Far Northwest Coalition

MARCH 2013 FNWC MINUTES

Far Northwest Coalition

Columbus, OH

 

March 27, 2013

 

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

 

David B. Perry (Development Consultant) of The David Perry Company representing AIF Holding Company made a presentation to the group concerning a pending parking variance request for the Safelite headquarters at 2396 Farmers Drive.  AIF wishes to exceed the current parking ratio maximum to allow enough parking to accommodate Safelite shift changes and 300 new employees to be added over the next couple of years. 

 

Safelite’s call center is approximately 73,000 square feet and the office area is approximately 155,000 square feet.  Parking requirements for Other Commercial Uses of this size limit parking spaces to 990.  Safelite currently has 925 spaces, 65 spaces can be added without a variance.  Safelite wishes to add a total of 167 spaces.   With the addition of 167 spaces the total spaces will be 1,092 which is 10% or 102 spaces above the parking space maximum.

 

The pavement for the new spaces will be added to the North (borders 270) and in the center of the existing lot.  No change to the pavement to the East of the lot which borders a residential area. 

 

The FNWC questioned whether the current landscaped center area which will be paved is required by code.  Mr. Perry advised that there is no current code that requires the current landscaped (grassy) area.  The FNWC also questioned if the current grassy area is for drainage.  Mr. Perry advised that the engineer, CT Consultants, will handle whatever is required in the way of drainage. 

 

All neighbors of the property will be on the affidavit notice list from the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). 

 

The new pavement at the North end of the lot will still be well set back from the 10 foot easement barrier (borders 270).  The new parking plan will add landscaped end caps at the ends of the parking rows. 

 

The BZA meeting will be on the next regularly scheduled, fourth Tuesday of the month which is April 25, 2013. 

 

 

After some additional discussion, it was moved (Kelly Thompson) and seconded (Gary Bruck) that the FNWC approve 10% or 102 spaces in excess of current regulations to allow for adequate parking for the tenant at 2396 Farmers Drive.  Motion Passed.

 

It was noted that demolition seemed to be completed at the Olde Sawmill shopping center area, though there did not appear to be any other current information on the project.  The demolition went from the North through all businesses ending to the South just before Skyline Chili which remains open for business. 

 

It was also noted that the planning and purchasing of land for the Northward expansion of Sawmill Parkway to the City of Delaware continues. 

 

The FNWC then had a short discussion regarding “Welcome to Northwest Columbus” signs.  Discussion was tabled to allow for comment from absent board members. 

 

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

 

Respectfully presented,

 

Kelly Thompson

FNWC Treasurer