Title
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS INTENT TO FORM A COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Version
dj
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WHEREAS, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners has advised the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) of their intent to form a County Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, Franklin County Commissioners have further informed MORPC of their intent to reduce their contract with MORPC and hire in-house planners to conduct land use planning and the regulation of subdivisions in unincorporated Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, for fifty seven years MORPC has provided land use planning services within unincorporated Franklin County including preparation of comprehensive plans, review of zoning applications and the administration of the Franklin County Subdivision Regulations; and
WHEREAS, MORPC, whose function per the Ohio Revised Code is advisory in matters of county zoning and land use, has historically performed these functions with integrity, a high degree of technical expertise, and a sensitivity to balancing the needs of all political jurisdictions in Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, addressing the legitimate needs of township government is an important and ongoing concern of Gahanna and other Franklin County incorporated municipalities, the paramount need for regional cooperation through MORPC has never been greater to deal with issues of protecting the environment, controlling urban sprawl which threatens to overwhelm existing communities with increased traffic congestion, as well as coordinating transportation planning for highways, transit, and bike paths, etc.; and
WHEREAS, a precipitous action to diminish the positive role of MORPC as a focal point for attaining regional consensus on related land use decisions would not only endanger half a century of regional cooperation but would likely begin to undermine the future quality of life of residents in communities across central Ohio;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That this Council does hereby urge the Franklin County Commissioners to reconsider their decision to diminish the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission's historic and positive role in intergovernmental cooperation by establishing a County Planning Commission.
Section 2. That this resolution will be in full force and effect immediately upon passage by this Council.