"Starbucks announces more area closures" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Starbucks announces more area closures
Associated Press
The Columbus Dispatch
July 18, 2008

Starbucks Corp. has named all 600 company-owned stores it plans to close in a bid to boost its business and weed out unprofitable locations.

Nine of the stores are in Ohio, including one in Columbus and one in suburban Westerville that were marked for closure in an announcement late last week...

...Here are the central Ohio locations that Starbucks says it is closing:

1505 W. 5th Ave., Columbus (Fifth by Northwest/Grandview)
601 N. High St., Columbus (Short North!)
6144 E. Main St., Columbus
7561 Sawmill Rd., Dublin
925 N. State St., Westerville
530 N. High St., Worthington

"Broadview Mews condo complex begins a few sales" Business First of Columbus

Link: Broadview Mews condo complex begins a few sales
[account required]
under article "New brokers taking bids for former Byers used-car lot on East Broad St."
Brian R. Ball
Business First of Columbus
July 11, 2008

...Worthington-based developer Riverwood Partners LLC has sold its first condominium at Broadview Mews as it begins to wrap up construction of the project near Grandview Heights.

Riverwood partners Jim Schrim and Jim Klingbeil expect to open a furnished model in the 20-condo, three-story complex by July 13. The project is on Broadview Avenue north of West Third Avenue and west of Grandview Avenue in Columbus.

Riverwood affiliate Broadview Mews LLC recorded its first sale at $304,800 on July 1, according to public records...

"Rail bridge improvements negotiated" ThisWeek Newspapers

Link: Rail bridge improvements negotiated
Alan Froman
ThisWeek Newspapers
The Columbus Dispatch Archives
March 13, 2008

Grandview Heights City Council's recreation, services and public facilities committee, meeting Monday morning, discussed engineering and repair work with representatives of Nationwide Realty Investors and EMH&T.

Nationwide has contracted with EMH&T to perform preliminary engineering and design work for a project to improve the railroad bridges at Olentangy River Road and Goodale Boulevard and at Olentangy River and Third Avenue. The project would be done in connection with the Grandview Yard development planned for the former Big Bear site.

The bridges will be reconstructed and widened to accommodate more traffic, said Christopher Selvaggio, project manager for EMH&T...

"Commission turns to grants for help" Columbus Local News

Link: Commission turns to grants for help
Sierra Reyes
Columbus Local News
February 26, 2008

Even after being denied approval for a grant, the Fifth by Northwest Area Commission still is pursuing a new opportunity in order to help out the neighborhood.

By partnering with nearby nonprofit organization 40 Plus of Central Ohio, the commission will be able to help move along neighborhood projects that otherwise would not exist, leaders said.

The commission, which represents the Columbus neighborhood just north of Grandview Heights, applied for a signage grant last month from United Way...

"VOA plans affordable housing development near Grandview" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

If I'm not mistaken, this address falls into the Fifth by Northwest Area Commission, so I wonder how approval and review will shake out. According to this article, only Grandview was notified and it is not actually in Grandview:

Link: VOA plans affordable housing development near Grandview
Alan Froman
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
February 28. 2008

Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio has notified the city of Grandview Heights of its plans to build an affordable housing development at 1280-1290 Norton Ave.

The site is located just north of Grandview.

According to a letter sent to the city by Dennis J. Kresak, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Ohio VOA, the development will be known as Edgehill Place and will have a newly constructed four-and-a-half story building with 100 units...

...Kresak's letter to the city indicates occupancy to Edgehill Place will be limited to individuals earning $24,720 or less annually...

Fifth by Northwest (5XNW) Area Commission Added to Urban Neighborhoods

I finally squeezed in some time to add the Fifth by Northwest Area Commission's neighborhood to the Urban Neighborhoods section of RetroMetro. Since they are having a public neighborhood planning meeting tonight I figured there was no time like the present.

"Creation of neighborhood plan to begin" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Link: Creation of neighborhood plan to begin
Alan Froman
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
February 21, 2008

The Fifth by Northwest Area Commission has begun the process of creating a neighborhood plan.

A series of four public workshops will be held to gather public input that will form the basis for development of the plan, commission chair Andy Byerly said.

The first public meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Grandview Heights High School.

"The workshops will be open to anyone who wants to attend. We really want the public to attend," Byerly said...

