Potential zoning change could throw wrench in Eastland community plans

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Residents in the Eastland neighborhood are banding together to fight a potential zoning change that would go against their Eastland for Everyone community plan.

The plan was widely approved by residents and city officials alike. Residents we spoke with say they have been fighting this since October.

“That's when this first came forward to the zoning committee. We ended up hearing it twice. It was the largest turnout we've ever had in our commission's history. We had roughly over 100 individuals,” Greater Southeast Area Commission vice chairman and zoning chairman Mark Harper said.

The owners of land on Lindora Drive in the Walnut Heights area are trying to rezone the land and build an apartment complex. Eastland residents and area commissioners want recreation and parks to buy the land and extend the existing park in the neighborhood.

Members of the Greater Southeast Area Commission sent letters to the city about this issue, where they address how this land sits in a traditionally single-family home neighborhood and the apartment complex would go against the values and vision of the Eastland for Everyone plan endorsed by the city and nearly 2,000 residents.

“I know the plan is not legally binding, but it is the voice of the people around this community," Harper said. "It's been celebrated by all of the city of Columbus. So this is the first test, really, that we're putting this plan to use and seeing if they're going to listen to us or not."

Residents want to keep this land as a community gathering space.

"We have enough problems around here with shootings and the fly under the cars," Block Watch coordinator Diana Bunting said. "People had their cars totaled on the street many of times, houses almost hit. It's just ridiculous that this stuff we go through."

"We are committed to hearing from all parties, including the area commission, residents and housing providers," a Columbus City Council spokesperson said in a statement. "Residents have been engaged with council and will continue to do so until our zoning committee hearing.”

The issue is set to go before the city's zoning committee on July 28.

Letters written by three commissions in support of rec and parks developing the land can be read below.