Reference Project ID: 202410290048

Dear Grove City Development Department:

My name is ______ and I live in the neighborhood adjacent to Windsor Park. I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed Redrock Timbers Duplex/Triplex – Preliminary Development Plan. While I do support development plans that will contribute to neighborhood appeal, increase the value of property, and continue to bring prosperity to Grove City, a 5-unit duplex/triplex in this specific neighborhood most likely will not. 

Based on evidence in the drawings, the development is too large for the land it would sit on. The Project Narrative states, “The duplex was designed with a top and bottom approach so that we could create a nice backyard …”, it is clear from the drawings the back yards are nothing more than leftover space. Not much thought was given to a “nice backyard.” 

Next, the older Grove City neighborhoods are known for being quaint, quiet, and family oriented. The following text is from Google websites with descriptions of Grove City neighborhoods, which validate my point.

1. Visitgrovecity.com: “Grove City is a premier central Ohio community located in southwestern Franklin County. As a suburb of Ohio’s capital city of Columbus, residents and businesses enjoy an exceptional quality of life: all of the conveniences of metropolitan living coupled with the comforts of our unique, small-town feel. Our infrastructure is sound, our services unmatched. And pride in our hometown flourishes with each new resident and business.”

2. Nextdoor.com: “Grove City is a friendly and family-oriented neighborhood known for its clean, quiet atmosphere. Nextdoor Neighbors love the convenience of local amenities and the safe, walkable streets that make it a nice place to live.” 

In my opinion, all communities are best served by their government when land is developed with forethought and diligent attentiveness.  So, to be fair, this is why I support residential development for all the right reasons. But even Grove City community development manager, Kimberly Shields, made this point when interviewed by Megan Brokamp, for CitySceneColumbus.com:

“Kimberly Shields, Grove City’s community development manager, says. “As our population grows and diversifies, we’re trying to make sure that the housing stock does that as well. “The city is focused on curating residential areas with multi-homes and apartments. Between 2015 and 2023, 69 percent of approved housing development plans have created multi-family living spaces. With these new developments, residents can enjoy homes with easier upkeep in walkable areas near the heart of the town.

Note that Kimberly Shields’s comments, underlined above, validate the intention of my letter. This plan is suitable for the neighborhoods where this type of housing is being curated (I.e., Beulah Park, Broadway Station Apartments, Holton Run, Paddock Premier Family Home Suites, The Strand, etc.) Moreover, based on the attached drawings, the proposal is an aesthetic match for those neighborhoods, but not mine. Windsor Park is 55 years old, and a majority of its population is 55 + years old. 

Lastly, I would like for you to consider one more reason why this development plan is problematic. The Project Narrative states that “the garage portion and driveway would allow for 2 cars per unit to be off street. The triplex was also designed to ensure that we have created optimal parking. We designed these units to optimize the corner unit and also the abundant street access and alley access.” 

Clearly, because of the length of Bonnie Ave, and that fact that parking is permitted only on one side, this is an invitation for a parking disaster. Not only will we have a plethora of cars all along Bonnie Ave, but there will also be at least two trash containers per unit (I.e., 10 cans). And with an overflow of parking, the necessary traffic (I.e., delivery cars and trucks, school busses and snowplows) will experience difficulty getting on and off Bonnie Ave. and around the corners. Speeding cars will grow in numbers.  Collectively, all of these points will make it more hazardous for the children who are currently able to play outdoors in this neighborhood, and for the seniors who love to walk.  

To summarize, Project ID: 202410290048 may be economically fluid for the owner of the land, but it is simply not a prudent fit for the Lots 93 and 94 on Bonnie Ave.  

Sincerely, 

 

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