One of items reported from the most recent Metro Parks board of trustees meeting:

 

Metro Park board opposes racetrack

"Also yesterday, the three-member board signed a letter opposing construction of a race-car track at the former site of Cooper Stadium.  The track's noise would disrupt nearby Scioto Audubon Metro Park, board members said.  The letter noted that the park system has invested $10 million in the nearby Scioto Audubon Metro Park and that noise from the proposed racetrack would affect visitors.  The advisory board for the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, a birding center within the park, sent a similar letter opposing the track last month."

How would the people of Ohio like to see another minor league team come in and use the stadium.

 

We have started a new league, planning to have one of our teams in Ohio and have considered this stadium for usage. We are also still looking for someone who would be interested in ownership of a team for Ohio.

A minor league baseball team? I'd say the state has enough...or at least the big cities do.

^I would have to agree with that assertion.  There are 3 within a 45 minute  or less drive of downtown Cleveland alone.  And I can think of at least 4 others in the state (if not more).  All to a certain extent competing with 2 major league teams for entertainment dollars (actually 4 since Pittsburgh and Detroit are such easy drives from large portions of the state).  That is a lot of baseball.

We will not be playing baseball, though it should not matter. A team in our league would be infusing millions of dollars into the economy of the area, bringing jobs and commerce, with nothing more than the usual applause of the fans that people have already become accustomed to.

^Huh?

I said the same thing

We will not be playing baseball, though it should not matter. A team in our league would be infusing millions of dollars into the economy of the area, bringing jobs and commerce, with nothing more than the usual applause of the fans that people have already become accustomed to.

 

What will you be playing then?

I erased most of WarrenF's posts. This is a discussion forum WarrenF, please take your evasive recruiting elsewhere.

I apologise, but again I want to get an opinion from those in the neighborhood would think. I will be bringing millions into the area if I decide to go this route and approach the city. It makes no sense to go up against a neighborhood and try to force them into enjoying something they won't. Yes this is a discusion board and I have toned in on this subject on this thread as it was clearly designed to talk about what would be best for Copper Stadium. A race track seemed to be a bad idea by most posters with a few posters saying let it remain a baseball field.

 

Now as this board is about Ohio, of which you can find at Least 100 Ohio homes listed for auction on ebay for less than a thousand dollars it should tell most  people something. Like many other areas of the country Ohio needs good jobs.

 

My question is why should a business even consider Ohio when they do a little research, trying to contact and ask people in the area what they think and get treated like this. I would think most people would be a little more welcoming.

 

And yes naturally, as I am a businessman wanting to come into the area it would only be prudent for me to want to make as many business contacts as possible. I will be needing allot of their services.

WarrenF,

 

How can you get our opinion if you won't tell us what sport the team will be playing?

This sound like some kid BS!  I give this a  ::)

Baseball, Football, Soccer, Lacross, field hockey or softball. Played by males or females, what difference does it make. All the games are cheered for by fans. Baseball would have the most games, of which I did say it will not be baseball. A NDA Non Disclosure Agreement has been signed by every one who is in the know of what is happening. I am included and I am not at liberty to say what the sport is at this time. I told you where you could find out as a few ads on Global X will tell you, but again I am not at liberty to say agree or deny on that subject. I am only a partner involved in this venture.

 

The question is would people prefer a sports team and sports complex there, or would they prefer something else.

what difference does it make? are you serious? the type of sport and/or the league playing there makes a world of difference... and no a minor league team at cooper stadium isn't something that will help the area too much, so stop with the high and mighty attitude.  Columbus has had so many minor league teams that nobody would care when they came or left... imo

Cooper Park takes next step

Developer stresses auto-research center; foes oppose track

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

By Mark Ferenchik

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Plans for the proposed Cooper Park racetrack were filed with Columbus zoning officials yesterday, another necessary step before the Columbus City Council will take up the project and dive into a heated debate.  A holding company related to Arshot Investment Corp. filed the paperwork Arshot needs for the council to rezone the land at the Cooper Stadium site just west of Downtown in order to build a half-mile oval track and an automotive and technology center.