Latest from the Fifth by Northwest Area Commission

Dear 5XNW Supporters & Area Residents & Interested Parties:

As many of you have seen, there is a development facing Broadview - and backing up to the Tri-Village Post Office... I know that as the Co-Chair of the Fifth by Northwest Area Commission, I've heard a lot of questions from area residents... so, I thought I'd pass along some photos that were recently posted on a local Web site about the site, on www.columbusunderground.com:
Click here: http://sekella2.blogspot.com/2007/11/portfolio-practice-broadview-mews.html

Columbus Underground posts all sorts of development articles from around town - as well as restaurant reviews and the inside scoop on politics in this town... and it looks like the Construction Project Manager was the one who posted this information to the site... so, here's a good opportunity to network with him, and ask your questions directly...

I think if you will look at the pictures in the article you will see that it is a well-planned, nice urban condo development which is going to feature many postive attributes - such as planned, encompassed parking and green features! (They had lots of innovative energy and well-thought out lighting features that they emphasized in their presentation to the Fifth by Northwest Area Commission several months ago - www.fifthbynorthwest.org).

So, click on the link - to see more... and I hope to see you all at our Public Meeting on Neighborhood Planning on the 26th of February to talk about the direction of urban development in our area at 6:30pm at the Grandview Heights Public Library!

Yours,
Becky Obester
Co-Chair - 5XNW Area Commission &
Chair - Columbus Community Coalition, Green Team

P.S. There should be a couple of stories - one in Tri-Village and one in "This Week" - running this week or next on the Public Meeting - with additional information about the scope and intentions of those projects... so, if you will, please look for those!

"Grandview's neighbors hope 'walkability' shapes new plan" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Grandview's neighbors hope 'walkability' shapes new plan.
Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch
December 24, 2007

First, CVS put a pharmacy on W. 5th Avenue just north of Grandview Heights. Next, a Walgreens is going up at W. 5th and Grandview avenues.

Similar things are happening in a lot of other areas of Columbus, which is what some people who live and work in this Northwest Side neighborhood do not want.

So the city is developing a plan to guide development.

Members of the 5th by Northwest Area Commission want the area to retain its neighborhood atmosphere, especially in the commercial areas along main thoroughfares such as 5th, King and Grandview avenues. Those streets already are lined with gas stations and chain restaurants such as Taco Bell but also with local retailers and restaurants...

"Displaced by drugstore, shops look for bright side" Columbus Local News

Link: Displaced by drugstore, shops look for bright side
Khalila Perrin
Columbus Local News
December 17, 2007

Garland and bows adorn the face of the familiar shopping center at the northwest corner of Fifth and Grandview avenues. As shoppers duck in and out of stores, it's business as usual for the holidays.

Early in 2008, however, developers Visconsi Ltd. expect to begin a transformation there that will usher in a 11,514-square-foot Walgreens and send four businesses packing.

The news isn't all bad, some tenants say...

"Area commission learns, moves forward" Columbus Local News

I've mentioned this in a previous post regarding the recently created Fifth by Northwest Area Commission, but it is good to see reaffirmation of the fact that they are going to be working on an Urban Commercial Overlay (UCO) for a good chunk of West Fifth Avenue that will establish a foundation for development in the area. A UCO will put the brakes on developments that put cars first and people second, especially in a walkable community.

The results of the Walgreens project, and its subsequent approval, leaves me to wonder what the current guidelines are for making these zoning decisions. That corner is about to lose a big piece of its street presence and brings a little bit more of the suburban style development into a more urban setting. It's a shame:

Link: Area commission learns, moves forward
Khalila Perrin
Columbus Local News
October 31, 2007

They are disappointed, but members of Columbus' newest area commission say they're moving on.

The Columbus Board of Zoning Adjustments ruled in favor of a Walgreens drugstore slated for the northwest corner of Grandview and Fifth avenues during its meeting Oct. 23. The decision came just weeks after the Fifth by Northwest Area Commission unanimously disapproved the plans Oct. 9...

...A part of doing what's best for the community may be the group's establishment of urban commercial overlay standards for the commission's jurisdiction, which includes the area framed by Kinnear Road and Third Avenue to the north and south, and Olentangy River Road and North Star Avenue to the east and west.

The commission is scheduled to begin working with the city of Columbus on the overlay early next year, said commission co-Chairman Andy Byerly...

"A dramatic addition" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: A dramatic addition
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
October 29, 2007

...The four-story, 20-unit structure is impossible to miss, striking a dramatic profile at the five-point intersection that includes Northwest Boulevard and 3rd Avenue. Developer Metropolitan Holdings is putting the finishing touches on the building in anticipation of the first units being completed by mid-December.

"We want to celebrate this corner," said Metropolitan Holdings' Matt Vekasy.

The Metropolitan has 14 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units. The remaining condos are split evenly between one- and three-bedroom floor plans. Vekasy has lowered entry-level pricing by $50,000 to $249,000 from the time he announced the project in mid-2006. The prices increase to nearly $800,000 for an upper-level, three-bedroom unit...

