UniversityAreaCommission.Info

The Capital improvements project continues in Olde North Columbus.
Official updates will be made available here from the city.
A project overview is available here.
Traffic Information is available here.

Substantial completion is scheduled for the end of 2009.
They are scheduled to move to the east side of the street starting late spring. West side of High Street sidewalks are to be in place before they move to the east side of the street.

If your property is damaged as a result of  the construction, please report it to the City 311 Call Center immediately and inform the contractor.

The contractor is
Complete General Construction
1221 E. Fifth Ave.
Columbus, OH 43219
Phone: (614) 258-9515

The official city contact for the project is
Mary Carran Webster
Assistant Director of Public Service
Office: 614-645-7263
Additional City Contacts

Financial Assistance for Small Businesses
State treasurer Richard Cordray currently has a  Grow Now Program that allows for current loan reduction rates for small businesses.
They can be reached by phone at 614-466-6546.

Businesses interested in joining the Olde North Business Association should call Ian MacConnell.

University Area Commission
16 April 2008
Meeting Summary

Call to order: President Ian MacConnell called the meeting to order at 6:39 PM at the Community Room, Northwood and High, 2231 North High.

Members present: Richard Allen, Grayson Atha, Sean Cunningham, Elan Daniel, Ahmed Ebady, Catherine Girves (arrived 6:41), Seth Golding (arrived 7:28), David Hegley, Joyce Hughes, Ron Hupman, Ian MacConnell, Joaquin Serantes, Richard Talbott, Tom Wildman, Sharon Young. Excused: Robert Caldwell, Bill Graver, Doreen Uhas Sauer, and Lisabeth Warncke.

Approval of Minutes. Doreen Uhas Sauer: Minutes were not read or approved due to the absence of the secretary.

Treasurer’s Report, Seth Golding: $496.79 in account. Invoice report submitted to city.

Reports: (President MacConnell said that starting with next meeting commissioners will be giving reports from their area on why they live where they do)

• District 4, Commissioner Atha: He was assigned to King Avenue Church in that area, rented and then purchased the house. Has been there 12 years and was told about surrounding properties—mostly apartments. He took packages to apts this winter and met many of the people. The Circles have a mostly enthusiastic group. Their problems have been about flooding and drainage—concerns for trees; crime; what to do when properties are not kept up; how could UAC help Circles more. Atha welcomes suggestions and tips on building community and enhancing ways to encourage affirmation of people and finding joy in living here. Next month, Commissioner Richard Allen will present.

• Columbus Police Department, Officer Chris Riley: Precinct 3, temporarily covering NW and University District while position is open. Brought stat sheets of crime for last month and information on various projects “All Hands on Deck.” Working on crime activity in area in initiative with OSU police to assist in aggressive panhandling situation on High. New policing center had damage to the front doors. Questions for Officer Riley from commissioners included: cruiser police precinct district; activity on night the doors were broken included rocks thrown at various homes; new curfew laws; what are high priority situations, hiring of new liaison position; money allocated for gang initiatives; and Glen Echo vagrant encampment. It was noted by Officer Riley that there have been no calls about encampments.

• City of Columbus Code Enforcement, Andy Bauman: Debra Van Dyke reported on last minute updates. Stillwater’s partially constructed Hudson and High building is having work done on the inside, exterior work has started and padlocks added to gates; 2210 Summit, Jack’s Bar, building owner may evict tenant and put manager of Bourbon Street in charge; Walt’s Lounge—building owner is getting rid of bar and owner has been contacted; Sales One Realty properties is going to sheriff’s sale; and East Ave church was vandalized and windows broken, church has been notified about 4 issues (trustees are from all over Ohio and most of their churches are rural, this is only urban one).

