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SWAC reviews area plan
(by Dedra Cordle, Staff Writer - January 26, 2010)
Last year saw the adoption of the Southwest Area Plan, and in 2010, community leaders intend to see some of those recommendations come to fruition.
At the Jan. 20 Southwest Area Commission meeting, commissioner Clyde Miller laid out several of their planning priorities.
Parks
Miller reported the commission would like to begin the process of developing the former Franklin County Children Services site, but will need the cooperation of the city of Columbus, Franklin County and Franklin Township. Each of those government entities adopted the Southwest Area Plan early last year.
Unfortunately, Miller said, due to limited funds from the city and county, he doesn't believe development of the site will be any time soon.
"It's not going to happen this year," he stated.
However, Miller added he would like to get into contact with the city and county to get the project "into the hopper."
Other commission priorities include the cleanup and maintenance of local parks and the expansion of park areas and bike paths such as Early Run and Big Run.
Land use
Commissioners are also hoping to see the development of Cooper Stadium and the surrounding area.
At present, Arshot Investment Corporation has its sights set on turning the 46-acre site into a motorsports complex that could potentially feature restaurants, a speedway, a go-kart track and a drag strip, although the future of this development has yet be determined.
Transportation
Also a priority in 2010 is the creation of gateways on major roadways, such as Frank and Brown roads, Harrisburg Pike and Mound Street, as well as the redesigning of the Southwest Square.
Commissioners have set a goal to see COTA Route 17 reinstated, and the construction of sidewalks near Harmon and Finland Elementary and Finland Middle schools. Sidewalk construction along major roadways and corridors are also a priority.
Additionally, Miller noted that street lighting is a must for 2010.
The commission did acknowledge they would need assistance from several entities within the city, county and state.
"It's a starting point," said Miller of his list of planning priorities, "but I think we could accomplish some of these by the end of 2010."
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