Worthington, July 30, 2003 (Front page)
Developers, ARB want feedback on condo plan
Feedback from the public is needed before a proposed condominium project in Old Worthington can get approved.
Last Thursday JBB Properties asked the Architectural Review Board what it would take to get the preliminary sketches for luxury condos from the drawing board to reality.
The proposed structure would add five condos onto the 19th-century house at 571 High St.
The luxury condos could be anywhere from 2700 to 3000 square feet and the complex would boast underground parking and a wrap-around porch.
But when asked for an opinion on the matter, some members of the board hedged, saying they needed to see how residents feel about the project.
"I want to hear from the rest of the community," ARB member David Foust said. "They can point out pros and cons we haven't seen."
Architect George Berardi said he and his associates would look into public forums about the property as well as have conversations with local historical societies.
"Further evaluation is the only way to proceed," he said. "Public hearings are the best way."
Many of the objections from the board stemmed from how this new structure would change the face of Old Worthington.
"This isn't just an architectural issue," ARB member Scott Meyers said. "This is an impact issue and I need the people of the Village Green to say it's OK."
ARB member James Saur said he was concerned with setting a precedent for the rest of Old Worthington and losing the village atmosphere.
"I think it's generally a good idea, but I'm not going to rush in," he said.
The builders said they realize the concern over setting a precedent for the area but there aren't other lots in the area that could hold such a structure.
"The issue of precedent is probably overstated," said Glenn Baker, owner of JBB Properties. The board was supportive of the overall concept of the condos.
"I like some of the aspects ... and I would like to see more people downtown," Councilwoman Lou Briggs said. "I like the fact that they,ve tried different angles of roofing."
ARB Chairman David Norstrom also supported the idea of upscale condos and stated that there is clearly a demand for such things in Worthington.
Baker said that ever since the project became known his phone has rung off the hook for people inquiring about the condos.
"I want this to be a significant project the community is proud of," he said. This whole issue arose when that propertv was rezoned to C-5, meaning that up to 80 percent of the property can be covered by a building.
Berardi said the structure's coverage was only up to 55- 56 percent and therefore was well below the maximum density mark.
The claim wasn't good enough for some neighbors who showed up to voice their concerns at the meeting. Resident Todd Musgrove is in contract for the property at 45 W. Short St, and would have the proposed building in his back yard. "I don't want to be looking at a monolith," he said. "I wish to see something that's not so disruptive,"
"From descriptions I've heard, I find it very objectionable," neighbor Douglas Gordon said. "When the construction starts and noise moves in, I move out."
Another possible issue concerned the drainage of the lot because of a 6 percent grade change. Berardi said he thought that would be easily managed.
"Everyone that's on High Street has had to deal with the drainage issue," he said.
The biggest: topic of the night remained the issue of the mass of the structure.
"This is comparable to other buildings along High Street,” Berardi said, referring to businesses to the north.
Even with all of the arguing Foust seemed best able to voice the view of the board.
“I’m not opposed to the project, I'm not sold on it," he said.
Baker said he is eager to get community feedback on the project and will announce public forums to discuss the issue soon.
Other items of business on last week's ARB meeting agenda included a proposal for a new sign and a fence for the Worthington Division of Police. The sign will be 3 feet tall with white lettering, lights in front and a flag pole directly behind.
The fence will be wrought iron and protect utilities around the building.
A proposal to remove a Chimney at 191 E. Granville Road was tabled until the next meeting because Foust saw the historical significance in the structure. He said it probably dated from the, 1830s-1840s and was one of only two remaining in the area.
Because only four members were present, all would have needed to vote yes on the issue, In light of that, the presenter decided to wait until more members were present for a vote.
An addition to 51 W Dublin-Granville Road was approved and a fence at 560 Morning St. was given the go ahead, despite being a little higher than is usually allowed.
After discussion about the proposed condos, the board adjourned until the next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 11.