Explanation
Background: The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) received a grant from the Ohio Lake Erie Commission in late 2009, which was augmented with transportation funding, to undertake balanced growth planning in Central Ohio. During 2011 and 2012, MORPC worked with communities in the Big Walnut and Upper Scioto watersheds to prepare balanced growth plans for each of these areas. Columbus representatives attended project meetings and provided input on map and text portions of the documents. The resulting plans identify priority areas for agriculture, conservation, and development. The plans also outline tools and programs to protect and enhance Priority Agriculture and Conservation Areas while focusing sustainable development in Priority Development Areas. The plans contain recommendations rather than mandated requirements. A similar plan was completed for the Olentangy watershed in 2011 and supported through a separate resolution. This resolution is intended to express support for the completed Big Walnut and Upper Scioto Balanced Growth Plans. No City funds are obligated by this resolution and the project budget does not contemplate contributions from Columbus or other partner jurisdictions.
Fiscal Impact: No funds are obligated or implied by this resolution.
Title
A resolution of support for the Big Walnut and Upper Scioto Balanced Growth Plans.
Body
WHEREAS, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) received a grant from the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, augmented with transportation funding, to undertake balanced growth planning; and
WHEREAS, MORPC formed Watershed Planning Partnerships comprised of jurisdictions within the Big Walnut and Upper Scioto watersheds to work collaboratively on planning efforts for these areas; and
WHEREAS, these efforts included opportunities for public input; and
WHEREAS, the resulting plans identify Priority Development Areas within the watershed, where growth or redevelopment should be promoted and through which the economy of the region encompassed by the watershed can be enhanced; and
WHEREAS, the balanced growth plans identify Priority Conservation Areas, the preservation of which would protect key environmental resources and enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the plans also identify Priority Agricultural Areas to conserve valuable farm land, while protecting surface and groundwaters; and
WHEREAS, the plans outline implementation tools and programs; and
WHEREAS, the plans do not impose mandatory requirements on partner communities; and
WHEREAS, no City funds are obligated or implied by this resolution and the project budget does not contemplate contributions from Columbus or other partner jurisdictions; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1: That the Mayor and City Council support the Big Walnut and Upper Scioto Balanced Growth Plans and that, subject to available resources, the City will make good faith efforts to implement applicable recommendations of the plans in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio and the wishes of its own citizens.
Section 2: That this resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.