 

Arshot needed to file the rezoning application by the end of this week to satisfy contingencies in its option to buy the Cooper Stadium site from Franklin County.  The earliest the issue can go before the city Development Commission is Nov. 11, said Linda LaCloche of the city's Building and Zoning Services Department.  The City Council likely won't discuss it before January, she said.  In March, Franklin County commissioners gave Arshot until May 3, 2011, to buy the property.

 

Full article: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/08/31/copy/cooper-park-takes-next-step.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Gotta say I'm opposed to the race track idea.  Those things are need to be out in the middle of nowhere... or in industrial zones...

The Columbus Metropolitan Club held a community forum on the Cooper Park / Cooper Stadium race track re-use proposal.  Lots of news stories generated from this.  Including this humerous moment reported in this blog post from the Dispatch reporter at the forum:

 

"Cleve Ricksecker, the often-jovial executive director of the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, decided to test the crowd today when he moderated a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum on the controversial Cooper Park race track proposal.  Acknowledging the acrimonious nature of the subject, Ricksecker donned a lacrosse helmet, complete with facemask, for the chuckling crowd.  Bill Schottenstein, whose Arshot Investment Corp. would develop the $30 million to $40 million project west of Downtown, seemed less than amused."

 

Now on to the serious news articles...

Cooper Park opposition still on track after forum

Thursday, September 30, 2010 

By Mark Ferenchik

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

After listening to developer Bill Schottenstein and others describe plans for the proposed racetrack complex at Cooper Stadium, Heather Starck wasn’t impressed.  “I felt insulted,” said Starck, the director of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.  “I don’t think I really learned much.”

 

Other opponents of the track felt the same way, calling yesterday’s forum at the Columbus Metropolitan Club a “commercial” for the project.  So goes the continuing war of words — and battle to influence public opinion — over the proposal to transform the former home of the Columbus Clippers into a racetrack and automotive research center.

 

The panelists — Schottenstein, Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady, Southwest Area Commissioner Stefanie Coe and Giorgio Rizzoni, the director of the Center for Automotive Research at Ohio State — didn’t add much new to what was already known about the Cooper Park project.

 

Full article: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/09/30/cooper-park-opposition-still-on-track-after-forum.html?sid=101

Auto research center pegged for Cooper Stadium

Business First of Columbus - by Jeff Bell

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

 

A center for automotive research and technology rather than an auto racetrack has emerged as the featured use for the redevelopment of Cooper Stadium, former home of the Columbus Clippers.  “It is in effect the epicenter,” project developer William Schottenstein, principal of Arshot Investment Corp., said Wednesday during a Columbus Metropolitan Club panel discussion on Cooper Stadium.  “What comes out of that building will be what drives the overall project.”

 

The center, with possible involvement from Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College and NASCAR racing star Jeff Gordon, would focus on automotive research, including electric vehicles, and train auto technicians.  It also would use the proposed racetrack inside Cooper Stadium for auto testing. Schottenstein also said Arshot is convinced it can mitigate noise from the racetrack and comply with Columbus’ noise ordinance.

 

Full article: http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/09/27/daily26.html?surround=lfn

Battle Over Cooper Stadium Redevelopment Continues

Wednesday,  September 29, 2010 - 6:30 PM

WBNS-10TV

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The battle over how to redevelop the vacant Cooper Stadium was continuing on Wednesday.  A panel of supporters, including developer Bill Schottenstein, heard from neighbors, many who said they do not like the idea of turning the stadium into a race track, 10TV's Danielle Elias reported.

 

Cooper Stadium has been empty since the Columbus Clippers minor league baseball team completed its 2008 season and moved to Huntington Park in 2009

 

Full article and video: http://www.onntv.com/live/content/local/stories/2010/09/29/story-columbus-cooper-stadium-plans.html?sid=102

And one more from Columbus Local News:

 

Cooper Park racetrack: 2 sides driving in opposite directions

While the developers of a new motorsports complex emphasize the creation of jobs, opponents fear the negative effects of noise from project.

 

More information about the proposed plans for Cooper Stadium can be found at http://www.cooperparkcomplex.com.

 

More information about opposition to the plans can be found at http://www.roarcolumbus.org.

 

Area commission favors new zoning for Cooper Park race track project

 

The Southwest Area Commission is supporting the zoning plan for the proposed race track complex at the Cooper Stadium site just west of Downtown, with a few strings attached.  According to the motion the commission passed last week, the group supports Arshot Investment's idea with the following conditions:

 

1. No races until Arshot completes a research and technology center, with a minimum of 20,000 sqaure feet of office space.

