[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6165781,"mediaKeyId","5417849-6421c9b6d897c863b24eec50835eb11f","parentId",5417849,"title","Planning commission approves Grandview Heights athletic-complex site improvements with conditions","audioSeconds",3474,"startMs",126000,"endMs",3600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417849-6421c9b6d897c863b24eec50835eb11f&start=126&end=3600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417849-6421c9b6d897c863b24eec50835eb11f/thumbnail_126000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6165781/Grandview-Heights/Franklin-County/Ohio/Planning-commission-approves-Grandview-Heights-athletic-complex-site-improvements-with-conditions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165781-208487d07df8804bd510a50a45ac4392/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442943&Signature=YNWVHSockxRGJHEECbxYDYAE2Fl1jOnE7JP0rkgdxjGb5oidW2i1KAeYnAoibaG0DNl5XW8AEpb44A2-p1Oi7Z4lcryEX1h~CYBcnhLKwFvomvJkZ-c6klL-k78d-saiyudgHNb8V2ac5XlR4KwmleIY-JAo-iIpNSZ56okNNSCszqA7W6Vrq~CqdxhMM2RMn1BjomFzokAy7B-PdOCeOruT6lG3F-WPl9NsiSuTQ9xSxf0gUtjetnZBmf3KLF5r5aOtHW55dgRNFbVinwya5rt5Q32kPvF~H9r2Yv3NzZyTOg4XQf8mjAaronaQwnY6ibU8yHSeFqnNBLZJh6uWRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Grandview Heights, OH ","date","2025-07-18T07:17:57.43Z","article","The Grandview Heights Planning Commission approved variances and a major site review July 16 for the school district'9s planned athletic complex at 1587 West Third Avenue, allowing a turf-field replacement, new home and visitor bleachers with a press box, a new central building for locker rooms and athletic training space, and expanded signage. The approvals carry conditions tied to emergency access, a narrow pedestrian passage near the home stands and final approval from the City of Columbus for features that encroach into Columbus'9 right-of-way.

The district presented the project as the first implementation of a 2023 master plan. Architect Nick Perry of Perkins & Will told the commission the immediate scope includes a turf-field replacement, bleacher replacement with a new press box, a new short fence enclosing the track, a dumpster enclosure on North Star and a new central building that will house locker rooms, coaches'9 meeting spaces and an athletic trainer facility. Perry said a proposed future element \u00041 a fenced screen wall for cellular equipment \u00041 is not part of the current application.

City staff and the project team said the application seeks several setback variances driven by a narrow lot and existing nonconforming conditions. Jordan (city planning staff) noted the property is zoned R-2 (single-family residential) and that the zoning code treats schools as permitted uses but contains dimensional rules written for houses, creating the need for multiple variances.

A traffic study submitted to the City of Columbus is a key determinant of the broader master plan. Perry and the project'9s traffic engineer, Jason Smallwood, told the commission the traffic study is about three months into an expected six-month review with Columbus and Grandview Heights. Perry said the study will determine whether head-in (angled) parking on Fairview and North Star can be used to implement the master-plan southern plaza and two small buildings for concessions and restrooms; if Columbus does not approve that parking, Perry said the district will build a smaller concession/toilet building near the existing concession location and return to the commission for review when that phase is refined.

Commissioners and neighbors pressed the district on several design and safety details: a four-foot pedestrian corridor immediately in front of the home bleachers drew repeated concerns that it would be too narrow for passing wheelchairs and a potential security pinch point. Commissioner comments urged widening to at least five feet; the commission'9s final major-site approval includes a condition that the corridor be a minimum of five feet in width.

Signage was an extended topic. Staff noted that R-2 rules typically limit building signage to 25 square feet and restrict bulletin-board-type scoreboards to 12 square feet; the district'9s application proposed relocating the scoreboard and adding digital and static signage flanking it. Jordan told the commission the applicant'9s submittal showed a relocated scoreboard of about 150 square feet and a total of roughly 1,163 square feet of signage on the building, requiring variances. The commission approved sign-size variances but required that final graphic and permit-level sign details return to staff for review and that any future changes come back to the commission.

