Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The Harrison West Plan was developed by a committee of stakeholders to guide growth and redevelopment, protect historic assets, preserve neighborhood character, and identify significant infrastructure deficiencies. The committee was comprised of neighborhood residents and property owners, Harrison West Society officers, local business representatives, and city staff. Members convened monthly at the First Brethren Church on Third Avenue to discuss issues, prioritize needs, and develop a series of recommendations.
Though it is the first plan ever prepared for the neighborhood, the Harrison West Plan was originally conceived as an update to the 'Harrison West Reach' section of the Columbus Riverfront Vision Plan, adopted by Columbus City Council in 1998. As the name suggests, the Riverfront Vision Plan was created to guide development and coordinate parkland acquisition along the Scioto/Olentangy River Corridor, which runs through Harrison West. The Harrison West Plan is much more than an update to the Vision Plan, however, as it addresses a larger geography - the entire Harrison West neighborhood - and a broader scope of issues.
In general terms, the Harrison West Plan recommends a continuation of the development patterns that lend the neighborhood its unique character. Additional residential development, retail development, office and light industrial development, and parkland have all been proposed as a part of a balanced mix.
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To adopt the Harrison West Plan as a guide for development, redevelopment, and the planning of future public improvements.
Body
WHEREAS, the Harrison West Plan is intended to serve as a guide for development, redevelopment, and the planning of future public improvements; and
WHEREAS, a working committee of stakeholders was formed to assist in the development of the Harrison West 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 Harrison West Plan address zoning and land use issues, infrastructure needs, and other community priorities; and
WHEREAS, the Harrison West Society has unanimously endorsed the Plan and recommended adoption by City Council; and
WHEREAS, after public notice a public hearing was held at which the Development Commission approved the Harrison West Plan and recommended adoption to City Council; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Harrison West Plan is hereby adopted to establish guidelines for development, redevelopment, and the planning of future public improvements.
Section 2. That all city of Columbus departments and divisions are hereby authorized and directed to use the Harrison West 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 Harrison West Plan, and to present to City Council any amendments necessary to keep the plan up-to-date.
Section 4. That copies of the Harrison West 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.