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Jackson Township discusses comprehensive plan
(by Dedra Cordle, Staff Writer - February 17, 2010)
To gather input regarding the upgrade of the 1991 Jackson Township comprehensive plan, the Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department sent surveys to 1,000 households last March, but only received responses from 200 of those randomly chosen households.
Because public feedback is important to shape a comprehensive plan, the planning department and the Jackson Township administration decided to host an ice cream social in June. About 100 people attended.
At the Feb. 16 Jackson Township Board of Trustees meeting, planner Scott Fulton gave an overview of those results.
Central water and sewer
"This was one of the biggest issues," said Fulton. "Residents want central sewer and water without Jackson Township being annexed into the city of Columbus."
He said residents suggested opening dialogue with Grove City and Columbus, and Fulton suggested the Jackson Township administration look into various projects with the Franklin County Sanitary Engineer.
Storm water drainage
According to Fulton, residents want to see the implementation of rain gardens and permeable pavement, as well as being participants in a countywide storm water program.
Maintaining rural character
According to the survey, residents would like to see a greater setback from the road for future housing and business developments; establish a community garden; maintain and expand existing farms; and limit commercial development to appropriate areas.
Protecting natural resources
Residents also suggested implementing stream setbacks via the zoning code; groundwater well improvements; and adding wind and solar energy in zoning resolutions for air quality.
Parks and open space
Residents stated they would like to see more bikeways and paths.
Creating an identity
Fulton said creating an identity was important to residents because "as Grove City gets bigger, more people identify with Grove City, and not Jackson Township."
According to Fulton, residents suggested creating an identifying feature specific to the township, such as a logo and certain colors that represent the area.
Re-evaluating the zoning policy
Residents suggested limiting the type and areas that home occupations are permitted (such as no auto repair shops or trucking businesses); and reviewing the zoning code and make updates and revisions to lot size requirements and depth to width ratio requirements.
Ice cream social
At 7 p.m. on March 9, the planning department and the Jackson Township administration will hold the second ice cream social and gather more input based on the recommendations of this first draft of ideas. The ice cream social will be held at the Jackson Township Administration Building, 3756 Hoover Road.
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