Explanation
Background:
The Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy addresses the area located immediately to the east of downtown Columbus and includes both sides of Parsons Avenue from Broad Street on the north to East Main Street on the south. The Strategy was developed at the request of Olde Towne East leaders. The intent is to position the area for economic development after the reconstruction of I-70/71. The Strategy is an amendment to the Near East Area Plan (adopted in 2005) and is intended to inform investment in the Olde Towne Quarter with the goal of facilitating such development/redevelopment, creating jobs, attracting services and goods to the benefit of area residents, and increasing property values. A working committee consisting of Olde Towne East and Near East Area Commission leadership guided the development of the document. It was recommended for adoption by City Council by the Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association and the Near East Area Commission. The Development Commission reviewed the Strategy on June 24, 2010 and unanimously voted to recommend adoption by City Council.
Fiscal Impact:
No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To adopt the Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy as a guide for development, redevelopment, and planning of future public improvements.
Body
WHEREAS, the Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy is intended to serve as a guide for development, redevelopment, and planning of future public improvements; and
WHEREAS, leaders from the Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association and the Near East Area Commission guided the development of the Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy; and
WHEREAS, the recommendations of the Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy address a development vision for the area, zoning and land use issues, and economic development strategies; and
WHEREAS, the Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association and the Near East Area Commission have endorsed the Plan and recommended adoption by City Council; and
WHEREAS, after public notice, a public hearing was held on June 24, 2010 at which the Development Commission approved the Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy and recommended its adoption to City Council; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy, an amendment to the Near East Area Plan, is hereby adopted to establish guidelines for development, redevelopment, and planning of future public improvements.
Section 2. That all city of Columbus departments and divisions are hereby authorized and directed to use the Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy in initiating or reviewing projects within the planning area or adjacent areas and to require that such projects generally conform to it.
Section 3. That the Department of Development is directed to monitor the use of the Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy, and to present to City Council any amendments necessary to keep it up-to-date.
Section 4. That copies of the Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy 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.