Near East Area Commission

NEAC General Meeting Minutes, July 2003

Minutes can not be posted until approved by the full body

The Near East Area Commission Meeting
Minutes for July 10, 2003
(approved September, 2003)

Ch. Bailey opened the July meeting of NEAC at 6:37 p.m. with words of inspiration. The meeting was held at 950 East Main Street, the Columbus Police Substation.

1. Roll Call (by Com. Cooley)

Commissioner Roll Call
Present: Bailey Roberts Jackson C. Powell
Brown Cooley K. Powell, Secretary Shelby
Buxton Fitrakis James Richardson
Absent: Cody Johnson

Community Roll Call
Walter Cates, MSBA Charolyn Cheney - OTENA
Tawana Owens – OTENA Rick Redmond – OTENA
Com. Jackson – Woodland Park Neighborhood Association Com. Cooley – SOM/Linwood Block Watch
Sherry Pymer – Hotlzman Main Business Association

2. Zoning Committee Report Ch. Bailey, presenting)
a. Future Agenda Items: Current applicants: Demolition request for 1143 E. Main, paperwork forthcoming; 258 N. 20th, update for variance.
b. Zoning Committee Report:
i. 327 & 329 Taylor Avenue: part of Taylor Homes project. Baker is going to postpone demolition and look at alternatives for property.
ii. 1054 E. Broad: Ch. Bailey received a letter from applicant indicating that the plans for the car wash have been put on hold and is considering condos or apartments for that location.
iii. 882 Bryden Rd.: request for variance for use of carriage house. A motion was made to accept the recommendation of the zoning committee to allow the variance to correct the existing violation – the building is too close to the other property. (James, Richardson - motion carried (9, 2 abstentions).
iv. 1985 E. Main St.: variance for maneuvering and handicapped parking (applicant seeking to construct Family Dollar). Architectural drawings have been redone to reflect changes requested at zoning meeting. A motion was made to accept the recommendation of the zoning committee to allow a design change in parking to eliminated the need for a handicap space front of the setback and eliminate the parking ramp and to present a final design that was acceptable to NEAC with contingencies included on the variance application. (Buxton, James - motion carried unanimously).
v. 933 E. Gay Street: Community properties of OH (formerly Broad St. Management

Discussion: Tom Kibbey, atty representing CPO Cynthia Haynes stated that the driveway to the loading dock will be moved off Gay St. because the alley has not been vacated. Loading dock will be screened with trees so it will not be visible. Alley should be vacated sometime in August. Letter from Committee in support of vacating alley would help the process.

Old Stilton Building will house management of CPO. Parking in back forms campus with spine of landscaping for employees to move back and forth. Fencing with gates that close in back – chain link or wood – along side of property with housing.

Al Waddell stated that there is attractive industrial strength fence that could be used. Concerned that budget for renovations of building might impact renovations planned for residential properties.

Kibbey stated that there is HUD money for set aside for management of properties that has already been approved by the board.

Comm. Shelby stated that simulated iron fencing is available.

Comm. Jackson asked about the 2-story garage tenant. The lower level is a business and the top level will be used for parking. The Cambridge Arms is low-income senior housing that will be one of the first properties rehabbed. The business on the lower level has an existing 5-year lease.

Comm. James states that he will agree with the request with the following contingencies:

1. loading dock will be moved until alley is vacated with preference for alley to be vacated.
2. usage variance to continuing non-conforming use as a warehouse
3. south wall to be demolished.

Comm. James was assured that there would not be any slats used in chain link fencing.

Kibbey/Cynthia ____ indicated that there would be a request for a 10 ft. fence. Waddell stated that the look would send a message that the neighborhood was not safe and asked for a lower fence. Cynthia ______ stated that the fence would have to match the current gates currently in use at the property.

A motion was made to accept the recommendation of the zoning committee to continue non-conforming use of the warehouse. (Buxton, Roberts motion passed unanimously)

3. Election At Large, District IV

a. Georgetta Lake – Candidate for Business At Large position

Works with Long St. Business Association. Business includes providing rental and office space for small businesses in the area. GL has lived in Near East for 24 years and is very particular about businesses that are seeking to open in the area. GL seeks to work with businesses that will compliment business strip and residential area.

