Explanation
Background:
The Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord was originally adopted in 1997 as a joint planning initiative by the City of Columbus and the Village of New Albany. The Accord was amended in 1999, 2001 and 2003. The 2003 amendment included the designation of a Park Zone north of Walnut Street, within which establishment of a Metro Park was recommended. Subsequent discussions involving Columbus, New Albany, Plain Township and Metro Parks led to an Annexation Agreement and a Metro Park Development Agreement regarding the creation of the park.
An annexation agreement between the City, Village and Township, authorized by ordinance 2262-2006, was executed on February 26, 2008. The agreement established development and annexation objectives and designated the Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord as the principal land use guide for the area. The agreement also underscores the role of the Accord Implementation Panel in reviewing development proposals. The agreement further recognizes Plain Township as a full partner in the Accord and provides for a reconstitution of the Accord Implementation Panel to reflect the addition of the Township. A period of 90 days was identified for these changes to be reflected through legislative action by the City of Columbus and the Village of New Albany to amend the Accord. This period expires on May 25, 2008.
This ordinance adopts an amendment to the Accord reflecting the provisions of the annexation agreement within the 90-day period stipulated in that document. The amendment sets out the method and timing of appointing the two members individually selected by each party and the three members mutually agreed upon by all parties. It includes the shortening of one term and the staggering of other terms in order to create a logical and consistent appointment process for the future. The Village of New Albany took legislative action to adopt the same amendment on May 13, 2008.
Fiscal Impact:
No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To adopt an amendment to the Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord and adjust the terms of Panel Members; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord was originally adopted in 1997 (Ord. 11-97) as a joint planning initiative by the City of Columbus and the Village of New Albany, with subsequent updates in 1999, 2001 and 2003; and
WHEREAS, the 2003 amendment included the designation of a Park Zone north of Walnut Street, within which establishment of a Metro Park was recommended; and
WHEREAS, subsequent discussions involving Columbus, New Albany, Plain Township and Metro Parks led to two agreements regarding the creation of the park, the most relevant for the purposes of this legislation being the Annexation Agreement authorized by ordinance 2262-2006, which was executed by the City, Village and Township on February 26, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the Annexation Agreement established development and annexation objectives, designated the Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord as the principal land use guide for the area, and underscores the role of the Accord Implementation Panel in reviewing development proposals; and
WHEREAS, the Annexation Agreement recognizes Plain Township as a full partner in the Accord and provides for a reconstitution of the Accord Implementation Panel to reflect the addition of the Township, and commits Plain Township to adopt the Accord and join this reconstituted body; and
WHEREAS, a period of 90 days was identified for these changes to be reflected through legislative action by the City of Columbus and the Village of New Albany; and
WHEREAS, the Village of New Albany has taken similar legislative action; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to adopt this amendment in order to comply with the 90 day period identified in the Annexation Agreement for amending the Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord, said immediate action being in the interest of the City in order to preserve, enhance, and protect public health, peace, property, and safety; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the amendment to the Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord attached to this legislation and dated May 6, 2008 is hereby adopted as revisions to the Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord.
Section 2. That the three-year term of the panel member previously appointed as a representative of the City to a term expiring on June 9, 2010 is hereby shortened to a two-year term and shall expire on June 9, 2009.
Section 3. That all departments and divisions of the City administration are hereby authorized and directed to use the said Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord as amended in initiating or reviewing proposed projects in the subject area and to require that such proposals generally conform to said Accord plan.
Section 4. That the Department of Development is directed to monitor the use of this revision, and to present to City Council any modifications necessary to keep it up to date.
Section 5. That copies of the updated Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord shall be kept on file in the Department of Development, Planning Division.
Section 6. For the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.