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City and township fight annexation
(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - January 22, 2010)
The city of Grove City and Jackson Township have publicly opposed a local sand/gravel quarry operation.
At a recent meeting, Grove City Council passed a resolution to oppose the annexation of nearly 90 acres of land on Jackson Pike to the city of Columbus. The annexation request was filed by land owner Dick Jones, of the Jones Fuel Company.
The Jones Fuel site is a topsoil operation. According to Rob Rishel, attorney for the company, the owner would like to turn the operation into a sand and gravel quarry that would eventually be turned into a park for public use. He explained the company would like to annex the property into Columbus because the capital city was better able to handle the recreational land.
Rishel said it would be approximately 10 to 15 years before the operation could be turned into a park.
According to the resolution, Grove City objects to the annexation because the development would have "a profound impact on existing residences and businesses in the surrounding area."
"The biggest reason for opposition is jobs and economic development," said Council President Ted Berry.
A neighboring business, Manheim Auto Auction, said it would relocate if the topsoil company turns into a sand/gravel quarry. The auto auction employs over 400 people.
"The impact that facility has on our city is major," said Berry. "Our hotels and retailers benefit largely off the auction. The negative economic impact of the quarry annexation to Columbus could equate to millions of dollars lost by our community very quickly."
The auto auction expressed major concern that dust and debris from the gravel trucks would cling to the cars and be a detriment to business.
Rishel said he does not believe that would be an issue. He said there is a large amount of distance from the two companies and the wind typically blows in the opposite direction. He also noted that if Jones Fuel could change to a quarry operation, they would put a wheel-wash system in place. This is a jet wash that would spray the truck tires.
"The wheel-wash system would keep dust off the roads," said Rishel. "Transporting topsoil is dirtier than sand or gravel."
The attorney reported that the topsoil company has had ongoing negotiations with the auto auction and he hopes to work out a private agreement.
The city also expressed concern the trucks would dirty the roadways and create more traffic, especially along Stringtown Road, where the city and businesses have invested millions.
Rishel said each gravel truck would be tarped and there would be less than 1 percent increase in truck traffic, compared to the current topsoil operation. He also said the only reason a truck would be on Stringtown Road would be if there were a delivery in that area.
Most of the truck traffic would travel north on State Route 104 or go down to State Route 665, Rishel noted.
"I know there is sensitivity in the city and township," said Rishel. "We're trying to address it."
The annexation request will go before Franklin County commissioners in early February. Then it will move onto the city of Columbus.
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