Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Near East Area Plan is an update to the 1995 Near East Area Plan and applies to the Near East Area Commission boundary, which is I-670 on the north, Alum Creek on the east, I-70 on the south, and I-71 on the west. The planning process was initiated at the request of the Near East Area Commission and began in the summer of 2003. The NEAC Planning Committee guided the complete update to the 1995 Area Plan at its regularly scheduled monthly public meetings. Issues, policies, and strategies were generated for land use, housing, transportation, and community facilities. A subcommittee of the NEAC Planning Committee, along with representatives from civic associations and business associations formed recommendations, including design guidelines, specific to each Near East Side business district. This subcommittee was broadened to include representatives of the historic preservation community and other stakeholders in order to form design guidelines for East Broad Street. Design guidelines were also formed by the NEAC Planning Committee for infill housing. An implementation element provides a checklist for the review of development proposals and public improvements and indicates continued support from the Planning Division with plan implementation. Upon formation of a complete draft, presentations were made to all Near East Side civic associations, business associations, and other parties. Public input was taken for nearly two months, during which time every civic association provided written input on the draft. The majority of this input was then incorporated into the draft, which was presented to the full Near East Area Commission at its regularly scheduled June 9th meeting and was unanimously recommended to the Columbus Development Commission. The Development Commission reviewed the plan on August 25th and unanimously voted to recommend adoption.
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To adopt the Near East Area Plan as a guide for development, redevelopment, and the planning of future public improvements.
Body
WHEREAS, the Near East Area Plan is intended to serve as a guide for development, redevelopment, and the planning of future public improvements; and
WHEREAS, the Near East Area Commission Planning Committee guided the development of the Near East Area Plan; and
WHEREAS, committee meetings, presentations, and public presentations were conducted as part of the public planning process; and
WHEREAS, the recommendations of the Near East Area Plan address zoning and land use issues, infrastructure needs, and other community priorities; and
WHEREAS, the Near East Area Commission has 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 Near East Area Plan and recommended adoption to City Council; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Near East Area Plan is hereby adopted to establish guidelines for development, redevelopment, and the planning of future public improvements. It updates and supersedes the 1995 Near East Area Plan.
Section 2. That all city of Columbus departments and divisions are hereby authorized and directed to use the Near East 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 Near East Area Plan, and to present to City Council any amendments necessary to keep the plan up-to-date.
Section 4. That copies of the Near East 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.