Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will focus on the zoning and variance issues and requests in Merion Village and the immediate surrounding area.

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ZONING AND VARIANCE REQUESTS

Zoning and variance requests for properties within the Merion Village boundaries are presented at the monthly MVA meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. All current members in attendance will be asked to vote in support or opposition of the proposal(s). If you will be submitted a zoning or variance request within the Merion Village boundaries, or, you have questions about our Zoning Process and Procedures, view the file below:

MVA Zoning Process & Procedures
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Visit the City's Citizen Access Portal to check the status or locate the most current information on applications

current applications

ADDRESS: 1354 S. Third St.
APPLICANT: David Perry / Christopher Shawn Cisco (Hulk Investments, LLC)

SUMMARY / BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): The applicant is requesting variances to split the existing lot to create two (2) additional parcels and build two (2) new single-family dwellings. The variances requested are as follows:.

3312.49 – Minimum numbers of parking spaces required, to reduce parking from 2 spaces to 1 space on Area C.
3332.05(A)(4) – Area District Lot Width Requirements, to reduce lot width from 50’ to 35’ for Area A, to 25’ for Area B, and to 30’ for Area C.
3332.14 – R2F Area District Requirements, to reduce lot area from 6,000 SF to 4,790 SF for Area A, to 2,570 SF for Area B, and to 1,613 SF for Area C. Respectively, subject to 3332.18(C) – Basis of Computing Area, which limits area calculation when the depth of a parcel is greater than 3X the width to the width times 3X the depth, the area of Area A is 3,675 SF and the area of Area B is 1,875 SF.
3332.19 – Fronting, to permit Area C to not front on a public street with a right of way of 35’ or greater. Area C will front on the alley east of S Third Street.
3332.25 – Maximum Side Yards Required, to reduce the total side yard of Area A from 7’ to 5’.
3332.26 – Minimum Side Yard Permitted, to reduce the north side yard of the existing house on Area A from 3’ to 0’ for part of the existing house, and to reduce the minimum side yard from 5.33’ to 3’ for Area B.
3332.27 – Rear Yard, to reduce rear yard from 25% of lot area to 18% for Area B and to 8% for Area C.

Note: Area A is the proposed lot split of the existing parcel for the existing single-family dwelling and existing detached garage. Area B is the proposed parcel on the S Third Street frontage, and Area C is the proposed parcel on the alley east of S Third Street.
CLICK HERE to View the Complete Applications
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WILL BE PRESENTED: Wednesday, January 6th at 7 PM via virtual meeting hosted through Zoom.

ADDRESS: 359 E. Markison Ave.
APPLICANT: David Hodge / Manning 569 Holdings LLC

SUMMARY / BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): The applicant is requesting variances in addition to rezoning and has revised their application based on feedback from the City of Columbus and those present at the MVA meeting on December 2nd where this project was originally presented.

Rezoning request is to change the current zoning of R2F (Residential District, 1-2 Family) to AR1 (Apartment Residential District).

Variances requested as follows (language subject to change with review) to allow for demolition of existing structure and construction of 18 townhomes.
For parcel 010-297819:

3312.49 – Minimum numbers of parking spaces required. Under this section, 8 dwelling units require 12 parking spaces. Applicant requests a variance to reduce the minimum number of required parking spaces from 12 to 4. Each dwelling unit will have a personal one-car garage either on this parcel or on the parcels across the alley.
3321.05(B)(1) – Vision clearance at street and alley intersection. Under this section property owners shall maintain an unobstructed ten-foot vision clearance triangle at the intersection of streets and alleys. The Applicant requests a variance to reduce eliminate the vision clearance requirement at the intersection of South Washington Avenue and the alley.
3321.05(B)(2) – Vision clearance at street intersection. Under this section a 30-foot clear vision triangle shall be maintained on each residential lot adjacent to a street intersection. The Applicant requests a variance to eliminate the vision clearance requirement at the intersection of East Markison Avenue and South Washington Avenue.
3333.18 – Building lines. Under this section the building line shall be 25 feet. The Applicant requests a variance to reduce the building line to two feet from East Markison Avenue and zero feet from South Washington Avenue.
3333.255 – Perimeter yard. Under this section a perimeter yard may substitute for required side and rear yards in a multiple-dwelling development. Applicant requests a variance to reduce the perimeter yard from 25 feet to zero feet.

