MROD STAFF REPORT
ZC0312-2
Applicant: Foundation Development, LLC
Owner: Same
Location: 3201 1st Avenue, et al. (Johnston Mill Lofts)
Acreage: 26 acres
Current Zoning Classification: A-O (Apartment-Office)
Proposed Zoning Classification: MROD (Mill Restoration Overlay District)
Current Use of Property: Apartments
Proposed Use of Property: Apartments, office, restaurant
Planning Advisory Commission?s
Recommendation: Approval.
Planning Division?s Recommendation: Approval.
Architectural / Design Issues: Any alterations to the exterior of the building
shall fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of Historic and Architectural
Review. There are no plans to alter the exterior of the mill buildings.
Building Facades: See Architectural / Design Issues.
Economic Development: A) Job Creation
This project currently employs 7 employees. The restaurant has the
potential to employ 35 to 40 employees.
B) Neighborhood Revitalization
The loft apartments have been a catalyst for downtown living at an
affordable price. Most of the tenants are CSU students and TSYS employees who
have chosen to live close to school and work. The potential of full occupancy
of Johnston Mill Lofts and the Bibb Mill Antique Mall should have a profound
impact on Bibb City, particularly at the intersections of 1st Avenue & 38th
Street and the intersections of 2nd Avenue & 38th Street and 2nd Avenue & 35th
Street. There is also development potential east of the lofts between 1st and
2nd Avenues, where much of the land is underutilized.
C) Taxation impact
The property taxation impact will depend on modifications made to the
restaurant area. If minimal or no modifications are made, then the property
taxes will slightly increase from or stay at $36,503.70.
D) New land-use
designations
The land-use designation for this property is Offices. That may change
to a Mixed Office / High Density Residential land-use in the Comprehensive Plan
update.
Historic Resources: The Johnston Mill is a National Historic Landmark that lies
in the Columbus Historic Riverfront Industrial District. The BHAR does not
review interior alterations. If state funds are requested for work on the
interior, then the State Historic Preservation Office of the Department Of
Natural Resources will have to approve any modifications or alterations.
Landscaping: Landscaping shall be addressed in the Buffer Ordinance.
Natural Resources Protection
& Preservation: The proposed project is not expected to have a negative impact
on natural resources.
Signage: No portable signs or billboards shall be permitted in the MROD. All
other signage requirements shall be addressed in the Sign Ordinance.
Tree & Vegetation Preservation: Tree and vegetation preservation shall be
addressed in the Tree Ordinance and the buffer Ordinance.
City Services: These properties are served by all City services.
Environmental Impacts: The property does lie within a floodway and floodplain
area. The developer will need an approved drainage plan prior to issuance of a
Site Development permit, if a permit is required.
Traffic Impact: The proposed project is not expected to have a negative impact
on the transportation network. The current traffic count average is 1,192
trips per day and will increase to 3,758 trips per day on 1st Avenue. The
Level Of Service will remain at A (4,700 trips per day) for 1st Avenue. The
Johnston Mills Lofts proximity to TSYS, Synovus, and CSU via sidewalks and the
Riverwalk should promote alternative means of transportation for residents,
such as walking, biking, and Metra.
Off-street Parking / Curb-cuts: Must meet the codes and regulations of the
Columbus Consolidated Government for commercial access.
Attitude of Property Owners: One hundred and one (101) property owners within
300 feet were notified of the rezoning request. At present, the Planning
Division has not received any comments concerning this rezoning request.
Conditions: None.
Additional Information: None.