[Your Name]
[Street Address]
[City, ST ZIP Code]
[phone number]
[email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Street Address]
[City, ST ZIP Code]
Dear [Recipient Name]:
I’m a resident of the [Sub-Division Name] sub-division, and I am writing to express my concerns about two
proposed multi-family, high density apartment developments, that are planned [next to/near] my
neighborhood. The Developer is Metro Development LLC, who submitted rezoning application Z15-002 to the
Department of Development on February 2 nd, to rezone the property at 648 North Wilson Road from
residential to L-AR-1. Metro Development has also proposed a second development just east of this location
on Trabue Road, but they have not submitted a rezoning request at this time.
Land Use Policies
Developments are in direct contrast to the Trabue/Roberts area plan established by the zoning department,
which recommends office use or green space for the area . . . . .
High density multi-family apartments are (in direct conflict/out of scale) with the surrounding low density
single family homes . . . . . .
Could affect long term planning considering new single-family developments being built on Wilson Road north
of Trabue Road . . . . . .
Columbus Comprehensive Plan (1993-12-03) - Architectural design should be compatible with the surrounding
neighborhood. . . . . . Neighborhood building scale, general building heights, and proportion should be
preserved. . . . . . Projects should fit the scale of the community. . . . . . Infill uses should not disrupt the character of
the neighborhood. Neighborhood elements, use density, setbacks, and lot coverage ratio should be consistent with
the neighborhood.
City code variances - Set back from Trabue road to parking is only 10ft in lieu of 25ft. . . . . .
[Recipient Name]
[Date]
Page 2
Buffer Zone
In the limitation overlay text submitted by Metro’s attorney it indicates that buffering, landscaping, open
space/or screening commitments are not applicable . . . . . .
Traffic
In the limitation overlay text Metro’s attorney claims that the development wi ll have little impact on existing
roadways, and support services and leisure activities, however . . . . . .
Two multi-family developments of the high density proposed will increased traffic congestion . . . . . .
North bound traffic on Wilson can often back up well south of Poplar Bend Drive during evening rush
hour . . . . . . West bound traffic on Trabue backs up nearly every evening during rush hour extending into the
intersection at Wilson . . . . .
The planned entrance to the development on Wilson Road is not practical . . . . . Residents of the propose
Wilson Road development will only be able to enter/exist heading north on Wilson . . . . No left turn from
south bound Wilson . . . . .
Vehicles may use Trabue Woods as a cut through to avoid the Wilson and Trabue intersection . . . . . .
From the Columbus Comprehensive Plan (1993-12-03) - Consider policies to slow traffic and discourage heavy nonlocal through traffic on local streets within neighborhoods. . . . . . the plan states that safe levels of traffic flow
should be maintained conductive to housing, and that provisions should be made to manage additional traffic
so existing neighborhoods are not negatively affected. . . . . . .
Environmental Concerns
Destruction of green space – existing property has an abundance of beautiful mature trees that form a natural
buffer between Scioto Woods and Wilson and Trabue Roads . . . . The existing trees provide shade to the
existing residential neighborhood. Buildings and pavement will make the area hotter in the summer months.
In the limitation overlay text Metro’s attorney claims this type of development will help buffer the residential
developments in the area from nearby manufacturing and commercial uses .
Plans show little to no green space, everything seems to be buildings and parking lots . . . .
From the Columbus Comprehensive Plan (1993-12-06) - Mature trees shall have priority in site plans for infill and
new development. . . . . . . Existing trees should be preserved except when the tree is damaged or diseased. . . . . .
Trees are a valuable environmental and aesthetic resource in any community. Mature trees add to the appeal of
neighborhoods and give streets an inviting appearance. Trees also play an important environmental role by
exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen. They can significantly lower heating and cooling costs by providing shade
and blocking wind. . . . . Preservation of natural resources including wetlands, natural habitats, river valleys and
banks, ravines, natural drainage ways, forested areas, and floodplains should be encouraged. . . . . . Remaining
natural resources, including river valleys and banks, ravines, natural drainage ways, parkland, and open space
should not be developed for more intensive uses.
[Recipient Name]
[Date]
Page 3
Light pollution – concerns of lighting in parking areas effecting the bordering residential
properties/yards . . . . . .
Noise – From residents, parties, cars, stereos, air conditioners, will effect quality of life. . . . . . The Columbus
Comprehensive Plane (1993-12-03) States: “The plan is intended to serve as a guide with which to protect and
enhance the quality of life in Columbus.”
Indiana Bats – possibly on the property, are on federal and state endangered species lists . . . . . .
Historic Preservation
From the Columbus Comprehensive Plan (1993-12-06) - Preserve structures of historic value in all
neighborhoods. . . . . . Demolition of historic structures is strongly discouraged.
Crime and Safety
Retainage pond on south end of proposed development is a safety concern since there is no fence or buffer
planned . . . . . . (Joe Thomas of Metro claims that it will be built within code.)
Lack of cross walks/signals – residents of the multi-family apartment complex will undoubtedly cross Wilson
Road to the convenience store on the west side of Wilson Road . . . . . .
Long term effects if property is not maintained and the effect that will have on crime . . . . .
Property Values
Joe Thomas of Metro Development claims that he is trying to work with the community . . . . . . Metro
Development will make a profit from the development, and our property values will plummet. . . . . .
Zoning laws were created not to protect people, but property, the value of p roperty . . . . . .
In my opinion the multi-family apartment developments proposed by Metro Development ha ve not been well
thought out, and if approved as submitted by the developer, it will do more harm to the community then
good. I’m not against development, but the plan as submitted by Metro Development does not fit in with the
existing neighborhood. If this goes to a hearing in the near future, I trust that you will make the right decision
for the good of the community, and not permit the development to proceed as proposed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]