For parcels 010-051321, 010-061553, 010-029091 (to be combined):

3312.49 – Minimum numbers of parking spaces required. Under this section, 10 dwelling units require 15 parking spaces. Applicant requests a variance to reduce the minimum number of required parking spaces from 15 to 14. Each dwelling unit will have a personal one-car garage either on this parcel or on the parcels across the alley.
3321.05(B)(1) – Vision clearance at street and alley intersection. Under this section property owners shall maintain an unobstructed ten-foot vision clearance triangle at the intersection of streets and alleys. The Applicant requests a variance to reduce eliminate the vision clearance requirement at the intersection of South Washington Avenue and the alley.
3321.05(B)(2) – Vision clearance at street intersection. Under this section a 30-foot clear vision triangle shall be maintained on each residential lot adjacent to a street intersection. The Applicant requests a variance to eliminate the vision clearance requirement at the intersection of East Welch Avenue and South Washington Avenue.
3333.15(c) – Basis of computing area. Under this section no residence building shall occupy together with any other building greater than 50 percent of the lot area. Applicant requests a variance to allow buildings to occupy 62% of the lot area.
3333.18 – Building lines. Under this section the building line shall be 25 feet. The Applicant requests a variance to reduce the building line to zero feet from South Washington Avenue and two feet from East Welch Avenue.
3333.255 – Perimeter yard. Under this section a perimeter yard may substitute for required side and rear yards in a multiple-dwelling development. Applicant requests a variance to reduce the perimeter yard from 25 feet to zero feet.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Applications
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WILL BE PRESENTED: Wednesday, January 6th at 7 PM via virtual meeting hosted through Zoom. (Originally presented at the MVA meeting on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.)

past applications

Previously reviewed zoning and variance requests within the Merion Village boundaries are available below beginning with those submitted in August 2017. If you have a question about a prior zoning or variance request, reach out to us through our Contact Us page.

ADDRESS: 242 Thurman Avenue
APPLICANT: David Perry / Alexander Marsh

SUMMARY / BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): Variances as follows (language subject to change with review) to allow for a lot split and construction of new dwelling on second lot.

Section 3312.25 – Maneuvering – to reduce the maneuvering area for 90-degree parking spaces from 20 feet to 12 feet for garage parking spaces at 242 Thurman, and from 20 feet to 14 feet for garage parking spaces at the proposed rear parcel. The 12 feet and 14 feet combined provide 26 feet for maneuvering between the two proposed garages.
Section 3332.05 (4) – Lot Width Requirements – to reduce the required lot width for both parcels from 50 feet to maintain the existing 36 feet.
Section 3332.14 – R2-F Area District Requirements – to reduce lot area from 6,000 SF to 3,600 SF for one lot and 2,520 SF for the second lot, thereby permitting a lot spit on the current parcel and construction of a new, detached, single-family dwelling on the proposed rear parcel.
Section 3332.19 – Fronting – to permit the proposed rear parcel to have frontage not on a public street, but on E Redbud Alley.
Section 3332.26 (C) – Minimum Side Yard Permitted – to reduce the minimum side yard for 242 Thurman Avenue from 3 feet to maintain the existing 1 foot side yard.
Section 3332.27 – Rear Yard – to reduce the rear yard for the existing dwelling from 25% to 6%, and from 25% to 18% for the proposed rear parcel.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: Wednesday, November 4th at 7 PM via virtual meeting hosted through Zoom.
MVA VOTE RESULTS: DENIED

ADDRESS: 282 Deshler Avenue
APPLICANT: Charles Paros / Justin McDonald and Macy Drinkhouse

SUMMARY / BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): Variances as follows to allow for construction of a detached 3-car garage with a dwelling unit above, in place of an existing garage.

Section 3332.037 – R2F residential district use permitted: one single family dwelling; allow a second dwelling in the form of a carriage house.
Section 3332.05 (A) (4) – Lot Width: Request variance to allow for the existing lot width of 40.18’ instead of 50’.
Section 3332.14 – Lot Size: Request variance to reduce the lot size requirement from 6000 square feet per single-unit dwelling to 4,843.3 square feet for two single-unit dwellings.
Section 3332.19 - Request variance to allow the proposed carriage house to front Biehl Alley, a public alley, rather than a public street.
Section 3332.25 – Maximum Side Yard: Request variance to eliminate the requirement, with respect to the Carriage house, for a maximum side area requirement of 12.89% or 5.18’.
Section 3332.26 – Minimum Side Yard: Request variance, with respect to the existing primary dwelling, to allow for a minimum side yard of no less than 4’ along the west property line. Request a variance, with respect to the proposed carriage house, to allow for a minimum side yard of no less a 2.18’ setback at the east of property line and a 3.0’ setback from the west property line.
Section 3332.27 – Rear yard: Request a variance, with respect to the proposed carriage house, to allow no rear yard. The proposed rear yard for the existing house will equal 43%, however the applicant proposes no rear yard for the carriage house.
Section 3312.49 (C) Table 1. – Parking requirements for residential uses: The existing home has 3 off street parking spaces. The proposed carriage house will provide 3 off street parking spaces. Request variance to reduce the requirement for 4 total spaces to 3 total spaces.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: Wednesday, November 4th at 7 PM via virtual meeting hosted through Zoom.
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 43-45 W. Markison Avenue
APPLICANT: Brenda Parker / Guy Marshall

