owners, that additional trees be planted to replace those removed as indicated by the applicant and that the parking expansion be limited to 10 additional spaces only. Motion Passed.

The FNWC then discussed the zoning variance request for 1499 Hard Road (Worthington Kilbourne HS) and the planned electronic sign for the front lawn, as appeared on the agenda. Some specific questions were brought up by the group; however the applicant was not present to fully address those concerns. Upon motion, and second, the FNWC tabled the rezoning request for the property located at 1499 Hard Road for additional information, with the condition that the applicant must appear before the FNWC at its July meeting. Otherwise, the FNWC recommendation would be for non-support of the variance request without the applicant’s appearance. Motion Passed.

It was then moved, and seconded to approve the Minutes of the FNWC meeting from May 25, 2005. Motion passed.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Rich Herner
FNWC Secretary