• City of Columbus Neighborhood Liaison, Steve Soble: Congratulations on national recognition of OSU partnering with community. Ten thousand pounds of litter were collected on cleanup day in Weinland Park. Questions from commissioners included: people on roofs, Sobel’s moving into new policing center

• Campus Partners, Steve Sterrett: 2 matters of concern for public safety in Gateway garage are being handled with a fact sheet about public safety in which the crime statistics for the Gateway are compared to those in Precinct 4 and the facts about the 2 incidents are reported. Campus Partners will send flyer to owner of properties about safety issues concerning grills and people on porches and roofs. About 4-5 are currently being sent monthly.

Public Comments and Announcements: None

Presentations:

• Crew Stadium Concerts, Scott Diebolt: Crew Stadium has been to North and South Linden Area Commissions. When stadium was built it was not for soccer alone but for 2 venue facility. It has built a permanent stage which was to be started in 2009 but moved up after Germaine closed. Columbus important music venue. They are very conscious of neighbors and noise levels. Professional levels have been done and have been within code. Some complaints and money is spent on noise studies. Originally it was to be south facing north but changed, having sound companies coming in prior to concerts to make adjustments. It is not designed to replace Germaine but 3-4 concerts this year and 6-8 next year. Will return to UAC for issues and complaints. Commissioner concerns: no mention was ever made on concerts when stadium was built; promises made about fences and noise have never been addressed; many residents and students renting from Inn Town Homes and others in direct path of noise; stadium must improve parking lots; fencing is crawled over; stadium is on leased ground; 2 days concerts with 30 bands presents concern about camping overnight and campground spots; draw for event is regional; comments about parking and safety; traffic problems at Hudson and 71 and 17^th and North 4^th; activities like this which may draw acts of vandalism; the concert venue does not make this an attractive community to market or live in; Silver Drive traffic problems; visits to UAC and Linden communities seem to be afterthought as there was no attempt by stadium or others to contract area commissioners prior to this; concern that concerts will erode quality of life and make University area and Linden seem like dumping spots for unwanted events. Scott Diebolt phone number is 554-4425 for contacts

• Capital Improvements Project from Lane to Arcadia, Tom Murphey, City of Columbus: Improvements hit a snag during property acquisitions; needed to study extra options and now have an outlet to go near apartments on Dodridge. They wish to maintain 2 lanes and 2 ways of traffic but some closures will occur. Water and electricity may be shut off, pay attention to notices. The area will see substantial upgrade; regular updates to come. Commissioner concerns included: regular communication, ADA ramps and sidewalks, movement of utilities and who will be impacted, concern about tenants letting landlords know if water is off. 520 days to complete the project.

• Columbus Board of Realtors, Columbus Ad Campaign

Block Party Permit Request:

• Daniel Blake, 113-140 East 11^th requesting closure for 50-75 people and 33 residences from Indianola to Gateway garage for live music event to benefit Ohio.fm. Will be selling beer and providing wristbands. Commissioner concerns: not enough planning, security and bathrooms; too much of an all alcohol event only—not enough sober people; unsecured and unregulated drinking at the 33 houses; noise and sound amplified; only 2 urinals?; litter and recycling plan?

Motion to approve as presented, Hegley (sec. Hupman). Yes: Atha, Cunningham, Daniel, Ebady, Golding, Hughes, Talbott. No: Girves, Hegley, Hupman, MacConnell, Serantes, Young. Abs: Wildman. Motion passes: 7-6, 1 ab.

• Robert Munoz, 191 East 15^th, requesting a permit to close 15^th Avenue from Indianola to Pearl on May 9^th from 4-9:30 PM for the annual Ohio State Interfraternity Greek Week closing ceremonies. House lawns will also be used for activities and cookouts. No alcohol will be served. Columbus police will be present. Amplified sound will be allowed with a permit from city. Litter and recycling attended to.

Motion to approve as presented Hughes (sec. Wildman). Yes: Atha, Cunningham, Daniel, Golding, Hegley, Hughes, Hupman, MacConnell, Serantes, Talbott, Wildman, Young. No: Girves. Abs. 0. Motion passed 12-1; however Commissioner Ebady was out of room at vote.