"Commission: Walgreens disappointed us" Columbus Local News

Link: Commission: Walgreens disappointed us
Khalila Perrin
Columbus Local News
October 16, 2007

...The move also would create dangerous traffic congestion at the drive-through and entryway into the parking lot, Deeds said.

Deeds and Shannon were open to residents' suggestions, but not concerning the building's setback, said Shannon.

"We are here to try to incorporate as many of your concerns that we can," Shannon said, but added, "We are not going to be changing the location of the proposed Walgreens to abide by the urban commercial overlay standards which do not exist," said Shannon, referring to the fledgling commission's lack of an urban commercial overlay...

"Commission says no to Walgreens" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

This brand new Area Commission gets right to work with one of the first proposed developments within their area of influence. This is actually a unique experience to see how the city takes the commission's opinion on this project into account as the project moves forward for City Council approval.

Link: Commission says no to Walgreens
Alan Froman
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
October 11, 2007

The Fifth by Northwest Area Commission voted 6-0 Tuesday night against recommending a developer's plans to build a Walgreens store at the northwest corner of Fifth and Grandview avenues...

...The hardware store would be completely demolished and the strip center would be partially demolished to allow the Walgreens to be built, attorney Michael Shannon, who is representing the developer, said...

...Shannon's law partner, John Kennedy, told the commission he understands members' desire to see the Walgreens store placed in a different way on the site. But the developer believes any other layout would not work, he said...

I've been keeping tabs on this commission since it's inception, from the idea to the process of being officially recognized and ordained by Columbus City Council. This is a great opportunity to watch the structures in action that the city has in place to work with communities when it comes to development issues.

"Application for north area commission to be filed" ThisWeek Newspapers

Here's an example of community activism at it's finest. For anyone that wants to complain about their neighborhoods lack of attention or funding from the city, let me point to the North Grandview Area Commission as an example where the community, at the behest of a few activists, stepped up to claim responsibility for their neighborhood and went the extra few miles to learn about and utilize the existing governmental structures that are available to all neighborhoods for getting their input on development related issues.

Be it development, public services, code enforcement...the tools are their and it is OUR responsibility to learn what they are and how to use them.

I see far too many examples of neighborhoods and community members complaining about issues in their communities yet they just look to the city and complain about a lack of attention and funding. Remember, squeaky wheel gets the grease and if you what to make that kind of noise, you've got to learn how to drive the car. The city provides that car but it doesn't come with a chauffeur:

Link: Application for north area commission to be filed
Thursday, December 7, 2006
By ALAN FROMAN
ThisWeek Newspapers

A group of residents and business professionals in the area immediately north of Grandview Heights will file an application Friday with the city of Columbus seeking approval of a North Grandview Area Commission.

Tony Lococo, the leader of the task force working on the effort, said his group has collected the 500 signatures needed to bring the issue before Columbus City Council. A set of by-laws has been adopted by the task force...

...The commission would represent the areas of Columbus that lie between Grandview, Upper Arlington, Ohio State University and Clinton Township, Lococo said...

"North of Grandview Area Commission: It's not Grandview Heights, but it's close " Suburban News Publications

The North Grandview Area Commission is that much closer to becoming a reality. Ultimately, with the creation of this area commission, it means that there will be a group of concerned citizens following how the area just to the north of Grandview is affected by development. The NGAC will act as a collective voice for the community and will advise the city on matters pertaining to growth and development in the area as the need occurs:

Link: North of Grandview Area Commission: It's not Grandview Heights, but it's close
The area just north of the Bluffs seeks representation before Columbus City Council.
By KHALILA PERRIN
Suburban News Publications
July 12 - 19, 2006

The group, whose goal is to give voice to the Columbus area which is often mistaken for Grandview Heights, needs Columbus city officials to validate 500 of the 520 petition signatures they'll submit next week...

"Group hopes to create area commission" ThisWeek Newspapers

The coalition of residents and business owners looking to form the North Grandview Area Commission continues to progress towards it's goal of collecting 500 signatures for it's application to be recognized officially by the city for issues that concern new development and other related activities in their neighborhood.

I can't stress enough the importance of the work this group is doing in terms of watching out for their neighborhood in terms of new development as we see a national trend of a migration back into the urban areas of our cities.

This group is setting a great example and I encourage you to look into what associations and organizations are looking out for the welfare of your community:

Link: Group hopes to create area commission
ThisWeek Newspapers
Thursday, March 30, 2006
By ALAN FROMAN

...A total of 500 signatures of residents, business or property owners are needed for organizers to submit an application with the city of Columbus to create the commission, said Tony Lococo, who is leading the effort...

