Clintonville Neighborhood Plan Nearing Completion

Clintonville's new neighborhood plan is approximately 75% complete.  About 50 residents, community leaders and business owners attended a public workshop at Bishop Watterson High School on Wednesday, July 9.  This was the third workshop held.  This one revolved around plan development.  District 2 representative Chris Gawronski said that lots of ideas and input had come forward.

The fourth meeting is planned for September 24 and will be the finalization of the plan.  After that, the plan will be presented to the Clintonville Area Commission for approval, and after that to the Columbus Development Commission and finally the Columbus City Council.  

The feedback from residents and business owners stressed the importance of encouraging business development on North High Street and preserving parks and green spaces, as well as improving walkability and bicyclability.  Design guidelines should also be put in place for residential and commercial developers to minimize the impact of development on residential streets.  Streetscape improvements and improving the Indianola corridor were also highlighted as important issues.

Mixed-use concepts were supported at both the Westview and High intersection to the north and the North Broadway and High intersection in the middle of Clintonville. People would like to preserve the theather and/or its facade near the North Broadway intersection.  It was also felt that parking should be moved to the back in the Glen Echo ravine district, and shops moved closer to the street.

There were 5 stations set up in the cafeteria for the public to share their feedback - land use, transportation, housing, urban design and open space/environment.

Columbus Planning Administrator Vince Papsidero stated that the city was not in support of commercial development in the area across from Whetstone Park on High Street.  He indicated that public feedback supported preservation of the unique character of the area.  This includes features such as green front lawns and setbacks and a mix of commercial and residential properties.