Committee Reports:

• Zoning Committee, Ron Hupman

• 1428 North High, applicant Altman Company, Dave Perry presenting to rezone ARO to CPD to permit new construction commercial building for all C4 uses with retail on 1^st floor and 3 apartments on 2^nd floor. CPD encompasses parking reduction from 20 required to 9 provided, reduced size of 1 space. Zoning Committee recommends approval. Motion passed unanimously.

• North High, Kroger site redevelopment, CPD to permit construction of new Kroger store and additional retail on the existing site between 6^th and 7^th. Initial Zoning Committee recommendation was to endorse the site plan concept presented on 4/7/08 and with the condition that the UCO requirement for 60% glass area on the 1^st floor on the High Street façade must be met. Jeff Brown, attorney, presented. It was noted that Frank Pettrecello, from UARB, did not participate in review of this project which was approved by UARB. Zoning Committee recommends approval based on CPD text and drawings with following conditions—High Street façade is 6 ft by 4 ft; 30% true window glass into store and other 30% in a manner that will be approved by UARB, all deciduous trees on street at 4”, the strong recommendation by UAC that the curb cut on High be made more pedestrian friendly, space for recycling containers be added. In addition, commissioners noted other issues to be addressed: church parking, traffic, bike parking, storm water run off, Green building practices, shopping cart walk-abouts, recycling. Motion to approve passed unanimously.

• Planning Committee, Elan Daniel: Motion to send letter to Director Safford regarding University Area Commission’s support of Conservation District coverage for entire district. Motion to approve passed unanimously by voice vote. Commissioner Wildman motioned addendum that letter not be sent until after city has determined 3 sites for pilot programs. Motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

• Community Relations Committee, Richard Allen

• Code & Enforcement Committee, Tom Wildman

• Governance Committee, David Hegley: There was a 1^st reading of proposed changes to by-laws.

Special report

• Elections Committee: Met 4/2/08. Elections will be held June 7^th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Residents interested in running can obtain election packets on the UAC website or contacting UAC. Election packets were posed on 4/11/08 as required by by-laws. Volunteers are needed to man polls. Interested volunteers should contact Lisabeth Warncke.

Adjournment: 10:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted:

Sharon Young, acting secretary, and Doreen Uhas Sauer, typing secretary

Code and Environment Committee Meeting Report - May 1, 2008 6:00 p.m.
Attendance: Richard Allen, Ahmed Ebady, Seth Golding, Joyce Hughes, Tom Wildman Excused: Richard Talbot
Safety - UAC Block Party Permit Guidelines
A motion was made by Tom Wildman and seconded by Ahmed Ebady to approve:

University Area Commission Block Party/Street Closure Permit Guidelines

Applicant must first obtain and abide where applicable, by all the rules and references in the (City of Columbus) Event Time Line & Check List; Recreation and Parks: Block Party/Street Closure Application; Division of Police-Special Events Unit: Special Events Permit; Division of Fire-Prevention Bureau: Temporary Event Permit; Division of Transportation Street/Sidewalk: Occupancy Permit; Refuse Collection Division: Trash Removal Plan; Department of Public Safety-License Section: Parade Permit and the Depart of Public Safety-License Section: Community Noise Permit.

University Area Commission Block Party/Street Closure Permit Guidelines requires within the boundaries of the University District (center of Fifth Avenue north to center of Glen Echo Ravine and from the Con-rail tracks west to the Olentangy River) the following:

- the permit should be approved by no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the City of Columbus recognized local community board(s) within the University Area Commission boundaries prior to the review of the University Area Commission Zoning Committee, whose boundaries are affected by permit request. The University Area Commission Zoning Committee Chair shall provide the list of such groups and their boundaries to the applicant.

- the University Area Commission Zoning Committee receives and recommends approval by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting, which will be held no later than fourteen (14) days prior the full University Area Commission meeting, of the City of Columbus-Recreation an Parks: Block Party/Street Closure Application. A passage by two-thirds (2/3) in favor of the applicant is required at the full University Area Commission meeting, no less than seven (7) days prior applicants event.