Emergency access and on-site staging were also conditions of approval. Staff and the fire department described an off-street area for emergency-vehicle staging; the commission'9s approvals require the applicant to work with the police and fire chiefs during administrative plan review to finalize the emergency-vehicle layout. Jordan said in the staff report that if the visitor bleachers must be relocated because Columbus does not approve an encroachment, that relocation would return to the commission.

Neighbors raised practical concerns about parking, circulation and bus/drop-off points. Joe Pellegrino, a resident at 1405 North Star Avenue, asked whether proposed parking changes would remove cars currently parked in front of his house; the project team said head-in parking, if approved by Columbus, would reorganize parking on Fairview and North Star and could change where cars currently park. Perry and the team also said they had met with nearby property owners and local businesses (Huntington Bank, Paul'9s Pantry) about using off-site parking where appropriate.

The commission'9s motion approved the requested variances (setback reductions for bleachers and dumpster enclosure; a reduced side-yard for a school structure; sign-area variances including a roof-mounted sign and a bulletin-board/scoreboard larger than zoning allows; and a fence extension past the main building) with conditions: 1) City of Columbus approval is required for visitor-bleacher features that encroach into Columbus right-of-way; 2) the five-foot minimum clear pedestrian corridor in front of the home stands; 3) further review and finalization of emergency staging with police and fire during administrative plan review; and 4) any future changes to sign locations or extents must return to planning commission or staff per the conditions. The motion passed on the commission'9s recorded vote.

Why it matters: the project modernizes a long-used high-school athletic site and will affect neighbors'9 on-street parking, pedestrian flow and visual character of a residentially zoned area. The Columbus traffic-study outcome will shape whether the project can realize the applicant'9s preferred south-plaza and parking arrangement under the master plan or whether parts of the master plan will be deferred and the district will instead build revised concessions/restroom facilities nearer the existing footprint.

Commissioners said they supported the district'9s aim to modernize the facility but insisted on clear, enforceable conditions to protect emergency access, pedestrian safety and neighborhood impacts going forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","PC Meeting 7/16/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Grandview Heights Planning Commission approved variances and a major site review July 16 that will allow the school district to replace the high-school turf field, add new bleachers and a press box, and build a central locker/trainer building at 1587 W. Third Ave., subject to conditions tied to emergency access, a minimum five-foot pedestrian passage near the home stands and City of Columbus sign-off on visitor-bleacher encroachments.","taxTitle","Grandview Heights, Franklin County, Ohio","taxId",72272,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165776,"School district presents temporary modular-classroom plan for review; neighbors press for lighting, stormwater and sunset terms",937,8954000,9891000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417849-6421c9b6d897c863b24eec50835eb11f&start=8954&end=9891","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417849-6421c9b6d897c863b24eec50835eb11f/thumbnail_8954000.jpg","/articles/6165776/Grandview-Heights/Franklin-County/Ohio/School-district-presents-temporary-modular-classroom-plan-for-review-neighbors-press-for-lighting-stormwater-and-sunset-terms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165776-4ccb17df11fe91a72c7d0e945c281515/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442943&Signature=eNs998h7Eoyc2QTbYyPDUGy5D5cK6BiJJxKP5UoT7FxJrYl534m8LJ14pYnankYoZJe7kJsQ~N-UhOMBKCGVa31FTFS9-Uhk7Nqap6OFdMXaXxMmm85JMTDH-NtKpzC~knIsVXqQQKGPGpFnY7eOpZKI04BLRRo5W-Fc3Fyv30GCOeDMV3gCLTthr1d9GyadweFIOFBq92AjpKaJnQMxqPV-pPwjMdwBE4sVkEn5s~HWRAK5zjfDSyzYajE2My2Rnrx2ox19B0Od8gElbwOA~F7SOYL1EM0MUzllWR3YIMFQALHl6DyqhVdFIMxftBZISxUEpNbB3AHqn61eaaorDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grandview Heights school officials presented a concept plan July 16 to place temporary modular classrooms on the Larson Middle/High School multipurpose field while Stevenson Elementary is replaced. The meeting served as an initial concept review; staff said the proposal will require variances for setbacks, lot coverage and parking and that the district must provide further details on utilities, stormwater mitigation, accessible routes and site lighting before the commission will consider a permit application.

