Agenda Item # 1
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
06/14/2016
Agenda Report # 132
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Sidewalk Variance-Medical Realty Group North, L.L.C.
INITIATED BY: Department of Engineering
Recommendation: Approval is requested to authorize a variance to City Code
Section 7.10.1 for the development at 6596 Whittlesey Boulevard to allow the
sidewalk construction be delayed until development of the sidewalks along the
properties adjoining Medical Realty Group North, LLC Property by the City or by
the adjacent property owners is undertaken. The staff does not recommend a
delay in sidewalk installation.
Background: Medical Realty Group North, LLC is constructing a new medical
facility for West Georgia Eyecare at 6596 Whittlesey Boulevard. This new
development was reviewed by the Engineering Department with plans approved that
included a five (5') concrete sidewalk along the south side of Whittlesey
across the public street frontage in accordance with City Code Section 7.10.1.
Mark H. Holloway representing West Georgia Eyecare Center/Medical Realty Group,
LLC appeared at the March 22, 2016 Council Meeting on Public Agenda requesting
Council delay or waive the requirement for sidewalk.
Analysis: City Code Section 7.10.1 was approved as part of the adoption of the
UDO in response to request by citizens for additional sidewalk throughout the
community. This Code requires that all new residential, commercial and
industrial development provide sidewalks along the City's right of way as part
of the construction. The City has many initiatives for projects including
construction of sidewalks and trails. Sidewalk is included on all major
roadway projects, such as the Moon Road Widening project under construction.
In the annual Capital Improvement Program funding is provided for adding
additional sidewalk in the Community. Sidewalk exist on both sides of road
along Whittlesey Boulevard except for those sections undeveloped or that were
existing or in development prior to the UDO being implemented. The City has
adopted and is implementing an Alternative Transportation Plan as well as
Complete Streets Program. Sidewalks are key elements of both of these
programs.
Financial Considerations: Adding sidewalk after the initial development is
always more expensive.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: As part of the normal operating
budget the Department of Public Works would be responsible for maintenance of
the sidewalk after the initial installation.
Legal Considerations: A variance to City Codes involving public right of ways
require Council approval.
Recommendations/ Actions: Approval is requested to authorize a variance to City
Code Section 7.10.1 for the development at 6596 Whittlesey Boulevard to allow
the sidewalk construction be delayed until development of the sidewalks along
the properties adjoining Medical Realty Group North, LLC Property by the City
or by the adjacent property owners is undertaken. The staff does not recommend
a delay in sidewalk installation.
A RESOLUTION
NO. _____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A VARIANCE TO THE CITY SECTION 7.10.1 FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT AT 6596 WHITTLESEY BOULEVARD, WEST GEORGIA EYECARE, MEDICAL REALTY
GROUP NORTH, LLC; ALLOWING THE SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION TO BE POSTPONED UNTIL
DEVELOPMENT OF SIDEWALK ALONG THE ADJOINING PROPERTIES BY THE CITY OR PROPERTY
OWNERS IS UNDERTAKEN AS SPECIFIED BY THE CITY ENGINEER; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, construction plans were approved for the construction of the
aforementioned medical facility that included the construction of a five (5')
concrete sidewalk in accordance to City Code Section 7.10.1 along the south
side of Whittlesey Boulevard for the length of the property; and,
WHEREAS, there are no other sidewalks on the south side of Whittlesey
Boulevard east of the intersection CPC due to the property being developed
prior to the requirement for installation of sidewalk; and,
WHEREAS, the owner shall receive written notification from the Director of
Engineering when the conditions described herein trigger the need for the
installation of the five (5') concrete sidewalk across the frontage of 6596
Whittlesey Boulevard.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That a variance be granted to City Code Section 7.10.1 for the construction of
sidewalks at 6596 Whittlesey Boulevard , to allow the installation of sidewalks
for this development to be postponed until the development of the sidewalks in
the area as specified by the City Engineer. This variance request is granted
on the condition that the property owner or its successor shall convey by deed
or easement sufficient property for sidewalk purposes and shall pay for any
such improvements.
___________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held
the _________ day of _____________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of
_____________ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Garrett voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
_____________________________ _________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council , Mayor
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