- Limited outdoor amplification from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday, which must comply with the City of Columbus Noise Ordinance. No outdoor amplification permitted from 10 p.m. through 10:00 a.m., Sunday through Saturday.

- No Alcohol/Spirits of any kind permitted without a Ohio State Licensed Liquor Control Officer or a City of Columbus Division of Police Special Duty Officer present on permit grounds. How many such said officials are to be determined by the Columbus Division of Police-Special Events Unit Officer.

- For more than one-hundred (100) participants and/or if an arterial street is affected by the permit request, a minimum of one Columbus Division of Police Special Duty Officer is required and the applicant must seek approval with the Columbus Division of Police Special Events Coordinator.

- No advertising of the applicant’s event outside of the immediate block/community/participants where the permit is requested. This includes text-messaging and internet applications.

- a refuse and a recyclable container must be provided for every one hundred (100) square feet within the event’s boundaries, with collection of such products to be coordinated with the City of Columbus Refuse Collection Division.

- a clean-up circle after the event must include a minimum of a two (2) block radius in all directions,by which a collection of such products are to be coordinated with the City of Columbus Refuse Collection Division.

- a sanitary portable outdoor toilet and wash basin must be provided for each gender, for more than one-hundred (100) participants and must be coordinated with the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Office of Special Events.

APPLICANT TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PRIOR TO HAVING THE UNIVERSITY AREA COMMISSION SIGN

Closure Location___________________________[street to be closed]
from_______________________ [street]
to ____________________ [street]

From-Date_________________
Time:___________________ am/pm

To-Date _________________
Time: ___________________ am/pm

Purpose of Closure (type of event) _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Applicant Info:

Name____________________________________________________________________________________

Address__________________________________

City____________________ Zipcode__________

Home Phone_______________________________

Business Phone______________________________

In accordance with the University Area Commission Block Party/Street Closure Permit Guidelines, the applicant agrees to coordinate with above recommended City Departments and abide by the guidelines set forth in this document:

Applicant Signature___________________________________________
Date__________________________

University Area Commission
Zoning Chair Signature________________________________________ Date__________________________

University Area Commission
President Signature _________________________________________ Date__________________________

————————————–

Some discussion. Rick Allen wished to know who would be responsible to handle these guidelines. Tom Wildman looked into this. City Recreation and Parks handles all city requested block party permit applications and has a requirement that if such a request is applied for within the University Area Commission boundaries, the the University Area Commission must first sign off on the permit. That means, these guidelines are in house (UAC) and that one of our Committees should handle it. In the past [years ago], Zoning Committee handled the requests, therefore Tom suggested this Committee would be the logical committee to do so again. Tom further stated, that too much time is spent at the full Commission meeting discussing what should actually happen in the committee level. A guidelines to applicants would reduce the time spent in committee and at the full Commission meetings. In actuality, no time should be spent at a full Commission meeting. Only an up and down vote based on committee recommendation.

Motion was approved: (5) yeas (0) nays (0) abstencia

Code-Environment -

Letters for U-District wide quality of life issues

Tom Wildman brought up various University-District wide ‘house cleaning’ quality of life issues that could and should be addressed by the Commission yearly, whereby the duplication of the U-District Community Groups could be avoided and their times better spent with greater pressing neighborhood concerns. He suggested several letters be written to such City Departments as Transportation, City Forester, City Electric, Rumpke and 311Connect to address concerns governing street light bulb replacement, pothole filing, street tree replacement, graffiti removal and wandering trash. The following motions were made: [The UAC may have some past letters that can be used, instead of writing new ones]

A motion made by Seth Golding and seconded by Rick Allen to:

To send a letter to the Department of Transportation and 311_Connect, requesting all street and alley potholes be filled/fixed throughout the U-District boundaries presently and each Spring.

No discussion.

Motion passes: (5) yeas (0) neas (0) abstencia

________________

A motion made by Tom Wildman and seconded by Seth Golding to:

To send a letter to the City Forester and 311_Connect, requesting all UIRF street trees that have died or been removed, be replaced throughout the U-District boundaries presently and each Spring.

