14 minutes ago, Luvcbus said:

Columbus City Council just voted to APPROVE the proposal!

 

Apparently, they still have one variance to approve... 

And it’s approved too!

I can't wait for the meltdown on the Schumacher Place Civic Association Facebook page.

Business First: Schumacher Place Giant Eagle redevelopment plan lands final approval

 

“”’We need to face the reality that Columbus is a growing city. We have a housing shortage and within the next nine years we are projected to surpass a million people within the city of Columbus," Riewald said. "The question is really, where are these people going to live? It's critical for the success of our city to make sure we are putting forward quality, dense urban infill along transit quarters adjacent to transit job centers.’”

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2021/07/26/german-village-giant-eagle.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=bn&utm_content=co&ana=e_co_bn&j=24563590&senddate=2021-07-26
 

I like Rob’s comments mentioned at the end of the article too 😂

30 minutes ago, amped91 said:

I like Rob’s comments mentioned at the end of the article too

He was also wearing a shirt with a big whale on it. lol

1 hour ago, amped91 said:

Business First: Schumacher Place Giant Eagle redevelopment plan lands final approval

 

“”’We need to face the reality that Columbus is a growing city. We have a housing shortage and within the next nine years we are projected to surpass a million people within the city of Columbus," Riewald said. "The question is really, where are these people going to live? It's critical for the success of our city to make sure we are putting forward quality, dense urban infill along transit quarters adjacent to transit job centers.’”

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2021/07/26/german-village-giant-eagle.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=bn&utm_content=co&ana=e_co_bn&j=24563590&senddate=2021-07-26
 

I like Rob’s comments mentioned at the end of the article too 😂

I feel like this quote is a great indicator that the south high building will be approved also. Can’t wait to see that they do. 

1 hour ago, TH3BUDDHA said:

I can't wait for the meltdown on the Schumacher Place Civic Association Facebook page.

 

Potential lawsuit looms as Columbus council approves zoning for Pizzuti project in Schumacher Place

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/07/27/despite-neighbors-complaints-council-oks-variances-pizzuti-project/5376321001/

 

 

They'd have no leg to stand on right?

Edited July 27, 20213 yr by Imwalle

33 minutes ago, Imwalle said:

Potential lawsuit looms as Columbus council approves zoning for Pizzuti project in Schumacher Place

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/07/27/despite-neighbors-complaints-council-oks-variances-pizzuti-project/5376321001/

 

 

They'd have no leg to stand on right?

If the development meets all the zoning regulations and what not, I can't think of a single reason how a lawsuit will do anything.

On the news they were talking about how the Pizzuti rep "claims" that the new development would result in less traffic than the Giant Eagle. It's pretty easy to prove that a supermarket leads to way more trips than residential. Isn't the rule of thumb something like 2 trips per person per day? Assuming 2.5 persons per unit times 262 times 2 trips that is 1310 trips per day. That's nothing to a supermarket. Couldn't even stay open considering in is one trip and out is another. Just the employees are 300 trips.

So the Whalers are going to waste their money on a frivolous lawsuit?  LOL. I wonder if any of them will intentionally beach themselves in despair over the totally appropriate luxury apartment building being built outside their own district?

 

Too bad that after construction it cannot be made a section 8 building just to get back at the Whalers.

Edited July 27, 20213 yr by Toddguy

1 hour ago, TIm said:

If the development meets all the zoning regulations

It's interesting because this project didn't actually meet all zoning requirements and needed some variances.  The one lawyer that was against was claiming that during the variance application process for this project, they somehow violated some Ohio Supreme Court decision.  The lawyer for the project claimed that wasn't true, so who knows.

Edited July 27, 20213 yr by TH3BUDDHA

I'd be surprised to see an Ohio Supreme Court decision that says that the controlling entity over zoning doesn't also have the right to grant variances. If there is, it's probably going to be some miniscule technicality but if the law creates the zoning board and outlines the appeals and zoning variance process and that was followed, it's hard for me to believe anything could be floating out there that hasn't been tried before. A cursory search seems to show the Ohio Supreme Court generally ruling in favor of zoning variances even overturning the Cleveland Zoning Authority for one they denied as recently as last year. It seems the Supreme Court deemed the Zoning Authority's arguments for denying were too weak and disproportionately applied. A

 

Some creative folks may try to quote the taking clause but the burden of proof would be so significant I can't see any judge entertaining it. 

Council Approves Development on Former Giant Eagle Site

 

The Columbus City Council voted last night to approve the zoning changes needed for the redevelopment of the former Giant Eagle store at 280 E. Whittier St.

 

The project had already received support from the South Side Area Commission and the Development Commission, which normally would all but assure a positive vote from council. This development, though, has faced significant, organized opposition at almost every step in the process.

 

The Schumacher Place Civic Association voted against the project earlier this year, and the organization’s Facebook page served as a center of discussion on the proposal. Many of the complaints have focused on the height and density of the project, and the impact that it could have on traffic and parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/council-approves-development-on-former-giant-eagle-site-bw1/

 

I'm SO ready for the meltdowns.

