Weinland Park Community Civic Association

Housing Committee
Summary of Meeting of October 12, 2015
Sean Storey, co-chair of the Housing Committee, called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. at
Godman Guild Association. The persons in attendance introduced themselves.
Matt Martin, co-chair of the committee, outlined the agenda for the meeting and explained his
written proposal for a housing goal and for structuring the committee and its monthly meeting.
He said he had heard from some civic association members that the committee did not spend
sufficient time discussing broader housing matters because so much time was focused on
reviewing specific housing proposals from developers. Mr. Martin suggested a subcommittee
that would review housing proposals.
Committee members discussed Mr. Martins proposal.
Michael Wilkos said The Columbus Foundation has been discussing with the Greater Ohio
Policy Center the possibility of its staff assisting with the Housing Committee and with the
Weinland Park Collaboratives Housing Task Force. Committee members discussed the potential
involvement of Greater Ohio and generally agreed that this would be helpful.
Steve Sterrett suggested that the full committee might meet at 6 p.m. followed by a design
subcommittee meeting at 7 p.m. Laura Bidwa suggested that a subcommittee is not needed, but it
would be effective to have a specific time to hear from developers. Erin Prosser suggested that
the term development review be used, rather than design review. Committee members
generally agreed to the concept of having the committee meeting at 6 p.m. with a development
review session at 7 p.m. when developers have projects to present.
In response to a question, Brandyn McElroy said four newsletter boxes are currently installed in
the neighborhood and Jen Mankin is continuing to work to place additional boxes. The civic
association is reinstituting its monthly newsletter, but it doesnt have volunteers to deliver copies
to every door. Instead, the newsletter will be available in the boxes on peoples front fences and
in locations such as offices and community centers. Ms. Bidwa suggested that a flyer be handdelivered to everyones door with information on the newsletter boxes.
Mr. Martin suggested that committee members discuss proposed housing strategies at the next
meeting of the committee on Monday, November 9.
Mr. Storey adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.