The district described two modular complexes (23 classrooms total across multiple units), restrooms and teacher spaces the applicant says can be refurbished and made ready for temporary use. The applicant said units are available from a private school in Cleveland and that the school district is coordinating refurbishment and logistics. Jordan (planning staff) told the commission the modular plan would exceed the site'9s R-2 lot-coverage limits (staff estimated a potential 65% coverage under the proposed layout) and that the temporary placement would extend an earlier parking variance previously approved for the middle/high-school redevelopment.

Residents adjacent to the multipurpose field pressed the school and staff for details. Elizabeth Waters, a Broadview Avenue resident, asked that any lighting be downward-facing to avoid glare toward nearby homes; she also asked that any zoning variances granted for the temporary set-up be time-limited so they do not become permanent. The applicant replied that the plan is temporary, that the district expects to occupy the modulars for the interim while the Stevenson replacement proceeds and that the district will remove the units after construction. On scheduling, project representatives gave multiple references to timing: they said they hoped to start mobilization in January/February (applicant statement) and remove the units in August, while other staff remarks indicated the buildings would be constructed and occupiable in May 2026 through July (presenters also referenced a temporary use plan of about 15 months). The meeting record contains both references; staff and speakers described the arrangement as temporary and said final timelines will accompany permit submissions.

Planning staff also highlighted utilities and stormwater as outstanding matters. Staff said sanitary and water connections will be required and that staff is working with engineers to identify the nearest sewer and water taps and to confirm capacity; staff also said the applicant must show how surface water will be managed so the temporary layout does not create downstream flooding or persistent muddy conditions on what is currently a turf/field area. The applicant said the intent is to tie into existing school utilities (Larson or Fairview connections were discussed) rather than rely on septic or frequent pump-outs.

Neighbors and commissioners asked about accessibility and pedestrian routes to the temporary classrooms, the protection of mechanical/electrical equipment from children, and whether playground or gym access for the temporary students would be provided at the existing middle-school facilities. The applicant said they plan to stagger school start/stop times and to coordinate lunch and gym schedules with the middle school to limit conflicts and to reduce simultaneous parking demand.

The presentation was a concept review; no final action was taken. Staff advised the district to return with a plan set that includes an engineer-stamped stormwater approach (or a clear temporary drainage strategy), a utility-tap plan, accessible pathways to classroom entrances, details of lighting (preferably downward-shielded fixtures to reduce neighbor glare) and a clear sunset/demobilization schedule. Residents asked the city to ensure public notice includes all directly affected streets; staff acknowledged a notice gap to some Broadview residents and said additional outreach would follow.

Why it matters: temporary modular classrooms provide a practical way to keep students in-class while the permanent school is rebuilt, but they can raise neighborhood concerns about lighting, traffic and stormwater. Because the proposed layout requires variances and utility tie-ins, the school district and the city will need to document how the temporary plan protects neighbors and emergency operations before permits are issued.","Grandview Heights school officials presented a concept July 16 to place temporary modular classrooms on the Larson Middle/High School multipurpose field to house Stevenson Elementary students during replacement construction; staff said the plan will require setback, parking and lot-coverage variances and further engineering and utility details before permitting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165779,"Planning commission approves Stevenson Elementary replacement plan, with fire-access and parking conditions",0,4910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417849-6421c9b6d897c863b24eec50835eb11f&start=4910&end=4910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417849-6421c9b6d897c863b24eec50835eb11f/thumbnail_4910000.jpg","/articles/6165779/Grandview-Heights/Franklin-County/Ohio/Planning-commission-approves-Stevenson-Elementary-replacement-plan-with-fire-access-and-parking-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165779-9af4eee387f05f0273b525ed7b5db5da/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442943&Signature=ihpnaOI2do6UQqpuZMhp4AFnsoOJixeggDiG--u5k3FCRCu6Jpco1xJ36g62pAniFWtACvTBA~DjiFP5Y571Cv6lTOsV-lZGgPyuJ7DMAU3ufB56GNtjSit~IdchpNTJHdKRY1yLLPYbmc6SiuahflyrPqNNxnGvbgy3xD5JQiDwuuUh7zuJmnA26cLcxqI2NI~8GT~Vp7TlHaIZzmFqjGNiFOeKJXxSme0wIGvMn8M3TS16s47~w7Hh~AJyL~yFIrL-4qphv5Jq8krMFbsOv2fvQgCcvn94WqaZEzLy9AxnDK9pumZDz7MTJKr8rUWHFd38fWuOy4dcdC2Iu2cteQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission approved a major site review July 16 for a proposed replacement of Stevenson Elementary on its existing site, granting variances for setbacks, a modest lot-coverage increase and a portion of building height that exceeds the R-2 district limit in order to accommodate an expanded building with larger classrooms, gym and cafeteria.

