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Jackson Twp. reviews comp plan
(by Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer - July 01, 2009)
Jackson Township residents appreciate their local governmental services; they want to maintain a rural character; they don't want to be annexed to Columbus or Grove City, and they want wells and septic service.
On the other hand, they want city water without annexation, better zoning enforcement, a study of traffic patterns, and want some small businesses so they don't always have to go to Columbus or Grove City.
Their likes and dislikes may seem to be contradictory, and now it will be up to the Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department to sort out what should be included in the comprehensive plan that is being worked on.
About 200 township residents had responded to a survey and then about 75 turned out June 29 for an ice cream social where they were able to express their likes and dislikes around a half dozen tables. The top three likes and dislikes came from these discussion groups and then everyone was given the opportunity to pick the ones that seemed most important to them.
"Their top five responses will enable us to formulate goals and put objectives in place," said planner Scott Fulton.
The comprehensive plan for the township was adopted in 1991 and this is the first time it has been revised.
"When we look at a comprehensive plan, we see what we are leaving for our children," said James Schimmer, director of the Economic Development and Planning Development.
"What do you want to see accomplished? What do you want your township to look like in 20 years?" he admonished the audience before they set out to define what they see as is good about the township and what they would like to see changed.
Dick Paddock, a member of the board of zoning appeals and a long-time resident of the township who served on the steering committee for this project, characterized the plan as a road map for future development. For instance, he said, if the plan says single-family dwellings and a developer wants to put in a strip mall, he would be out of place and probably be turned down.
He was also surprised by the response to the survey and the turnout. A thousand surveys were mailed out and about 200 returned. Nearly all those who showed up at the social were in the 50 plus category.
"I would have liked to have seen some younger people," Paddock said. "These are the ones who are going to be here in 20 years.
By the end of the evening, those in attendance were voting on what they would like to see changed. Getting most of the votes were such topics as improved zoning enforcement, improved utility services, less commercial development and no more warehouses, traffic studies on State Route 104, State Route 665 and U.S. Route 62, and obtaining city water without annexation.
"A lot of the issues are within our control," said township trustee Steve Bowshier.
He and his colleagues - Dave Burris and Bill Lotz - were pleased with the turnout.
"We agree with the positives," Lotz said. "It's what we've been striving for. We're trying to make Jackson Township a better placed to live."
Grove City Mayor Richard "Ike" Stage, who participated in the discussion, said the city and township are working to achieve an outstanding relationship since the city makes up the largest percentage of the township.
"But it's difficult where to draw the line of the city, the township and the county," Stage said. "This tonight was a display of community."
Fulton said he hopes to have a draft of the new plan by the end of the year. This plan will then go to the trustees for final approval.
"We hope to have it signed, sealed and delivered and in placed by March 2010," Fulton said.
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