Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation approves the Big Darby Accord Plan Principles.
This resolution is presented as an emergency to allow the City Council and the Mayor of the City of Columbus to express its support for the progress and direction of the Big Darby Accord.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact from this legislation.
Title
To approve the Big Darby Accord Plan Principles; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Big Darby Accord is being developed collaboratively by ten jurisdictions within the Big Darby Watershed in Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, significant progress has been made by the jurisdictions in the development of the plan; and
WHEREAS, progress includes mapping and analysis of environmental conditions, land use and demographics, community facilities, infrastructure, and other existing conditions; a methodology to identify and protect environmentally sensitive lands totaling around 20,000 acres in a contiguous open space and land conservation network; use of aggressive water quality goals that complement the OEPA draft Total Maximum Daily Load levels; strong public participation including two public meetings with over 300 in attendance; 30 stakeholder meetings with environmental groups, school officials, building industry members, property owners, and others; introduction of transfer of development rights that could serve as a model to protect sensitive lands and promote equity and fairness; development of a strategic framework to guide plan development and implementation; advancement of a preliminary land use concept based on plan principles that balance land uses; collaboration with other planning efforts; and strong involvement with multiple public agencies; and
WHEREAS, the plan principles are based upon a mission statement developed by the ten jurisdictions at the beginning of the planning process; and
WHEREAS, it is important that Columbus demonstrates continued commitment to...
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