Remember when the protest songs were against parking lots?

 

Pepperidge Farm remembers.

Edited July 28, 20213 yr by GCrites80s

Is there a name for this place yet? If not, I suggest "The Nantucket". With a nautical-themed seafood restaurant called...you know what! lol. The "Blue Whale" as a tribute to "The Blue Danube"? lol.  Graywhale? Narwahl? Orcas Place? 

1 hour ago, Toddguy said:

Is there a name for this place yet? If not, I suggest "The Nantucket". With a nautical-themed seafood restaurant called...you know what! lol. The "Blue Whale" as a tribute to "The Blue Danube"? lol.  Graywhale? Narwahl? Orcas Place? 

 

"Call me Ishmael."

Maybe Sea World can come back as a restaurant concept. A big fiberglass Shamu right out front.

Here's an interesting proposal located in the heart of German Village by the Saint Mary Catholic Church and Saint Mary School located on S. 3rd Street between Sycamore and Frankfort streets.  The church and school want to move the historic church rectory residence 75 feet west closer to 3rd Street.  The rectory move would open up space in the middle of their school campus to install an outdoor playground for students and to build an addition to the existing Saint Mary School building.

 

Below is an aerial of the church/school campus.  The rectory building is located between the Saint Mary Church and the Saint Mary School labeled on the aerial.  Below the photo is an excerpt from the Dispatch article about the proposal:

 

Redevelopment plans for German Village's St. Mary Catholic Church would move rectory building

 

From a one-room, Civil War-era school house to its current campus, St. Mary School has operated in the heart of German Village for more than 150 years.  But growing enrollment, outdated classrooms and a parking lot being used for recess are forcing the Catholic Diocese into proposing major changes.

 

A recently unveiled proposal to redevelop the South Third Street site of St. Mary Catholic Church — which dates back to the 19th century and is the third-oldest Catholic church building in Columbus — is being scrutinized by community groups, parents of students and historic preservationists.  The most significant change calls for moving the church rectory 75 feet west and closer to Third Street.  Currently, the parish residence is set back next to the main church building.

 

Moving the rectory would allow for classroom expansion into the parking area, and the playground would be moved to an area along Third Street.  The proposed grounds would be fenced-in and create a safer, enclosed play area next to the rectory, school and church officials have said.

( . . . )

There currently are about 400 students enrolled - up from 215 six years ago - with projections for 500 students by 2023.  In January, to help with added classrooms, the Catholic Diocese purchased from the city of Columbus the former Golden Hobby Shop, a large building just north of the small campus which was used by seniors and others for crafts and hobbies.  It now houses middle school students.

 

MORE:  https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/08/04/st-mary-redevelopment-german-village-preservationist-scrutiny/5379034001/

^That is not unreasonable. 

I have no problem with this, but is there some reason they cannot make an addition to the front of the school? Do they need it to be so far back and have that empty grassy front lot that is of no use whatsoever?  They can't enclose that and make some kind of use out of it such as making part of it a recess and playground area? So many front lawns serve no purpose whatsoever-especially in that area where many homes have little if any front yard at all.

 

Look how close the other buildings(including the church)are to the street.

^They do use that front lawn for Christmas tree sales and little Saturday markets.

2 minutes ago, ink said:

^They do use that front lawn for Christmas tree sales and little Saturday markets.

 

It's also the site of a weekly farmer's market every weekend.

^^ Ok well given that it is used for multiple different things throughout the year I take it back lol.  I guess it is all good then. 

I'll never understand how we can casually talk about moving entire buildings, especially old looking ones like that. It honestly boggles my mind we are able to do stuff like this and that it's common enough to just talk about in an article about it casually being part of a proposal and not, like, the groundbreaking and monumental thing my mind makes it out to be, lol.

Edited August 11, 20213 yr by Zyrokai

5 minutes ago, Zyrokai said:

I'll never understand how we can casually talk about moving entire buildings, especially old looking ones like that. It honestly boggles my mind we are able to do stuff like this and that it's common enough to just talk about in an article about it casually being part of a proposal and not, like, the groundbreaking and monumental thing my mind makes it out to be, lol.

 

This happened in Indianapolis way back in 1930.

 

 

3 minutes ago, cbussoccer said:

 

This happened in Indianapolis way back in 1930.

 

 

 

Insanity, I tell you!!

Found this post on Nextdoor while trying to see if there was anything about the Brewery District development on High Street... the German Village NIMBYs have filed a lawsuit against the city and Pizzuti over the Giant Eagle redevelopment:

 

N4RD is very close in appearance to NARDS...just sayin'

I encourage everyone to follow that link and use the contact form to write them directly about how ridiculous they are.  It's not going to change their minds, but they need to hear it, anyway.

