On Monday, March 26th, Planning NEXT presented findings and recommendations of a study for the River Ridge and Kingsdale West neighborhoods to Upper Arlington City Council. The study focuses on how the intact post-war community can preserve its built character and enhance livability in the wake of anticipated regional population growth and development pressure. The four-month process involved extensive public engagement including two well-attended workshops, online surveys and an open house.
Some of the key issues addressed included maintaining the neighborhood’s affordability, ensuring that new construction is in keeping with the existing scale, reinforcing housing and land use patterns, encouraging property maintenance, improving navigability by foot and bicycle, and making sure the area is welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds. Building trust in the local government was also a major theme that emerged through the public engagement efforts.
Many City Councilors expressed strong support for the work of the residents, staff and consultant team. “This is something that makes me proud to be a part of Upper Arlington,” said Council President Kip Greenhill.
Planning NEXT’s work was supported by McBride Dale Clarion who provided zoning and implementation guidance. Already dozens of community members have volunteered to help implement the study’s recommendations.
Media coverage from the presentation can be viewed here.
For more information and to view the study, visit the project web page here.
The study showed that the residents wanted to maintain the look and feel of the area (neighborhood compatibility) There has been very little done and the residents are concerned that homes are being built that do not meet the standards of neighborhood compatibility.