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.



West Ga Eyecare Document March 22 2016.pdfwest ga eyecare_001.pdfMed Realty - City - Sidewalk Agreement with Exhibits.pdf

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 Baker voting __________.
Councilor Barnes voting __________.
Councilor Davis voting __________.
Councilor Garrett voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Thomas voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.

_____________________________ _________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor