Explanation
Council Variance Application: CV16-069
APPLICANT: Diversified Development Group (on behalf of Columbus Urban League); c/o Chris Tumblin, Agent; The Daimler Group; 1533 Lake Shore Drive; Columbus, OH 43204.
PROPOSED USE: Community empowerment center including offices, training facilities, and a clothing bank.
NEAR EAST AREA COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS' RECOMMENDATION: Approval. The site is developed with a vacant mixed-use two-story building zoned in the R-2F, Residential District. The site is also within the Mt. Vernon Urban Commercial Overlay (UCO). The requested variances will allow the construction of a new community empowerment center, featuring offices, flex training facilities, youth programs, and a clothing bank. The project also incorporates variances for parking lot screening, 8 required parking spaces (11 to 3), reduced vision clearance triangle, R-2F yard and area standards, and UCO window glass percentage requirements. The site is located within the planning area of the Near East Plan (2005), which contains a series of criteria that can be used to determine if proposed commercial uses should be supported within residential areas. Key factors include whether the structure has a history of commercial activity and parking considerations. This request can be supported because the proposal includes a reconstructed commercial building utilizing the existing façade, brings services to the area that will benefit the community, and is located in a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood in the Urban Commercial Overlay. Maintaining the site’s mixed commercial uses is consistent with the development pattern of the area.
Title
To grant a Variance from the provisions of Sections 3332.037, R-2F, Residential district; 3312.21(B)(3) and (D)(1), Landscaping and screening; 3312.49, Minimum numbers of parking spaces required; Section 3321.05(B)(1) and...
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