SUMMARY / BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): Variances as follows (language subject to change with review) to allow for construction of a duplex and detached garage on a vacant lot.

Section 3332.14 (lot size) – request to reduce the lot size (in AR1 Multifamily) for a one-story, two-family dwelling from 7,200 sf (3,600 square feet in area per dwelling unit) to 5,360 sf (2,680 square feet in area per dwelling unit).
Section 3333.22 (Maximum side yard required) – request to allow for a reduction of the sum of the widths of each side yard from 6’-8” (20% of the lot width) to 6’-0”.
Section 3333.23 (Minimum side yard permitted) – request to reduce the minimum side yard from 5’-0” to 3’-0” on both the east side and the west side.
Section 3333.35(G) (Private garage; height) – request to increase the [allowable garage] height from 15’ to 20’-1”.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: Wednesday, October 7th at 7 PM via virtual meeting hosted through Zoom.
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 262 E. Stewart Avenue
APPLICANT: Aaron Fanaff

SUMMARY / BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): Primary structure demolition and proposed modification to existing garage structure. Variances requested for garage modifications:

Chapter 3332.38(G) to increase the building height from 16’ to 21’-8”
Chapter 3332.26(E) reduce side yard from 3’ to 8”.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application / CLICK HERE to View the City of Columbus Staff Comments
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: Wednesday, June 3rd at 7 PM via virtual meeting hosted through Zoom.
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 1420 S. Fourth Street
APPLICANT: Brenda Parker / Thomas Kerekanich and Timothy Sante

SUMMARY / BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): Rezoning from Commercial C4 to Residential R2F. Variances as follows to allow for the construction of a new single-family dwelling and garage:

Section 3332.05 to reduce the minimum lot width to 45.65’ from 50’
Section 3332.14 to reduce the minimum lot size to 4,062 sf from 6,000 sf
Section 3332.27 to reduce the rear yard size to 13% from 25% of lot size
Section 3332.18(D) to increase the building to 56% from 50%
Section 3332.21 to reduce the front building line to 8.67’ from 10’
Section 3332.22 to reduce the minimum side yard width to 11% from 20% of lot width
Section 3321.05 to reduce driveway vision clearance to 5’ from 12’.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application - NOTE: Revisions pending upcoming City staff comments on 11/21/19.
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 6:30 PM at the MVA Info Center (1330 S. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43206)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 33 W. Morrill Avenue
APPLICANT: Dave Perry / Woda Cooper Properties

SUMMARY / BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): Variances as follows to allow for the construction of a new 46 unit apartment building.
Section 3363.01 to permit a 46 unit apartment building in a Manufacturing district

Section 3312.21(D)(1) to reduce the height of parking screening from 5’ height to 3’ height
Section 3363.24 (C)(D) to reduce the W. Morrill Ave building setback from 5’ to 3’ and to reduce the W Hinman Ave building setback from 25’ to 10’
Section 3363.27 (b)(1) to reduce the W. Morrill Ave building setback from 5’ to 3’ and to reduce the W Hinman Ave building setback from 25’ to 10’.

ADDRESS: 364 Stewart Avenue
APPLICANT: Fred Hutchenson / Judith Simons

SUMMARY / BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): Variances as follows to allow for the construction of a new carriage house in place of the existing garage.