Applicant architect Nick Perry presented the project as a full replacement for a nearly 100-year-old school building, with a larger building footprint, modernized program spaces and improved ADA accessibility. Jordan, the city'9s planning staff presenter, said the new design increases classroom and program-space capacity and shifts the building slightly east to reduce impacts on adjacent west-side residences, but the tight lot geometry requires several variances: a reduced front-yard setback on Oxley Road, reduced rear and side setbacks, a school-structure setback variance and a modest increase in lot coverage above the R-2 40 percent limit. The submittal also included sign-area relief and an off-street parking variance; the new building proposal would retain roughly the same number of on-site spaces (about 39) while ordinance calculations would require more.

Staff and the fire department flagged emergency-vehicle access and turning-radius concerns in the parking lot. Jordan recommended, and the commission adopted as a condition of approval, that the applicant work with the fire and police chiefs during administrative plan review to finalize a parking layout or alternative solution that ensures continuous ambulance access without difficult backing maneuvers. Jordan said the staff report includes suggestions such as using recently built lay-by areas, raising crosswalks and exploring slight rearrangements of parking to preserve safe access. Staff also asked that the lay-by zone be designated as a limited short-term parking/loading area by signed restriction to prevent long-term parking in those stalls during school-hours pickup and drop-off.

Commission discussion addressed building facades, landscape buffering along the west property line and retaining-wall heights adjacent to neighboring yards. Several commissioners urged additional brick/stone articulation on long south-facing walls and more usable hardscape where parents gather and children arrive, and suggested the design team reconsider some facade and lighting details to improve the building'9s relationship to the street. Staff noted the rooftop mechanical-screen color was changed to a lighter gray to reduce visual impact.

The commission'9s motion approved the requested variances (front/side/rear setbacks, maximum lot coverage slightly over 40 percent, building stories/height for a rooftop-screened portion of the building, off-street parking relief and sign-area variances) and advanced the major-site review subject to conditions: finalizing ambulance/fire access and turning radii with the fire chief and police chief during administrative plan review; delivering a revised parking layout that addresses the turning radius and overall maneuverability prior to building permit; and adding lay-by signage and a raised crosswalk to improve pedestrian safety and manage drop-off operations. The motion passed on the commission'9s recorded vote.

Why it matters: the replacement building will modernize educational spaces and ADA access on the Stevenson site but requires several zoning exceptions because the property is in a residential district and the programmatic needs exceed dimensional limits. The commission conditioned approval to protect emergency operations and pedestrian safety while allowing the district to proceed to plan review.","Commissioners approved variances and a major-site review for a replacement Stevenson Elementary building, including height and setback relief and a condition to finalize ambulance/fire access and a revised parking plan during administrative review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission approves Grandview Heights athletic-complex site improvements with conditions

School district presents temporary modular-classroom plan for review; neighbors press for lighting, stormwater and sunset terms

Planning commission approves Stevenson Elementary replacement plan, with fire-access and parking conditions