2. All races end at 10 p.m.

3. A traffic impact study.

4. New sidewalks and crosswalks.

 

The city's Development Commission will take up the controversial issue early next year, with the Columbus City Council, and its two new members, getting a crack at it by spring.

 

MORE: http://blog.dispatch.com/thecity/2010/12/area_commission_favors_new_zon.shtml

There seems to be very little support for this in the proximity of the stadium, but as usual it's getting dumped on them only because it's a lower-income area (we wouldn't even be discussing this if it were any relatively well-off neighborhood), but this is one instance where local residents have banded together very effectively in opposition to the status quo treatment that they get.

There seems to be very little support for this in the proximity of the stadium, but as usual it's getting dumped on them only because it's a lower-income area (we wouldn't even be discussing this if it were any relatively well-off neighborhood), but this is one instance where local residents have banded together very effectively in opposition to the status quo treatment that they get.

 

Claiming there is little support for the project from those in proximity to the stadium is an absolutely incorrect statement. There are of course some opponents to the project as there would be no matter what would be proposed for the stadium. In this case the opponents are a minority by far.

 

Over 2000 petition signatures supporting the project have been collected directly from folks that live in Franklinton, just North of the stadium. The Southwest Area Commission (SWAC) voted unanimously in support. The Franklinton Board of Trade (businesses in the area) has also voted overwhelmingly in favor of the project. Residents that live closest to the stadium, apartment owners, and real estate owners have stood up at the local commission meetings to state their support.

 

Don't believe that? I will challenge you or anyone else that claims the residents nearest the stadium don't support it to take a walk door to door and ask those same residents first hand. I'll be happy to go with you. This same offer has been repeatedly made to others proclaiming little support from people living near the stadium - no one seems to be willing to accept that challenge. Wonder why?

 

The developer has maintained all along that first and foremost this is a jobs and economic development project for the Cooper site, and they are very willing to work with the neighborhood commissions for the benefit of the area. Consider that as indicated in the SWAC resolution supporting the project, the motion also calls for a good neighbor agreement that includes area residents and companies to receive first consideration for jobs and business.

 

Does that sound like "status quo" for the area?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...and the racetrack proposal keeps moving along:

 

Cooper Stadium racetrack gets city staff's backing

Saturday, February 5, 2011 

By Mark Ferenchik, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

A proposed racetrack at Cooper Stadium has finished its first lap around city government.  But it's a long race.

 

Columbus officials are asking that the city Development Commission recommend rezoning the land for a racetrack and automotive and technology center.  But first, officials can expect a boisterous turnout at the Development Commission meeting Thursday.

 

If the commission agrees, the recommendation will go to the Columbus City Council.  City Council will make the final decision on zoning, and the project would also need a special permit approved by the city's Board of Zoning Adjustment.

 

LOCATION MAP

 

MORE: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/02/05/cooper-stadium-racetrack-gets-city-staffs-backing.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

There seems to be very little support for this in the proximity of the stadium, but as usual it's getting dumped on them only because it's a lower-income area (we wouldn't even be discussing this if it were any relatively well-off neighborhood), but this is one instance where local residents have banded together very effectively in opposition to the status quo treatment that they get.

 

Claiming there is little support for the project from those in proximity to the stadium is an absolutely incorrect statement. There are of course some opponents to the project as there would be no matter what would be proposed for the stadium. In this case the opponents are a minority by far.

 

Over 2000 petition signatures supporting the project have been collected directly from folks that live in Franklinton, just North of the stadium. The Southwest Area Commission (SWAC) voted unanimously in support. The Franklinton Board of Trade (businesses in the area) has also voted overwhelmingly in favor of the project. Residents that live closest to the stadium, apartment owners, and real estate owners have stood up at the local commission meetings to state their support.

 

Don't believe that? I will challenge you or anyone else that claims the residents nearest the stadium don't support it to take a walk door to door and ask those same residents first hand. I'll be happy to go with you. This same offer has been repeatedly made to others proclaiming little support from people living near the stadium - no one seems to be willing to accept that challenge. Wonder why?