Section 3332.037 to permit a second dwelling on a R2F zoned parcel
Section 3312.49 to reduce the minimum parking requirement to 2 from 4.
Section 3332.05 to reduce minimum lot width to 29.16’ from 50’
Section 3332.14 to reduce minimum lot area to 5,248.8 sf from 6,000 sf
Section 3332.18(C) to reduce the minimum lot proportions for the existing lot
Section 3332.19 to allow the carriage house to be constructed not fronting a public street (Zimpfer is too narrow)
Section 3332.25 to reduce the total side yard to 5.16’ from 5.83’
Section 3332.26 (C)(1) to reduce the minimum side yard to 2.035’ on the west from 3’
Section 3332.27 to allow the new dwelling unit to have a zero rear yard, note the existing yard will remain.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the MVA Info Center (1330 S. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43206)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 1363 S. 5th Street
APPLICANT: Juliet Bullock

SUMMARY/BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): Demolition of existing primary structure to build new single family home at front of the property. Note this is a demolition request only, no variances are being requested.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 7:15 PM at the MVA Info Center (1330 S. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43206)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 366 Zimpfer Street, Columbus, OH 43206
APPLICANT: John Dumuzio / Dave Perry

SUMMARY/BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): Proposed is a three-unit dwelling. Demolition of existing structures and variances.

Chapter 3332.037 to increase maximum units to 3 units from 2 units
Chapter 3309.14 to increase maximum height to 43 feet from 35 feet,
Chapter 3312.29 to reduce parking stall width at the garage door to 16 from 18
Chapter 3332.19 to permit a building fronting (Zimpfer) with a right of way width less than 35
Chapter 3332.25 to reduce the side yard required to 15’ from 16’.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 7:15 PM at the MVA Info Center (1330 S. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43206)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESSES: 1383 & 1385 S. Third Street, Columbus, OH 43206
APPLICANT: Jeffery and Pamela Carrolla

SUMMARY/BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S): Variances for existing structures, no new work proposed.

Chapter 3332.05 to reduce minimum lot width from 50’ to 22.5’ (both parcels)
Chapter 3332.14 to reduce minimum lot area to 1,518.75 SF from 6,000sf (both parcels)
Chapter 3332.26 to reduce minimum side yard to 1.8’ (north parcel) and 2’ (south parcel) from 3’
Chapter 3212.49 to reduce the minimum number of parking spaces to 0 from 2 (both parcels).

ADDRESS: 27 W. Jenkins Ave.
APPLICANT: Woda Cooper Properties
BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Variance to Chapter 3363.01 to permit a 62 unit apartment building on Manufacturing zoned parcel.
Variance to Chapter 3309.14 to increase maximum height to 40 feet from 35 feet
Variance to Chapter 3312.49 to reduce number of parking spaces to 62 spaces from 93 spaces
Variance to Chapter 3363.24 to reduce the W. Jenkins Ave. building setback to 10 feet from 25 feet.

CLICK HERE to view a complete copy of the application.
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: November 28, 2018 (SPECIAL MEETING) at 6:30 PM in the MVA Info. Center (1330 S. Fourth Street)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 2025 S. High St.
APPLICANT: Russell Pinto
BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Change of use for existing warehouse to factory (brewery) per OBC2017. The property is currently zoned Manufacturing so rezoning is not required.

MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: November 7, 2018 at 7:15 PM in the St. Paul UCC Basement (225 E. Gates Street)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 1165 S. High St.
APPLICANT: State Street + Trust Co of Conn NA TR
BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Signage enhancement existing sign to add LED pricing. Variance to Graphics in the Planning Overlay to Chapter 3372,606 to allow Automatic Changeable Copy Signage.

CLICK HERE to view a complete copy of the application.
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: November 7, 2018 at 7:15 PM in the St. Paul UCC Basement (225 E. Gates Street)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 1581 Parsons Avenue
APPLICANT: Aplett Properties LLC

BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Variance to allow single family residential on a commercial C4 zoned parcel.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: June 6, 2018 at 7:15 PM in the St. Paul UCC Basement (225 E. Gates Street)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 1037 Parsons Avenue
APPLICANT: John Howarth

BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Variance to Chapter 3312.49 to reduce required onsite parking from 28 to 0 parking spaces
Variance to Chapter 3372.605 to allow a reduction for the amount of glass along roadway frontage from 60% to 40% for the existing building facade.

