ThisWeek CW 12/07/2011
Canal Winchester City Council unanimously approved rezoning for the Jeff Wyler Chevrolet properties after holding a public hearing on the request at its Dec. 5 meeting.
“We have two properties that are currently zoned as general commercial use,” planning and zoning administrator Andrew Dutton said. “When Bob McDorman’s opened in 1968, there wasn’t anything; Canal Winchester’s zoning code didn’t begin until 1972.
“At that time, general commercial allowed for dealerships but in 1990, the code was changed and took motor sales out of general commercial. (zoning),” he said.
Attorney Dan Utt, representing the business, explained that the dealership is required by General Motors to make updates, which, if the property remains zoned general commercial, will require several variances and might prevent lenders from funding the project.
“We bought the dealership which we will continue as a Chevrolet Corvette dealership, but want the potential for another future dealership on the property,” Utt said. “As we were looking at the property, we realized we need the zoning code changed. We want to make sure that it’s zoned in the proper district so that if we had (a fire), our lender wants to know that we are covered.”
According to Dutton, if the zoning didn’t specifically allow for a dealership and the current facility were to be destroyed, the insurance company would not rebuild the structures.
“So if the property was damaged or sold, it could lose standing for the current usage, so we’ll change it to exceptional use which will allow for an auto dealership, protecting the property into the future,” Dutton said.
In other rezoning news, city development director Lucas Haire said the city mailed more than 600 letters to property owners in the Old Town area about a comprehensive rezoning he and Dutton have been working on.
“The letter states that there is a proposal for rezoning and basically, we want to make it easier for owners to develop or improve their properties,” Haire said. “In the past, we’ve taken a one-size-fits-all approach but in the future, we want to clean up the code and make it easier and a better fit. We welcome any concerns sent our way.”
Council member Leah Turner said she was concerned about how the rezoning changes were being drafted, particularly because developers were allowed to provide input regarding changes to the commercial zoning code.
“I have a problem with developers coming in to have these meetings with our people. I’m concerned about it and don’t like the smell of it,” Turner said. “We’ve worked hard over the past 10 years to get the zoning ordinances the way we want them to be.”
Haire disagreed.
“I believe it is important for developers to provide input. We don’t have to take it, but I believe it’s important,” he said.
All zoning code changes are voted on by city council, including the proposed changes to the Old Town overlay as well as commercial code changes.
The meeting ended with council in executive session to discuss possible litigation, according to city law director Gene Hollins.
City council meets next at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 19, at Town Hall, 10 N. High St.