 

The developer has maintained all along that first and foremost this is a jobs and economic development project for the Cooper site, and they are very willing to work with the neighborhood commissions for the benefit of the area. Consider that as indicated in the SWAC resolution supporting the project, the motion also calls for a good neighbor agreement that includes area residents and companies to receive first consideration for jobs and business.

 

Does that sound like "status quo" for the area?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You're free to post evidence to the contrary (I'm just speaking from the contact I've had with residents there), but that doesn't change the fact that, yes, projects like this would never see the light of day in or near our popular urban neighborhoods. There wouldn't have even been a project proposal for the possibility of petitions were we talking about the University District, for example.

Did I have a post deleted from this topic?

 

Anyone know who currently is the actual owner of the stadium?

Did I have a post deleted from this topic?

 

Anyone know who currently is the actual owner of the stadium?

 

Question #1: Not to my knowledge.  If you remember when you posted it, I can check further.

 

Question #2: Franklin County is the current owner.  Arshot, the developer, has an option to purchase the property - contingent on obtaining their development approvals.

The developers of the racetrack proposal have jumped their first regulatory hurdle...

 

Development panel OKs racetrack at Cooper Stadium

City Council is next step for vote on rezoning

Friday, February 11, 2011 - 2:51 AM

By Mark Ferenchik, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Even though it acknowledges concerns about the noise, the Columbus Development Commission unanimously endorsed a plan last night to convert the Cooper Stadium site into a racetrack and auto-research center.

 

The next stop for developer Arshot Investment Corp. is the Columbus City Council, which probably will hold a final vote on the rezoning in March.  Then it's on to the city's Board of Zoning Adjustment for a special permit.

 

Between now and then, there will be a lot of lobbying of City Council members by proponents and opponents of the plan.  Arshot wants to convert the empty baseball stadium west of Downtown into a sports and entertainment hub near some of the city's poorest neighborhoods.

 

MORE: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/02/11/copy/development-panel-oks-racetrack-at-cooper-stadium.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

 

You're free to post evidence to the contrary (I'm just speaking from the contact I've had with residents there), but that doesn't change the fact that, yes, projects like this would never see the light of day in or near our popular urban neighborhoods. There wouldn't have even been a project proposal for the possibility of petitions were we talking about the University District, for example.

 

Of course there would be no project like this in the nicer areas of Columbus.  Those areas typically don't have run-down, abandoned stadiums waiting for someone to rescue.  Remember, the Cooper Park Complex is not the result of a developer looking for a place to put a racetrack.  Rather, it is the result of a developer finding a creative and visionary re-use of a columbus landmark.

Hmm, 1st post and yet dictating the use of the stadium to residents is "rescuing" them, with no concern for what residents want or don't want. Who cares what they think of such a "visionary" use: they should shut up and be grateful for whatever they get.

Hmm, 1st post and yet dictating the use of the stadium to residents is "rescuing" them, with no concern for what residents want or don't want. Who cares what they think of such a "visionary" use: they should shut up and be grateful for whatever they get.

 

I'm sorry that that was my 1st first post.  But, you know everyone has to have a first post sometime.  I never said this project is "rescuing" the people of the area.  I said it is "rescuing" the old stadium.  And BTW, I DO care what the people in the area think.  That's why I spent a lot of time last spring walking & driving around the area asking people.  Back then, it was dificult to find anyone against the project.

 

Oh, and most the people I talked to WERE grateful for the new opportunities that would come from this project.  The main thing they tend to be upset about is how long it is taking for construction to start.

Hmm, 1st post and yet dictating the use of the stadium to residents is "rescuing" them, with no concern for what residents want or don't want. Who cares what they think of such a "visionary" use: they should shut up and be grateful for whatever they get.

By far, the majority of area residents seem to be pretty grateful for the opportunity for the creation on jobs, business development, and thankful that someone wants to clean up the area around Cooper. Unfortunately, most don't have the luxury of the internet so it's a little tough for them to post on forums like this.

 

Our approach to gaining the opinion of Franklinton residents is a little different than yours. We'll go door to door (you are invited and welcome to come along) instead of basing the opinion of the entire neighborhood on a few contacts.

 

 

An interesting "development" in the Cooper Stadium saga...

