Explanation
BACKGROUND: The TriSouth planning area lies approximately three miles southeast of downtown Columbus. It includes the Marion-Franklin, Southfield, Greenhill Acres and Cambria Addition neighborhoods and contains approximately 1,280 acres of land. Though primarily residential in character, the area is bordered by a large warehouse/distribution facility south of Watkins Road and several auto-related uses along Groveport Road. The neighborhoods within the planning area are served by the Marion-Franklin Community Center, four public schools and more than 40 churches.The planning process was launched in July of 2002. A working committee consisting of neighborhood residents and local community leaders met during the months of August, September, October and November to discuss issues, share concerns, formulate goals and identify community priorities. During the winter months, the outcomes of the committee meetings (goals and recommendations) were compiled by the Planning Division and assembled into a draft plan. The plan was then submitted to city staff for review and comment. A second draft was prepared and subsequently presented to residents, neighborhood groups and the Council of South Side Organizations. Additional public comment was solicited at an Open House on July 16, 2003, and the feedback was incorporated into the final draft. The Development Commission reviewed the plan on July 24, 2003, and unanimously voted to recommend adoption.Though it contains traditional elements, the plan is somewhat unique in appearance and scope. The layout and narrative style are characteristic of a magazine, to appeal to readers of all ages, and the goals and strategies have been organized by theme. The introductory section includes six essays written by neighborhood residents, a first for a plan of this kind.
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To adopt the TriSouth Neighborhood Plan as a guide for future public improvements and redevelopment within the Marion-Franklin, Southfield, Greenhill Acres and Cambria Addition neighborhoods.
Body
WHEREAS, the TriSouth Neighborhood Plan is intended to serve as a guide for future public improvements and redevelopment within the Marion-Franklin, Southfield, Greenhill Acres and Cambria Addition neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, a working committee of stakeholders was formed to assist in the development of the TriSouth Neighborhood Plan; and
WHEREAS, committee meetings, presentations and a public open house were conducted as part of the public planning process; and
WHEREAS, the recommendations of the TriSouth Neighborhood Plan address land use issues, infrastructure needs and other community priorities; and
WHEREAS, the Marion-Franklin Area Civic Association and the Council of Southside Organizations have endorsed the Plan and recommend adoption by City Council; and
WHEREAS, after public notice a public hearing was held at which the Development Commission approved the TriSouth Neighborhood Plan and recommended adoption to City Council; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the TriSouth Neighborhood Plan is hereby adopted to establish guidelines for growth, future public improvements and redevelopment within the Marion-Franklin, Southfield, Greenhill Acres and Cambria Addition neighborhoods.
Section 2. That all city of Columbus departments and divisions are hereby authorized and directed to use the TriSouth Neighborhood Plan in initiating or reviewing projects within the planning area or adjacent areas and require that such projects generally conform to the plan.
Section 3. That the Department of Development is directed to monitor the use of the TriSouth Neighborhood Plan, and to present to City Council any amendments necessary to keep the plan up-to-date.
Section 4. That copies of the TriSouth Neighborhood Plan shall be kept on file in the Department of Development, Planning Division.
Section 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.