No discussion.

Motion passes: (5) yeas (0) neas (0) abstencia

________________

A motion made by Seth Golding and seconded by Joyce Hughes to:

To send a letter to the City Engineers Office-Electric Division and 311_Connect, requesting all street and alley lights be checked and replaced as needed throughout the U-District boundaries presently and each Autumn.

No discussion.

Motion passes: (5) yeas (0) neas (0) abstencia

________________

A motion made by Ahmed Ebady and seconded by Rick Allen to:

To send a letter to Keep Columbus Beautiful and 311_Connect, requesting all graffiti and stickers be identified and removed throughout the U-District boundaries presently and monthly, with special emphasis on the following:
- cable boxes
- utility poles
- street signs and poles
- COTA Stops
- City Right-of-way retaining walls
- railway overpasses and crossings
- bridge overpasses and abutments
- refuse containers
- fire hydrants
- sidewalks and curbs

No discussion.

Motion passes: (5) yeas (0) neas (0) abstencia

________________

A motion made by Seth Golding and seconded by Rick Allen to:

To send a letter to Rumpke and 311_Connect, requesting all recycling containers have sealable lids [snap down] to prevent wandering recyclables as paper, cardboard and plastics onto city streets, sidewalks & alleys and onto private property; for the U-District boundaries.

No discussion.

Motion passes: (5) yeas (0) neas (0) abstencia

In attendance: David Hegley, Doreen Uhas-Sauer, Ian MacConnell, Bill Graver, Sharon Young, Seth Golding  Excused: Ron Hupman

Annual Budget: Motion: to approve UAC Budget and MOA (unanimous).
Discussed proposed UAC Blog (address to be determined) for on-line open discussion for commissioners. Blog has been used by several commissioners to date for testing and training. Additional training will take place in
committee. Motion: to approve UAC Blog for posting online (unanimous)
Additional discussion on alley in University Area for naming purposes.

Although there are no new zoning cases this month, there is one item we need to place on the agenda:

253 E. 12^th Ave. (Zettler Site) The UAC previously recommended approval of the CPD for an apartment development on this site. The Urban Commercial Overlay (UCO) applies at this location. There are pending revisions to the UCO and other related zoning code changes that are awaiting action by City Council in early June. The developer is seeking to modify the CPD so that it will include variances to the forthcoming new requirements (principally parking on the first floor in C4 zoning) so that the development will not be a non-conforming use under the revised code. This is a technicality that does not in any way alter the plan that the UAC has previously approved.

Code and Environment Committee
April 3, 2008
6:00 p.m.

Attendance: Seth Golding, Joyce Hughes, Richard Talbot, Tom Wildman
Excused: Richard Allen
Absent: Ahmed Ebady

At the April 3, 20 Code Enforcement and Environment Committee topics of discussion centered around improving the 311Connect program and the increase in gun related crimes throughout the U-District. The committee felt more time was needed to connect with district residents for their feed back. We postponed further discussion till next month.

Because of the two unrelated shootings along N. High St. this month, some discussion ensued around the increase in the last year of gun related crimes throughout the U-District. Tom Wildman discussed the CPD improvements in relationship to the north of Lane Ave. burglaries [which is a result of the Olde North Columbus Preservation Society and Blockwatch letters and the UAC support letter]. It is felt though, that all crimes throughout the U-District seem to be worsening- greater violence. No recommendations are coming out of committee at this time. We will continue this dialogue and entertain a course of action in next month’s meeting.

Tom Wildman
Chair
Code Enforcement and Environment Committee
UAC

2 April 2008, 8:00 - 9:00pm
University Baptist Church, 50 W. Lane Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Present: Ahmed Ebady, Lissa Warncke, Grayson Atha, Joaquin Serantes, Sean Cunningham, Ian MacConnell, Sharon Young, Rick Allen

1. Livable University Neighborhoods
Chairman Allen provided the group with information provided by Karen Bruns at Ohio State University regarding similar programs.

