Greed more important than safety in development proposal
Theodore Decker's Nov. 30 column is a very disappointing profile of how Columbus city government has become a systemic enabler for developer's greed.
On the South Side, we have been engaged in community development for decades and have never encountered anything like the current culture.
The Pizzuti-proposed development at the old Giant Eagle site in Schumacher Place fits the same bill: greed wins over safety, common sense, and property rights.
City council waived the zoning rules for parking places (416 to 262), height (35' to 62') and set back from the edge of the property (25' to 0'). "Spot rezoning" was accomplished utilizing a loophole called a Commercial Planned Development. This practice is known as “pencil zoning” because it appears to just erase the rules.
Throughout the process, our residents have been all but invisible to the South Side Area Commission, Development Commission, and City Council as they each acted in lock-step with the developer. The vote from the Schumacher Civic Association was 390 votes against and 15 for the project. They are required to take the vote, but not to be guided by it.
Our historic neighborhoods, recognized as urban renewal success stories, were once the pride of the city — now they appear to be nothing more than an impediment to those determined to maximize profits.
Local media is the last, best vehicle for elevating our voices and concerns. Thank you, Mr. Decker, for pointing out the lack of transparency and integrity being provided by our elected officials.
Brenda Gischel, President, Schumacher Place Civic Association