Temple Israel wins permission for 6-foot Broad Street fence with landscaping conditions

Columbus City Council zoning committee on April 22 approved a request by Temple Israel to install a six-foot perimeter fence along East Broad Street, with conditions requiring the synagogue to submit a stamped landscape and screening plan that city staff sign off on.

The committee’s vote followed testimony from the synagogue’s attorney, David Hodge, and planning staff, and objections from nearby resident Britney Newmark, who said she is concerned the new fencing and the replacement of an existing wooden rear fence with metal would damage landscaping and alter the character of her backyard.

The synagogue told the committee it sought the higher fence after completing a security assessment and receiving a state grant of $100,000 aimed at improving security at the site. Attorney David Hodge said the synagogue worked with traffic management and planning staff on sight-line and access issues and proposed metal perimeter fencing softened by the planting shown on the site plan. Hodge…