ADDRESS: 385 Stewart Avenue
APPLICANT: Juliet Bullock

BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Proposed lot split
Variance to 3332.05 to reduce minimum lot width from 50’ to 36.55’ (both lots)
Variance to 3332.14 reduce minimum lot area from 6,000 sf to 3,489 sf (north lot) and 2,732 sf (south lot)
Variance to 3332.19 to allow lot fronting on alley for new parcel
Variance to 3332.21 to reduce the building line from 10’ to 3’ (south lot)
Variance to 3332.26 (c) to reduce minimum side yard from 3’ to 1.6’ for the existing home

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: May 2, 2018 at 7:15 PM in the St. Paul UCC Basement (225 E. Gates Street)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 311-313 Deshler Avenue
APPLICANT: Jeremy Miller

BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Proposed new carriage house
Variance to 3332.037 to permit new garage with dwelling unit above for a total of 3 dwelling units
Variance to 3312.25 to reduce vehicular maneuvering area
Variance to 3312.29 to allow staked parking spaces to count toward required site parking
Variance to 3312.49 to reduce required onsite parking from 6 to 4 parking spaces
Variance to Chapter 3321.05 to allow new structure to occupy a portion of the 30’ intersection vision clearance
Variance to Chapter 3332.05 to reduce the minimum lot width from 50’ to 38.8’
Variance to 3332.14 to reduce minimum required lot size from 9,000 sf to 5,746 sf
Variance to Chapter 3332.27 reduce minimum rear yard from 25% of lot size to 18% for existing structure and 0% for new carriage house
Variance to 332.25 to reduce the maximum side yard required from 20% of lot width to 18% for existing structure
Variance to 3332.26 to reduce minimum side yard permitted from 3’ to 2.3’ existing structure

ADDRESS: 1382 S. Fifth Street
APPLICANT: Juliet Bullock

BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Variance to 3332.05 (A) Minimum lot width reduction from 50' to 29' - 1" north parcel and 25' -11" south parcel
Variance to 3332.15 Minimum lot area reduction from 6,000 sf to 3,753.7 sf north parcel and 3,343.2 sf south parcel

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: February 7, 2017 at 7:15 PM in the St. Paul UCC Basement (225 E. Gates Street)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 338 Siebert Street
APPLICANT: Kevin Hite & Brian Misencik

BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Variance to 3332.22 Building Lines on Corner Lots to reduce the building setback from 12.4 feet to 3.25 feet.
Variance to 3332.27 Rear Yard to reduce the minimum rear yard from 25% to 23%.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: January 3, 2017 at 7:15 PM in the St. Paul UCC Basement (225 E. Gates Street)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 270 E. Welch Ave.
APPLICANT: Rada Kuperschmidt

BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Variance to 333238.38 to allow a garage height of 22'

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: November 1, 2017 at 7:15 PM in the St. Paul UCC Basement (225 E. Gates Street)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 1179 Jaeger Street
APPLICANT: Mark Ours

BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Chapter 3332.037 R2F Building use variance to allow a commercial use.
Chapter 3332.21 request reduction of building set back along Jaeger from 25’ to 2’ to accommodate proposed dumpster enclosure and future patio.
Chapter 3312.49 request reduction in parking requirement from 33 spaces to 0 spaces.
Chapter 3332.27 request reduction of the percentage of the rear yard coverage from 25$ to 0% to accommodate proposed dumpster enclosure and future patio.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: October 4, 2017 at 7:15 PM in the St. Paul UCC Basement (225 E. Gates Street)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

ADDRESS: 200 E. Jenkins Avenue
APPLICANT: Jacklyn Martin

BREAKDOWN OF REQUEST(S):

Variance to 3321.05B(1) – Provide no visibility triangle in lieu of the required 10’x10’ visibility triangle at 6th street and alley
Variance to 3332.22C(3) – Place garage on exterior lot line in lieu of the interior lot line and to reduce the garage setback to 0.
Variance to 3332.18D – Allow total lot coverage of 51% in lieu of the 50% maximum.

CLICK HERE to View the Complete Application
MVA MEETING WHERE THIS REQUEST WAS PRESENTED: September 6, 2017 at 7:15 PM in the St. Paul UCC Basement (225 E. Gates Street)
MVA VOTE RESULTS: APPROVED

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OUTSIDE OF MERION VILLAGE

The Merion Village Association may only make formal zoning and variance reviews and recommendations to City Council if the development will occur within the Merion Village Boundaries. Projects outside of our boundaries that are large-scale or will significantly impact the neighborhood will be listed below for reference purposes as available:

PROPOSED dEVELOPMENT AT THURMAN AVE. & S. FOURTH ST. IN GERMAN VILLAGE

We'd like to share an update from a meeting of concerned neighbors and the Lykens Company, who has purchased property in German Village that borders Merion Village on Thurman Ave. We will do our best to provide updates on this project as we learn new information. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at mva@merionvillage.org if you have questions or concern, or have information about this development that you’d like to share with us.

