Far Northwest Coalition

NOVEMBER 2008 FNWC MINUTES

FAR NORTHWEST COALITION (FNWC)

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

November 25, 2008

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

The Minutes from the last meeting held October 29, 2008 were approved, with a typo change to correct the spelling of John Murley’s name. Best advised the group that he had still not heard anything definitive on the Claremont zoning change request. He also noted that the signs were still up for the advertising campaign of Safelite; the signs should have been down by now. He mentioned that the City voters approved all sections of the capital improvement bond package.

Devayani Puranik, a senior planner with the City, then made a presentation to the group concerning the proposed commercial overlay project for certain commercial areas in the FNWC area. These overlays would require additional standards to the regular zoning code in these areas. The areas in question would run from Sawmill Road to Olentangy River Road on Bethel Road; from Cranston to Saltergate on Sawmill Road; and from Federated to Sawmill on St. Rt. 161. The areas under consideration are only those that abut on the above-referenced streets; inlots would not be included. She said she would be attending the Northwest Civic Association meeting next month to ask for their approval of the project.

The overlays would only come into play if certain alterations were being made to buildings or parking areas; such as a 50% increase in building size, exterior alterations or parking area changes or any encroachment on the right of way. She noted that applicants always have the option of going to the Zoning Board of Adjustments for variance requests.

The group discussed the possibility of having all commercial areas in the FNWC jurisdiction included in the overlay. After discussion, it was felt that it would be best to look at the areas currently under consideration and then go back later for the remainder of the FNWC area if it was felt necessary.

There was then a lengthy discussion concerning the areas under consideration, as well as what this may mean for future zoning request procedures. Residents in attendance had considerable input into the discussion.

It was then moved, and seconded by the FNWC, to approve the commercial overlay project specifications, as presented; including the commercial property areas fronting on Sawmill Road, St. Rt. 161 and Bethel Road as indicated on the presented overlay maps. Motion passed.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Rich Herner
FNWC Secretary