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Township still fighting Jones Topsoil annexation
(by Linda Dillman, staff writer - January 06, 2010)
Mining topsoil is okay, but for Jackson Township, Grove City, and neighboring businesses, plans to move stone in lieu of dirt is not an acceptable scenario, especially now that Columbus has joined the fray.
A nearby auto auction is engaged in a years-long battle opposing a Route 104 quarry operation at the Jones Topsoil site and is bringing in professional lobbyists to assist in the fight. According to Jackson Township Administrator Mike Lilly, the Columbus City Council approved a service resolution at a Dec. 14 hearing, thereby paving the way for annexation of the 89-acre site into the capitol city.
Lilly reported lobbyists Sean Dunn and Christie Angel were hired by Manheim Auto Auction, a subsidiary of Cox Communication. He said 400-plus employees are responsible for moving thousands of cars through the auction on a regular basis. Grove City and the township are discussing a three-way split to cover the $5,000 a month lobbying fee, as partners in the opposition effort.
"This has been lingering with us for a few years," said Trustee David Burris during a Jan. 5 trustees' meeting. "We want to fight that, adamantly. The auto auction is threatening to pull, but I think the city will still annex it (Jones property).
"It (the proposed quarry operation) jeopardizes over 400 jobs at the auto auction."
Lilly said Angel is already lining up meetings at Columbus' city hall to explain to staff why the annexation and change in use is not in the area's best interest. A site tour with city officials is planned for Jan. 12, during which local officials hope a large contingent can persuade Columbus decision-makers to turn down the annexation petition filed by Dick Jones in 2009.
Trustees reiterated their position by approving a resolution opposing annexation and rezoning to allow quarry operations. According to the resolution: unincorporated lands along Jackson Pike are low-density residential and agricultural; a gravel quarry could negatively affect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and the community; and traffic problems on the heavily-traveled and already dangerous roadway would be exacerbated by trucks transporting gravel.
In addition to impacting existing business operations, a gravel quarry along Jackson Pike is inconsistent with Jackson Township's long-range comprehensive land use plan. Such use was previously rejected by the township in prior zoning hearings. The township contends the natural habitat would be put in danger and the watershed could be lower in an area where properties depend on wells for their water supply.
In other action, Burris was re-elected as chairman and Stephen Bowshier returns as vice-chairman. The next regular trustees' meeting is scheduled for Jan. 19, 7 p.m. A caucus session precedes the regular meeting at 6:15 p.m.
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