Explanation
BACKGROUND:The Southwest Area Plan is the first plan developed for this multi-jurisdictional area bounded by Mound Street on the north, the Scioto River on the east, I-270 on the south, and the railroad right-of-way located to the west of Harrisburg Pike on the west. The Plan applies to the Southwest Area Commission boundary, which includes portions of Columbus, Franklin Township, Jackson Township and Urbancrest. The Plan was initiated at the request of the Southwest Area Commission and was undertaken as a joint effort with the Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department. A Working Committee consisting of area stakeholders met from March 2008 to November 2008 to provide input and guidance. Three public workshops were held during this timeframe to allow for broad public input and feedback. A complete draft plan was formed in the fall of 2008 and presented to the Working Committee and then to the public at an open house. After receiving a favorable recommendation from the Working Committee, the Southwest Area Commission unanimously voted on December 17, 2008 to recommend the draft to the City Development Commission. The Development Commission reviewed the plan on January 22, 2009 and endorsed its adoption by City Council.
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
Title
To adopt the Southwest Area Plan as a guide for development, redevelopment, and the planning of future public improvements.
Body
WHEREAS, the Southwest Area Plan is intended to serve as a guide for development, redevelopment, and the planning of future public improvements; and
WHEREAS, the plan, requested by the Southwest Area Commission, is the first for this area; and
WHEREAS, the effort was a collaboration between Franklin County and the City of Columbus, with township participation; and
WHEREAS, the Southwest Area Plan Working Committee guided the development of the Southwest Area Plan; and
WHEREAS, committee meetings, presentations, open houses, and public presentations were conducted as part of the public planning process; and
WHEREAS, the recommendations of the Southwest Area Plan address zoning and land use issues, infrastructure needs, and other community priorities; and
WHEREAS, the Southwest Area Commission has endorsed the Plan and recommended adoption by City Council; and
WHEREAS, adoption of this plan is also being pursued in Franklin County, Franklin Township and Jackson Township; and
WHEREAS, after public notice a public hearing was held on January 22, 2008 at which the Development Commission approved the Southwest Area Plan and recommended its adoption to City Council; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Southwest Area 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 Southwest Area 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 Southwest Area Plan, and to present to City Council any amendments necessary to keep the plan up-to-date.
Section 4. That copies of the Southwest Area 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.