 

Coleman won't support racetrack until noise is addressed

Friday, February 18, 2011

By Mark Ferenchik, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Mayor Michael B. Coleman said he is withholding support for the new Cooper Park racetrack because the developer hasn't done enough to address the noise concerns of nearby neighborhoods, especially Franklinton.  The statement blindsided Columbus City Council and the project's supporters, and comes just more than a week after the Franklinton Area Commission voted against the controversial proposal.

 

Columbus-based Arshot Investment Corp. wants to convert the former Clippers baseball stadium west of Downtown into an 8,500-seat racetrack with an automotive research and technology center.  The development is supposed to bring 300 full- and part-time jobs.

 

The mayor has been content to sit on the sidelines since the project was announced in May 2008.  But Coleman's spokesman, Dan Williamson, said it's not appropriate to remain silent any longer.  "He wants to support this development," Williamson said.  "He's hopeful that his comments can motivate the developer to do a little more."

 

MORE: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/02/18/copy/coleman-wont-support-racetrack-until-noise-is-addressed.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

 

---

 

ADDITIONAL ARTICLE FROM COLUMBUS BUSINESS FIRST (Includes Rendering of the Racetack Proposal)

I can't believe Mayor Coleman made a decision I agree with. 300 jobs (I'm confidently assuming most of them would be part-time) is not a net gain of 300 jobs for the area, especially in the long term. I've been to plenty of racetracks; between the announcer speaking through the mic, the engines of racecars and cheering fans and traffic, it's annoying to anyone except die-hard racing fans who enjoy the noise. Something needs to be done with the desolate area of Central Point and the racetrack would be just another restraint, limiting the potential for land nearby. Developers would be further discouraged from investing in Franklinton. People don't want to live or work near a loud racetrack. It might create 300 jobs but consider the loss in property taxes, home prices and any future prospects for the area.

Cooperguy, you're seriously arguing that residents of Franklinton are overall happy with the project yet are ignorant of it's impact because they "don't have internet" ? You clearly have a vested interest or are on payroll to promote this thing the way you do. If this project is such a great investment, you should buy a house on Central Ave. right near it! Have you ever thought about it? 

Cooperguy, you're seriously arguing that residents of Franklinton are overall happy with the project yet are ignorant of it's impact because they "don't have internet" ? You clearly have a vested interest or are on payroll to promote this thing the way you do. If this project is such a great investment, you should buy a house on Central Ave. right near it! Have you ever thought about it? 

The usual fall back when you have weak argument - you support this so you must be on the payroll.

 

All I've said is that many of the Franklinton folks we've met with do not have access to the internet to post their thoughts on forums like this one. And they are very aware of the impacts, positive and negative. Of the opinions offered, the positives outweigh the negatives by a huge margin. Again, you or anyone else are welcome to come along and see for yourself.

 

Seems a little odd that while you claim that property values decrease near racing venues (please provide some proof) a real estate company the size of ReMax would elect to sponsor the ARCA series (the type cars that would run at Cooper) for nearly 10 years - 2001 to 2010. Why would one of the largest real estate companies in the world support a sport that would be so devastating to their own industry?

 

 

 

 

 

I was actually somewhat in favor of the development previously, but the sneaky, slimey approach of those involved with the racetrack has totally turned me off to the idea and it's clear that the interests of the community are not their priority, but rather belittling opponents and feigning no relation to the project whatsoever. Clearly, this indicates that the results are not going to bode well for the neighborhood if these people have their way. You really expect us to believe that you're not involved when your only posts here and on CU are on the racetrack and as transparent as restaurant owners and employees opening accounts on Yelp and giving great reviews for their own restaurant. If it weren't for this track you wouldn't be posting here and you wouldn't give a damn about Franklinton, as evidenced by your total lack of interest in the neighborhood beforehand.

 

And FYI, the nation's best library system has a central location in Franklinton which provides free internet access.

Alternatives to Arshot's plan for Cooper Stadium lacking

Business First - by Jeff Bell

Date: Friday, February 25, 2011, 5:11pm EST

 

Officials don’t have a backup plan for the redevelopment of Cooper Stadium if Arshot Investment Corp.’s effort to turn the former baseball stadium into an automotive research center and racetrack crashes and burns.