The topic was not pursued further due to the excused absences of Emily Foster and Doreen Uhas-Sauer and their leadership roles in the project.

2. Veterans’ Project
President MacConnell presented an idea for a project to encourage veterans to purchase homes within the University District.

Meeting Notes – April 2, 2008
Present: Members: Sharon Young Catherine Girves, Sean Cunningham, Grayson Atha, Lisabeth Warncke, Robert Caldwell, Ian MacConnell and David Hegley (Chair)
Meeting called to order @ 7:07 PM

1. Discussion on the appropriateness of the current UAC attendance policy
   

o Lengthy discussion on UAC requirements compared to other organizations regarding attendance policy.
o Examples from other organizations include:
- 3 Consecutive absences make a member inactive; attending 2 consecutive meetings reactivates them.
- 3 absences (any type) over the year = resignation
- Once the absences have exceeded the organization limit the person is removed, but they have the right to petition to get back in the organization.
o Conversation regarding UAC rules:
- The value of people on the Commission is their participation, so when people miss meetings the Commission looses their input.
- Having the ability to grant excused absences gives the Commission the opportunity to keep good people who must miss meetings for good reasons.
- There needs to be better enforcement of the current by laws.
o Final conclusion:
- No changes to the by laws will be made at this time
- Chairperson Hegley will contact First Vice President Graver to request better enforcement of the current by laws.

1. Discussion on current UAC bylaws Article V, Section 10, giving all Commissioner Ex-Officio status at all Committee meetings. Key points of the conversation on the pros and cons of this Ex Officio status:
   

o Committees are supposed to do the heavy work of formulating a position to bring to the full Commission. Allowing everyone to vote can derail this work and not allow Committee work to come before the full commission.
o Gives people a reason to show up at Committee meetings because they have the opportunity to not only voice their position but also vote on them.
o Motion: Strike Article V, Section 10 from the UAC by laws, made by Commissioner Grayson, Seconded by Commissioner Warncke.
- Roll call vote: YES: Cunningham, Caldwell, Atha, Warncke, Hegley, NO: MacConnell, Girves, ABSTAIN: Young
- This will be moved to the full Commission for a vote in the near future.

Meeting adjourned @ 8:10 PM
Next Meeting: May 7, 2008 at University Baptist Church

Met Wednesday April 2nd at 8:30 pm.
Members present: Young, Fallen, Serantes, Cunningham and Warncke

Election will be Saturday June 7th from 10am to 4pm

Discussed announcements to be posted:
- Columbus Dispatch
- Northside Library
- website

Discussed Polling Locations:
- Positive: Northside Library (8th and High), Horthwood and High
Building, Jack and Benny’s (Hudson and High)
- Investigate successfulness of 15th and High as well as Godman Guild
(6th and 6th)

Discussed Campaign packet materials:
- petition form, biographical sketch, expense reports, and write-in
candidate declaration form
- will be available April 11th online and at the office
-minor changes in accordance with report from 2005 committee

The zoning committee met on Monday, April 7, 2008. Present were: Hegley, Graver, Daniel, Wildman, Hughes, Golding, Hupman
Excused: Talbott

Cases Considered & Recommendations:
1428 N. High St.(High &Euclid) Applicant: Altman Company/Dave Perry. Rezoning from ARO to CPD to permit new construction commercial building for all C4 uses with retail on 1^st floor and 3 apartments on 2^nd floor. CPD encompasses parking reduction from 20 required to 9 provided, reduced size of 1 space. Recommendation: Approval

Motion; To recommend approval of rezoning from ARO to CPD at 1428 N. High St. as stated above.

N. High St. Kroger Redevelopment – CPD to permit construction of new Kroger store and additional retail on the existing site between 6^th & 7^th Ave. Initial zoning committee recommendation: The committee endorses the site plan concept presented at the meeting on 4/7 contingent on review of full CPD text that will be provided to committee members by 4/9/08 and with the condition that the UCO requirement for 60% glass area on the first floor on the High street façade must be met. The zoning committee will present a final recommendation at the commission meeting.