Fuel Center questions answered

(by Dedra Cordle, Staff Writer - July 16, 2009)

When representatives for the Kroger Company came before the Southwest Area Commission in June to discuss placing a fuel center in the Southwest Square Shopping Center, commissioners expressed concern over two major issues.

The first issue they had with the fuel center proposal was a request from the City of Columbus to have a 60-foot right-of-way from the center of Harrisburg Pike, which could potentially cut into the lots of existing establishments, and the second issue they had is the lack of sidewalks on Harrisburg Pike.

“Everyone has made it abundantly clear that’s what they want,” said attorney Chris Rinehart, of Rinehart and Rishel, Ltd., in reference to the sidewalk issue at the July 15 SWAC meeting.

At the meeting, representatives came bearing news to help quell commissioners concerns.

According to Rinehart, the City of Columbus, which does not have jurisdiction of Harrisburg Pike (the Ohio Department of Transportation does), has communicated support in reducing the right-of-way to 45-feet, instead of the original request of 60-feet.

“A 60-foot right-of-way would have definitely affected businesses, and we wanted to get it down to a standard we could live by,” said SWAC Chairperson Ralph Horn.

Additionally, Rinehart said while he is unsure if current construction along Harrisburg Pike includes space for sidewalks, they will be included when constructing the right-of-way.

The commissioners made a motion to approve the rezoning permit, and baring disapproval from the Columbus City Council, the Kroger Fuel Center will begin construction around September at the earliest, the end of the year at the latest.

The fuel center cost has been estimated to be in the range of $500,000 to $1 million to construct.

National Night Out
The 12th annual National Night Out event in the SWAC area will take place on Aug. 4 between 6-9 p.m. at Finland Elementary School, 1835 Finland Avenue.

The crime and drug prevention event will feature music,  free food, and a fun time for the family.

The Southwest Area Commission will hold an election at the event. There are three seats up for grabs, and four at-large seats that will be available.

National Night Out is sponsored by the Westbrook/Eastfield Neighborhood Association
Blockwatch.


 

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