 

The Cooper Park project hit a snag recently, when Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman said he was withholding his support for Arshot’s plan until the developer does more to address concerns over noise from the track.  Coleman also said the project must receive “significant support” from the Franklinton neighborhood near the stadium before he will give it his blessing.

 

Arshot’s plan needs City Council to approve a zoning change for the 47-acre ballpark site owned by Franklin County.  Coleman has the power to veto an approval, but council could override it if lawmakers dare to buck the mayor on the controversial issue.

 

County and city officials said they do not have a Plan B if the Cooper Park project dies at City Hall.  Critics of Arshot’s proposal also don’t appear to have any ideas for redevelopment that could be acted on quickly at a site that has been vacant for two years.

 

READ MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2011/02/25/alternatives-to-arshots-plan-for.html

Cooper Park opponent states case for calm

Business First - by Jeff Bell

Date: Friday, April 8, 2011, 4:37pm EDT

 

Much has been made about the economic development potential of a proposed auto racing and research complex at the former Cooper Stadium, but Columbus attorney Jeff McNealey says it’s hard to put a price tag on the damage the project could do to the neighborhood and nearby nature sites.  He worries about the effects that noise from racing could have on Green Lawn and Mount Calvary cemeteries east of the ballpark, Scioto Audubon Metro Park on the nearby Whittier peninsula and the Scioto Mile park along the riverfront.

 

The outcome is a big deal to McNealey, a German Village resident who has a lot of dogs in the fight.  He is Green Lawn’s attorney and is a commissioner for Franklin County Metro Parks and Columbus’ Recreation and Parks Department, which are key players in the Scioto Audubon and Scioto Mile parks.  Green Lawn, McNealey said, serves as much as an arboretum and bird sanctuary as it does a burial grounds.  The 163-year-old cemetery includes an estimated 3,000 trees and it draws bird watchers and others looking for tranquility in the middle of the city.

 

READ MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2011/04/08/cooper-park-opponent-states-case-for.html

Arshot to ask for more time on Cooper Park

Business First - by Jeff Bell

Date: Friday, April 8, 2011, 4:40pm EDT

 

Arshot Investment Corp. is seeking an extension of its purchase agreement on the former Cooper Stadium site in Columbus and to redevelop it as an auto racetrack and research-and-technology center.

 

The accord with Franklin County expires May 3, but more time is needed to work out details on a rezoning request before Columbus City Council, said Arshot spokeswoman Lisa Griffin.

 

A one-year extension of the agreement is expected to be discussed by county commissioners April 14 with a vote possible April 19, said Jim Schimmer, county economic development and planning director.

 

READ MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2011/04/08/arshot-to-ask-for-more-time-on-cooper.html

Stadium deal given more time

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 - 03:06 AM

By Elizabeth Gibson, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The Franklin County commissioners voted yesterday to give a developer another year to buy Cooper Stadium.

 

Arshot Investment Corp. is in contract to buy the former home of the Columbus Clippers baseball team for $3.4 million and turn it into an auto racetrack, but first the company needs zoning approval from the Columbus City Council and a permit to operate an outdoor amphitheater.  The facility also would be used for other entertainment events, such as concerts, as well as for automotive research.

 

READ MORE: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/04/20/copy/stadium-deal-given-more-time.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Plan for 'Coop' racing on track

Site's developer amenable to strict noise restrictions

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

By Mark Ferenchik, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The developer of the Cooper Park racetrack complex says it is ready to incorporate strict noise rules from a good-neighbor agreement into an application for a special city permit needed to open the track.

 

That, Arshot Investment Corp. representatives said, would give the city the ability to yank the permit if the track violates any of those provisions in addition to city noise limits.

 

But it's not enough to appease opponents of the track, who presented their case to the Columbus City Council last night during a public hearing on the controversial proposal. Also speaking were supporters of the track.

 

The City Council is poised to vote Monday on the rezoning of the former Cooper Stadium site on W. Mound Street, west of Downtown.

 

READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/06/22/plan-for-coop-on-track.html?sid=101

Mayor says he won't halt Cooper Stadium rezoning

Friday, June 24, 2011

By Mark Ferenchik, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Mayor Michael B. Coleman says he won't veto a zoning change the City Council president endorsed yesterday that would allow a racetrack and automotive research and technology center at the Cooper Stadium site.

 

Coleman had withheld support for the project until developer Arshot Investment did more to address concerns about noise, but he said yesterday that the company has "stepped up."