Thursday, February 8, 2018 - Meeting Minutes
Thurman/Fourth Street Development Developer Kevin Lykens, and two of his colleagues, Logan Fitch and their architect, met with a subset of our neighborhood group from German Village and Merion Village, to provide information about their plans for the Thurman/Fourth Street development. Shiloh Todorov, executive director, and Nancy Kotting, the historical preservation advocate, representing the German Village Society, and Karen Musick, the current Member-at-Large for the Merion Village Association were also in attendance.

The architect introduced himself and kicked off the presentation. He explained that he has designed garages and additions in German Village in the past so is very familiar with the historical commission process. Lykens Companies acquired the property in January of 2017 and was originally thinking of a 3-story development similar to the industrial park a few blocks west. Their latest version of the development was completed in July of last year and was stalled once they heard that there was some neighborhood opposition.

Part of the reason they wanted to meet with us was to dispel some of the rumors they had heard. Only a conceptual view of the project was presented, which we had already seen. They showed us a site map of all the parcels but there was no updated design drawing or detailed plan. It was beneficial, however, to find out where the development currently is in the design process and to gain some clarity about their goals for the site. They agreed that density and style are the two biggest points that we all need to agree on. They admitted that they would need at least 13 variances approved just for the nonconforming codes that currently exist (the current zoning code is residential two families - R2F). Their current plan is to covert three of the parcels (the abandoned home at 157, the building where Ann Levine’s law office currently resides at 151 Thurman, and the lot in between) into three single-family homes with garages in the back. Their original plan was to have apartments over the garages but the commission discouraged that so the plan was abandoned. These three homes would be sold. The 2700 sq. ft. of commercial on their current plans was not in their original plan but they were encouraged by the commission to add it.

This led to a conversation about the property’s history, led by Nancy Kotting who has done extensive research of the property. Lykens would prefer that space be reduced to something like 1000 sq. ft. No off street parking for the commercial space has been planned for. Because the primary parking lot for the Engine House primary is being eliminated, we asked about the future plans for the Engine House once the current lease expires. According to Lykens, their plan for the building (currently occupied by Big Red Rooster), is to remain office space, not a restaurant or housing. They believe office space is their best investment and would not require additional parking or a change of use variance. They currently have planned for 25 spaces behind the building and 25 parking spaces in the apartment complex that would be shared - residents in the evening and weekend and for office employees during the day, totally 50 designated spaces.

Kevin explained that his project is limited in density by the number of parking spaces they are able to provide. They have currently designated one space per bedroom in the interior of the complex. Current zoning code for multi-family units is 1.5 per unit. They are primarily planning one-bedroom units but think they can plan for up to 20% as two bedroom units to try to keep the density down and still be a viable development. The size of the units would range from 500-700 square feet. They disputed the idea that these are micro apartments and explained that micro apartments are typically 300-400 square foot. Regarding the entrance to the development, Lykens explained that he didn’t realize that Nursery Lane is actually more the size of an alley and that there were homes on it. So they are considering applying for a curb cut on Fourth Street as the entrance instead of Nursery Lane.

There was also a discussion about the comparison to the Beck Condos in terms of density, which the commission had asked them to look at. But Lykens explained that they were only interested in this being a rental property (beyond the three single-family homes that would be sold) and they could not make the project sustainable financially with the size of the Beck Condos as rentals. He explained that there isn’t a market for rentals of that size and cost. He believes that these apartments will provide an opportunity for young professionals wanting to live in German Village at a price point they can afford.

There were discussions about traffic, pedestrian safety, parking and trash pickup. Neighbors were particularly concerned about the traffic on Thurman in light of so many new residents who would be pulling out onto it in the morning. Traffic and accidents have already increased on Thurman since the Barrett opened and the 25 mph limit is rarely obeyed. Neighbors suggested the idea of a traffic light or 4-way stop at Thurman and Fourth.

Lykens stated he will need to go before the commission for guidance several more times with updated drawings before detailed architectural plans are submitted. We thanked the developer for meeting with us and we look forward to additional information from them as they form their plans for presentation to the German Village Commission.

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT THE CURRENT GIANT EAGLE SITE IN SCHUMACHER PLACE

On October 9, 2020, the Merion Village Association submitted the following letter to members of Columbus City Council and to the Columbus South Side Area Commission:

Letter to City Council and the Columbus South Side Area Commission
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