1 hour ago, jonoh81 said:

I encourage everyone to follow that link and use the contact form to write them directly about how ridiculous they are.  It's not going to change their minds, but they need to hear it, anyway.

They conveniently have direct links to all the City Council members emails on there. Easy way to email them all in support of the project!

13 minutes ago, TIm said:

They conveniently have direct links to all the City Council members emails on there. Easy way to email them all in support of the project!

 

City Council actually already approved the project -- the NIMBYs are now suing the city and the developer claiming City Council violated zoning laws.

On 9/3/2021 at 10:58 AM, .justin said:

 

City Council actually already approved the project -- the NIMBYs are now suing the city and the developer claiming City Council violated zoning laws.

I really hope all they end up with is a sense of loss and frustration over the waste of the money donated to that stupid frivolous lawsuit.

 

*That site! The "why it's too big" with the WHALE  cartoon!- and then the pics of those people in whale suits! LOL!!! 

 

I swear they need to make the retail part a bar/seafood restaurant with a "Nantucket" nautical theme!

 

I almost want to wear a whale suit and walk up and down by the site(when it is cooler!) with a "SAVE THE WHALE!" sign.

Edited September 4, 20213 yr by Toddguy

On 7/16/2020 at 12:05 AM, 614love said:

I know it’s been awhile, but has there been any updates on the hotel proposal and appeal process?

I sent them a message on Facebook asking if the project is still in play. They responded today and said “Never giving up, simply reformulating.” 
So hopefully, this will come back at some point. 

Edited September 10, 20213 yr by VintageLife
Spelling error

14 hours ago, VintageLife said:

I sent them a message on Facebook asking if the project is still in play. They responded today and said “Never giving up, simply reformulating.” 
So hopefully, this will come back at some point. 

 

They should've just gone to the city like Pizzuti did.  They tried so hard to please the angry mob and couldn't find an inch of compromise with those people.  At some point, it's not worth the time, effort or money to keep acting in good faith.

27 minutes ago, jonoh81 said:

 

They should've just gone to the city like Pizzuti did.  They tried so hard to please the angry mob and couldn't find an inch of compromise with those people.  At some point, it's not worth the time, effort or money to keep acting in good faith.

Yeah, I included in one of my messages that they should have taken it to the city. I also told them to not give in and keep the height at what it was. No idea if they will, but here’s hoping. 

Equipment arriving on site at the Whale today 😈

1 hour ago, amped91 said:

Equipment arriving on site at the Whale today 😈

It’s going to be built by the time the dumb lawsuit goes anywhere.

15 minutes ago, jonoh81 said:

It’s going to be built by the time the dumb lawsuit goes anywhere.

If construction is going forward and the plaintiffs don't move for a stay (and a successful motion for a stay would require the added expense of a bond which might be hard to obtain unless the plaintiffs are an organization or individuals with considerable assets) there is Ohio case law which supports eventual dismissal of any lawsuit challenging variances for that reason alone.

 

11 minutes ago, Htsguy said:

If construction is going forward and the plaintiffs don't move for a stay (and a successful motion for a stay would require the added expense of a bond which might be hard to obtain unless the plaintiffs are an organization or individuals with considerable assets) there is Ohio case law which supports eventual dismissal of any lawsuit challenging variances for that reason alone.

 

Well that’s good to know!

2 hours ago, amped91 said:

Equipment arriving on site at the Whale today 😈

 

Demolition permit was issued last week:

 

I went whale watching during my lunch walk, today.  Unfortunately, I didn't spot any whales.  I did, however, see these two specimens.  Their arrival into a local environment is usually a precursor to whales joining the environment in the near future.  They have a sort of symbiotic relationship where these scavengers will devour the remains of dead organisms and clear the space for the whale to move into it's new habitat.  Local parasites will attempt to attack the whale as it moves in, so hopefully our whale can fight them off for great future whale watching.

 

 

 

Edited September 13, 20213 yr by TH3BUDDHA

^I don't see why anyone would want to destroy that perfectly good parking lot - it's developed a rich, crackled patina like a fine oil painting.

21 hours ago, TH3BUDDHA said:

I went whale watching during my lunch walk, today.  Unfortunately, I didn't spot any whales.  I did, however, see these two specimens.  Their arrival into a local environment is usually a precursor to whales joining the environment in the near future.  They have a sort of symbiotic relationship where these scavengers will devour the remains of dead organisms and clear the space for the whale to move into it's new habitat.  Local parasites will attempt to attack the whale as it moves in, so hopefully our whale can fight them off for great future whale watching.

 

 

 

4 brick walls and some steel rafters. This should be quick and easy. 

Giant Eagle coming down today:

 

Here it comes!

 

13 minutes ago, ColDayMan said:

Here it comes!

 

 

Interesting to see the old yellow brick from the Big Bear days. Amazing that it was reclad in red brick.

On 9/14/2021 at 12:17 PM, NightNectar said:

4 brick walls and some steel rafters. This should be quick and easy. 

Quicker (and easier) than I thought. Love it.