 

He mentioned Arshot's promise to include a good-neighbor agreement in its application for a special permit.  Coleman said that would give the city more ability to shut down the track if it violates noise standards. 

 

He said he won't stand in the council's way if it votes Monday night to rezone the property, which is just west of Downtown.

 

READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/06/24/mayor-says-he-wont-halt-cooper-stadium-rezoning.html

From Columbus Business First - couple more reports on the Columbus City Council President and Mayor Coleman now supporting the Cooper Park re-use plan for Cooper Stadium:

 

Council president Ginther comes out in favor of Cooper Park

 

Mayor to let Cooper Park plan proceed with council OK

Well, I just hope for city council's sake that the developer's promise about nullifying sound is true, otherwise it will be interesting to see how this affects the new residential and commercial spaces to be built this year north of this stadium across the highway. It wouldn't, however, be he first time this city council threw local residents and business owners under the bus for an entity with deep pockets/connections: see ODOT vs. Near East business owners.

Well, I just hope for city council's sake that the developer's promise about nullifying sound is true, otherwise it will be interesting to see how this affects the new residential and commercial spaces to be built this year north of this stadium across the highway.

 

Kind of asked and answered your own question there, didn't ya?

The rezoning of Cooper Stadium is now official after last night's City Council vote.  Here's two updates.  The first is from Columbus Underground.  The second is a link to a longer article from The Dispatch:

 

Cooper Park Race Track is Moving Forward

By Walker Evans, Columbus Underground

June 27, 2011 - 8:45pm

 

All seven members of Columbus City Council voted in favor this evening to rezone the old Cooper Stadium ballpark for the development of the Cooper Park Complex auto racetrack project.  This development is one that has been extensively debated and several amendments were included to the rezoning legislation to address community issues with the project.

 

A noise-reducing sound wall is required for the racetrack, and regular inspections will be conducted to enforce compliance with sound levels.  The Board of Zoning Adjustments will also have the ability to limit the times and dates of all spectator events at the facility.

 

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/cooper-park-race-track-is-moving-forward

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Off to the races at Cooper Stadium? - The former home of the Clippers is close to a new life in auto racing after council members voted unanimously to rezone the site to allow a half-mile racetrack and automotive research center.  Arshot Investment says the project will create 300 full- and part-time jobs in Franklinton and the surrounding areas.

Cooper Stadium used to rock

By Mark Ferenchik, The Columbus Dispatch

September 07, 2011 - 1:09 PM

 

The developers of the race track at the former Cooper Stadium filed an application for a special permit this week with Columbus' development department.  The city's Board of Zoning Adjustment takes up the controversial issue on Nov. 15.

 

The permit's approval would finally clear the way for Arshot Investment to build its Cooper Park complex, including a half-mile race track and automotive research and technology center just west of Downtown off I-70.  The city requires a special permit to operate an outdoor amphitheater.  The Columbus City Council has already voted to rezone the site.

 

READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/the-city/2011/09/cooper-park.html

When last we heard from the Cooper Park project, it was headed for a big BZA meeting scheduled for today (Nov. 15).  That hearing has been postponed until Dec. 20 by the BZA so they can consider operational conditions submitted by the developer Arshot.  More on this from the Dispatch:

 

City delays permit for Cooper Stadium racetrack

By Mark Ferenchik, The Columbus Dispatch

Monday, November 14, 2011 - 5:12 AM

 

A decision on a special permit that would allow auto racing at Cooper Stadium will be delayed for a month as Columbus officials figure out what conditions should be placed on the operation and how they will be enforced.  “What conditions do you put on something you’ve never seen or done before?” Chris Presutti, the city’s chief zoning official, said last week.

 

The permit is the last step before Arshot Investment Corp. can begin work on its Cooper Park complex that, in addition to a half-mile track, is to include an automotive-and-technology center, a hotel and restaurants at the former home of the Columbus Clippers baseball team.  The project could cost $40 million.

 

The city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment was scheduled to consider the permit on Tuesday.  But that has been postponed to Dec. 20 to give city officials and lawyers time to review the proposed conditions.  Arshot submitted those conditions this month.

 

MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/11/14/city-delays-permit-for-arshots-racetrack.html