...The neighborhood is approximately bounded on the south by the Grandview Heights portion of Third Avenue, on the north by Kinnear Road, on the east by Olentangy River Road and Kenny Road and on the west by North Star.

"The reason we need an area commission is because there has been incredible interest in this area recently from developers," Lococo said. "We want to make sure that going forward, we are able to maintain and enhance the character of our neighborhood. It's a very urban neighborhood atmosphere and we want to keep it that way...

...More information and an on-line petition to sign is available at the group's Web site, www.northgrandviewareacommission.org...

LOCAL RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES TO FORM NORTH GRANDVIEW AREA COMMISSION

(Columbus, OH)  Columbus neighborhood residents and business professionals in the area north of Grandview have announced plans to form the North Grandview Area Commission.  This area commission will be comprised of residents and business professionals, including resident planning and design professionals, who create standards and guidelines based on community preferences.   By creating the commission the group plans to give the local community a voice to enhance and maintain the physical character of the area.

“We want to maintain and enhance the character of the neighborhood.  Our goal is to keep the urban atmosphere and make sure the walk ability and sense of community is still intact. We want to promote and encourage redevelopment and infill” states Tony Lococo, City and regional planner.   He also said,  “There are currently 13 neighborhood area commissions in the City of Columbus and we would like to participate at the same level.”
   
In order to form an area commission the group first must gather 500 signatures of Columbus residents and businesses located in the area north of Grandview. The signatures will be taken to the City of Columbus for application of an area commission.  A public meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday March 21st at 6:30pm at the Knotty Pine located at 1765 W. Third Avenue.  For more information about the commission or to submit your signature please visit www.northgrandviewareacommission.com or stop by Mail Box & Services located at 1601 W. Fifth Avenue, Columbus – 43212.  You can also call or email Tony Lococo at (614) 565-6898 or Tonloc620@aol.com.

Download the North Grandview Area Commission Brochure

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

WHO:      North Grandview Area Commission

WHEN:    March 21, 2006 6:30pm

WHERE:  Knotty Pine, 1765 W. 3rd Ave

WHY:     Help us to create an area commission, which will give residences a voice to preserve & enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods, focusing on issues such a walkable neighborhoods, redevelopment and infill, and community aesthetics.

To find out more about this project visit:
www.northgrandviewareacommission.com

Contact Info: Tony Lococo 614-565-6898 tonloc620@aol.com

"Grandview-Columbus area may get its own commission" Suburban News Publications

This is the type of community activity that I like to be able to report on. When a community comes together to form this type of area commission to keep an eye on their neighborhood and commercial corridors prior to any developers beginning to really move in, I see it as keen foresight.

For the north of Grandview area, given the Grandview Station development that may be taking place in the future (currently a hot topic in Grandview), interests will certainly begin to rise from developers for building and investing in the area. While that is typically good news, without anyone looking over their shoulders, they will build what suits their needs first, not necessarily the community.

Up until now the residents and business owners in that part of the city had no common voice to address any concerns for their neighborhood in regards to development. In the case of the proposed North Grandview Area Commission, when they get their final 200 signatures, the new commission will give a voice to that area of the Columbus:

Link: Grandview-Columbus area may get its own commission
By KHALILA PERRIN
Suburban News Publications
March 15th - 22nd, 2006

Some people just don't know where they are when it comes to the northern border of Grandview Heights and Columbus.

Because so many don't, a group of neighborhood residents wants to see an area commission formed to give voice to the Columbus neighborhood just north of Grandview.

A task force that hopes to establish the North Grandview Area Commission will present information about its continued efforts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Knotty Pine, 1765 W. Third Ave...

First off, what is an Area Commission?

Area Commissions were established by the city in the 1980's to act as a representative for neighborhood groups, property owners and residents when it comes to issues that involve other public and private stakeholders such as the city and both commercial and residential real estate developers.

While the commissions do not have any legal authority, they do advise the Columbus City Council on topics and issues that will effect their community, especially in regards to new development. While the City Council does not have to take any advice or listen to any consensus from the area commissions, their input is highly regarded.

If the North Grandview Area Commission is created they will be the 14th such commission in Columbus. You can investigate the other existing commissions by visiting the Columbus INFObase website.

Here is the area North Grandview Area Commission is aiming to represent. You can click on the map for a larger version:

If you are a resident or a business owner that lives in this area of Columbus north of Grandview Heights and are interested in getting involved in the process of seeing the North Grandview Area Commission created be sure to attend the meeting next week that was mentioned in the article above.

Also feel free to use our CONTACT form and we will pass your information along to the founder of the commission initiative, Tony Lococo. I should have more information for you later this week.