In the fall of 2015, the city granted a variance request to the Stream Corridor Protection Zone (part of the DPU Storm Water Manual regulations) to a developer building a new retail site in the Polaris area.  The S.C.P.Z. is intended to aid in keeping Columbus’s waterways healthy.  Concerned groups, such as the Sierra Club, were not notified of the pending request by the city.  That knowledge was provided by another environmental group who had received an anonymous tip.  While, the developer’s request was approved pending certain changes to make the development plan less environmentally damaging, concerned groups we were given one day to respond with our comments.  This is an insufficient amount of time to be able to put together a comprehensive argument for a decision that deserves thoughtful consideration by the city.  The developer submitted the revised version of the plan in January, which is currently under review by the city.  We are currently working to address the issue with the Department of Public Utilities to develop the protocol for a more inclusive & thorough review process for variance requests (establish timeframe for prompt notification of any requests/appeals, allow for public hearings & a comment period, establish process provided for those opposed to potential appeals).