Betty Balthaser*

Janice Collette*

Virginia Frank*

Dustin Hall*

Mike Hurd*

Glen Hymer*

Dorothy Jantzen*

JoEllen Locke*

Mike McKay*

Tom Morris

Jamie Mueller*

Daniel Province, Chairman*

Jan Province*

Shawn Thomas*

Darlene Weber*

Rick Weber*

Jeff Woodson*

Ken Yant* *denotes present

Also present were Sergeant David Eing, Attorneys John Kennedy and Michael Shannon from Crabbe Brown & James, Colleen Miesse, Attorney Patsy Thomas, Danielle Weber and others from the community.

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Dan Province.

2. A motion to approve the minutes of the August 2002 meeting was asked by Chairman Province. Motion was seconded by Betty Balthaser with all members in favor.

3. Glen Hymer brought up the issue of the Westland Area Plan. Chairman Province indicated that Reza Reyazi called him and reported that he wants to do a comprehensive land review of Westland to be completed in the next three months. The township has the same time frame for their plan and we plan to work with them to see that we are on the page. He will need at least three to four people to be on the planning committee. Presenting the plan to the public for feedback is proposed to take place in October or November 2002.

4. Parks and Recreation Committee - Mike Hurd, Chairperson, reported that a master plan should be available next month and copies will be distributed to WAC at that time. He asked if there is a map available that indicated where all new developments are planned, one that he could show the commission. This map is available through Tim Kipp of the city's Development Committee.

5. Community Relations - Betty Balthaser, Chairperson, reported there is a new senior home, Lutheran Social Services, going in one block east of Norton Road (between Ina and Norton). Ground breaking is set for 10:00 a.m. on October 16, 2002.

6. Development Committee - Chairman Province announced that Norton Road, between Hall Road and Broad Street, will be widened to a five lane road with a sidewalk on the West side of the road. It will be necessary to move the utilities in order to widen the road. The utility movement will begin in January 2003 and road construction will begin sometime next Summer.

7. Zoning Committee - Mike McKay, Chairperson, introduced Attorneys John Kennedy and Michael Shannon from the law firm of Crabbe, Brown & James. They distributed an agreement and indicated they were present to inform WAC of a new development at 5572 Alkire Road. This property is currently zoned CPD and that will not change. A convenience store with drive thru, gasoline station and automatic carwash is being proposed for this site. A 25' green space with tree line is planned for the section facing the residential area. The exterior will be all brick with monument signage. No outdoor displays will be installed other than auto service related items or temporary items (i.e., cases of soft drinks). Per the Traffic Department's request, an additional right of way will be installed.

Mike McKay pointed out to the attorneys that there is no outdoor tobacco sales restriction in the agreement. Atty. Shannon noted that fact and said he will add that language to the agreement.

Mike Hurd showed concern about curb cuts and the fact that there will be two car washes within 200' of each other. Atty. Shannon explained that the Traffic Department has the same concerns in regard to curb cuts. The agreement states it is required to have the drive as far West on Alkire and as far North on Norton as possible. He also explained that the car washes are different types; one is a self wash with several bays and the proposed car wash will be a one bay, automatic wash.

Jan Province pointed out that when the proposed plans for this property were first written it was a single property and there was to be one gas station and one car wash. However, when the final plan was written it said gas stations, plural. Now the purpose for this new agreement is so they can add another of each. Rick Weber pointed out the numerous new car washes that have gone in that area.

Mike McKay asked if this was the property that the vacant house currently sets or if it also included the occupied house next door. The attorneys indicated that it was the vacant house up to the tree line of the occupied house.

Chairman Province inquired whether the right hand turn lane will be right in and right out only. Atty. Shannon said traffic engineering did not require that. Province asked that it be a condition for approval. Atty. Kennedy said he would check with traffic engineering and report back to the commission. Province was also concerned if the dumpster will be close to the residential area. Shannon indicated that it was and he will check to see if that can be moved away from homes.

Jamie Mueller suggested that the attorneys check with the surrounding properties to see if they will share driveways or have a service drive installed. The attorneys will go back to property owners and share this concern and see what they say.

Two residents from this area were present to share their opinions on this proposal. One resident voiced his concerns about drainage as they have had problems with builders before. He also stated that the original plan for this property has been altered from one large strip mall to separate pieces of property. This is not what they were told would happen to this site.

Another resident raised his concerns with the fact that properties in this area are being zoned for one thing and then changed later, like with the property in discussion. For example, they were promised condos in an area and apartments were built instead. He has had water problems due to new construction that have been resolved but is concerned the same will happen again. He is mainly concerned about heavier traffic in this area.

Mike McKay questioned whether there would be a park line dedication. Atty. Shannon said this is not required due to the fact that the property is already zoned CPD.

Chairman Province pointed out that landscaping is not addressed in the agreement. Atty. Shannon agreed to add this to the document. Other concerns were: graphics on the canopy and heavy signage, commitment to brick monument-style sign, and cigarettes sales in drive thru. Atty. Kennedy indicated they cannot restrict the sale of cigarettes. It is up to the store to enforce tobacco sales to minors.

At this time, Mike McKay closed the discussion and motioned for approval of the agreement once the new language is added with the changes that were discussed. Mike Hurd seconded. A voice vote was taken by Chairman Province with nine members approving and eight against the proposed plan.

Rick Weber is concerned about changes to agreement being made and asked if WAC could see the revised agreement before it is approved. Atty. Kennedy said he will make sure WAC has an opportunity to review the agreement before final approval.

Mike McKay brought up an issue of low attendance at the Zoning Committee meetings. The committee needs a quorum in order to approve issues. Asked members to be committed to attending. He will announce the meeting date at the WAC meeting only.

8. Patsy Thomas, Attorney from the Columbus City Attorneys Office, was present to speak to the group about environmental laws. She distributed some materials pertaining to this subject and reviewed them with the group. The city's mission is to prosecute individuals who do not comply with the codes. She pointed out several issues including a crack hotline to call and report a suspected drug house (narcotics unit will start a surveillance and contact local police) and neighborhood liaisons. She also handed out and reviewed the following documents: Free Tool Rental Library (tools available to homeowners for use in maintaining their properties), Neighborhood Litter Cleanups, Mayor's Action Center Fix-It Form and the Homeowner Assistance Program.

There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Return to previous page