NCC schedules vote Dec. 3 on Northland Plan update

The Northland Community Council has delayed signing off on an update to the plan governing development and redevelopment within the traditional boundaries of the neighborhood.

The vote by NCC representatives was originally scheduled to take place at last week's monthly meeting.

However, NCC President Emmanuel V. Remy said the vote won't be taken until the final meeting of 2013, on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Issues related to recreation and parks that were raised during the most recent open house at which the draft plan was up for public scrutiny and comment resulted in pushing back the NCC vote, according to Remy.

He did not elaborate.

Christine Palmer, the lead planner for the city on the update project, was not available for comment prior to ThisWeek's press time.

The delay will have an effect on where the NCC's December session is held.

That's when the organization usually holds its annual holiday gathering, and normally, the formality is taking attendance, in accordance with the bylaws.

With a vote required in order to move the update project along for eventual adoption by Columbus City Council, a venue where NCC representatives can gather to hear any discussion and cast what probably will be a unanimous vote for approval enters into the consideration, Secretary Brandon L. Boos pointed out.

The 2012 holiday gathering took place in a local Mexican restaurant, and some representatives last week said it was fine but didn't offer space where everyone could be together to hear one another.

Remy suggested the possibility of returning to Hunan House, where the holiday meeting has been held on several occasions; Dave Paul, chairman of the development committee, tossed out the possibility of the Otani Sushi and Karaoke restaurant as a venerable Northland establishment only recently saved from closing, thanks to a Facebook campaign.

Remy said he would notify representatives of member organizations of the eventual choice via email.

The Northland Plan I area encompasses 17.7 square miles bounded on the north and east by Interstate 270; Cooke, Ferris and Morse roads on the south; and the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks and Huntley Road on the west.

Some 85 percent of the area falls within Columbus city boundaries; the rest is in Worthington, Minerva Park and Blendon, Clinton, Mifflin and Sharon townships, according to the draft document.

Once adopted by city council, the plan would be used in guiding final decisions on rezoning and variance requests involving land use.

Full Article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/northland/news/2013/11/11/ncc-schedules-vote-dec–3-on-northland-plan-update.html