Comm. Buxton asked what GL’s vision for neighborhood is – GL stated that we need specialty shops, coffee shop – more upscale businesses.

Carolyn Cheney asked about neighborhood affiliations – GL is a member of LSBA and lives in NEAC District I

Motion to accept application of Georgetta Lake for Business at Large position (Roberts, Buxton. Motion carried unanimously).

b. Eileen Vinson, District IV

Resides at 186 Wilson Avenue. 35 years in the area. Currently operates dry cleaners at 18th & Oak. Wants to help enhance area.

Comm. Jackson asked for affiliations with other neighborhood groups. Vinson was a member of OTENA 28 years ago and is an honorary member of CMCAO.

Cheney stated that FPAA is another group in the area but Vinson has no other neighborhood affiliations.

Vinson discussed possible conflict with church commitment but stated that she will do what she must to be committed to NEAC.

Motion to accept application of Vinson for District IV Commissioner ( Cooley, Richardson motion carried unanimously.)

Lake and Vinson will be seated in September, 2003.



4. Planning (Com. Roberts, presenting)
a. Planning Committee Report
1. Mark Dravillas is the new planner appointed by the City to assist NEAC with the review of the Near East Area plan.
2. Mark Green from COTA discussed the proposed plans for the COTA Transit Center to be built at Champion and Main.
3. Jon Beard from The Columbus Compact discussed the proposed plans for the COTA transit center, the possibility of an Aldi’s or Sav-A-Lot at the present location of the Salvation Army (Wilson & Main).
4. Councilman Sensenbrenner discussed the MOU.

5. Announcements
a. Central Community House groundbreaking - July 24.
b. Thank you from Christine Godward for NEAC going away. Godward is currently at United Way.
c. Al Waddell – invitation to reception for new head of Historic Preservation Office on July 23.
d. Larry Roberts - Leadership meeting at Northland Community Center, 421 Morse July 23 6-7 pm.

6. Speakers
a. Kay Spurgil, Executive Dir. Friends of the Homeless
_____ Smith – Director of Men’s Shelter.: Discussed drafting of good neighbor agreement that will state who we are, what we provide, and safety. No new programs are being introduced. Spurgil would like NEAC to review the draft.
Proposed plan to move front door of Main St. shelter to the back. Columbus Design Group is helping to design new door.

Comm. Buxton asked what they are looking for. Community Shelter Board requires a good neighbor agreement. Wants approval of agreement.

Comm. Buxton asked what services are provided by Shelter: 24 hour shelter, recovery, resource center, GED computer, telephones.

Program was evaluated in 2001 and was found to be high performing. There is no direct mental health counseling. Referrals are made to NetCare.

Comm. Brown asked if anyone is ever turned away. Spurgil stated that there is an overflow site. She believes that homeless population is increasing and there is a need for affordable housing and transportation so people can get to work. Residents are provided with bus passes for work. Spurgil will go to community groups for public input.

Ch. Bailey states that Spurgil should work with the planning committee on the good neighbor agreement.

7. President’s Report
a. Ch. Bailey sent a letter to bankruptcy court about Michael Ross and his attempt t repurchase properties (copies distributed). Al Waddell talked to Sue Carpenter and found out that Expando homes are partnered with Ross. Carpenter is working with Expando to mediate violations on Ross properties. Carpenter to report back to City Atty on information.

8. Old Business
a. Community Awareness Day – Comm. Brown is going to discontinue planning. Possible future activities will include distribution of NEAC literature at festivals such as Hot Times. Also possibility of finding one theme and planning to have a presentation about that theme.
9. New Business
a. Comm. Fitrakis stated that Cable Access Channel 21 has time available for broadcast and is currently just showing bulletin board information.
b. Comm. Fitrakis expressed concern about recent fireworks usage in area and the possibility of organizing volunteers to monitor use during holiday season.
c. Comm. Roberts – COTA is starting an education process about the levy for light rail. Light rail buss is on exhibit at Nationwide.

10. Minutes
a. A motion was made by Comm. James to accept the minutes. Motion carried.