Residents start petition to revise 200-unit development plans for Hague Avenue

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Residents who live near a proposed 200-unit apartment complex in west Columbus say they worry the development would diminish the character of their suburban street.

Kentucky-based LDG Development filed a zoning application with Columbus in March to develop five apartment buildings at 1696 N. Hague Ave. The application is currently mid-review by city service departments. However, nearby residents have started a petition for developers to revise their proposal, fearing the development will increase traffic and diminish local character.

If approved, the complex would include 198 units, 284 parking spaces and amenities like a pool, playground, clubhouse and dog park. According to site renderings, the development would feature several three-story apartment buildings that surround the communal amenities on three sides. Most apartment plans offer balconies, and the site would stretch from North Hague Avenue to nearby railroad tracks.

A local petition encouraging revisions to the plan has gathered more than 200 signatures, many of which came in the past week. According to the petition, residents worry the height of the building, parking plans and "suboptimal driveway design" clash with their vision of the neighborhood.

"Our neighborhood is park-like suburban living, and we are aware that change is inevitable, even welcomed," the petition reads. "However, any development should respect and enhance our unique community character, not erode it."

In its zoning application, LDG Development said the complex was being planned to minimize its impact on the existing neighborhood. Applicants said the zoning changes they are requesting are minimal as to not be disruptive. LDG Development is seeking permission to build five feet higher than permitted and to reduce the number of required parking spots by 13 spaces, among other things.

Residents disagree, and are asking the city to deny the current proposal. According to the petition, residents hope the developer will collaborate with the neighborhood to create a revised plan that better reflects what they feel their "suburban, green and majestic" neighborhood needs.

City review boards have been considering the application for several months, and the proposal has successfully undergone several mandatory reviews, including sanitary and water assessments. The planning review board gave an update July 15 saying the department is "in full support of the proposal."

The plan will continue to be reviewed by other departments, including the health department and eventually a neighborhood group.