A City of Columbus proposal, part of modernizing its 70-year-old zoning code, has the potential to threaten the wooded nature & quiet character of Walhalla Ravine, eliminating Walhalla’s current development restrictions. And the City has not said how it will protect green space in Walhalla or elsewhere. The threat starts with Phase 2, which would allow tall apartment buildings down to the first block of the Ravine.
A meeting will be held on Thursday, August 27th, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at Colerain Elementary School, 499 East Weisheimer Road, to voice concerns. Please try to attend this meeting! If you cannot attend, send comments to zoningupdate@columbus.gov or call 614-645-5343. To keep up to date about zoning changes affecting Walhalla Ravine, visit www.savewalhalla.org.
More About Walhalla Ravine
Walhalla Ravine is a scenic, densely wooded glacial ravine located in the Clintonville neighborhood in north Columbus. Known for its peaceful, out-of-place natural landscape amidst a major metropolitan area, the ravine features a narrow, winding, one-way road running alongside Walhalla Creek. It is popular for spotting local wildlife.
The homes built along the steep hillsides of the ravine feature unique architecture, including mid-century modern designs and houses built by students of Frank Lloyd Wright. The ravine is protected and monitored closely by local residents and organizations like the Friends of the Ravines.
In the 1800s, the dark, densely wooded ravine served as a crucial hideout for fugitive enslaved people seeking freedom. The historic Clinton Chapel (built in 1838 at High Street & Weber Road) sat right at the mouth of the ravine and operated as an active station on the Underground Railroad.
Walhalla Ravine Restoration
In other news, Blueprint Columbus reports that a stream restoration project is set to begin in Walhalla Ravine in mid-September. This long-anticipated project will help reduce pollution entering the waterway while sustainably securing the banks of the Walhalla Ravine on the eastern side near Clinton Heights Avenue.
Join Blueprint Columbus for appetizers and a pre-construction presentation on September 10 at the Clintonville Women’s Club. Doors will open & food will be served at 5:30 pm. The presentation on the ravine work begins at 6:00 pm, and there will be an open house with designers & engineers to follow.
Sorry, I forgot to mention the lots affected in Walhalla: 485 & 486 Walhalla Rd and 3199 Indianola (all three at the eastern edge of the Walhalla tree canopy).
Thanks for bringing attention to this. Folks can see the latest maps and plans for Phase 2 at https://columbus.gov/zoningupdate
Given that Phase 2 is rezoning 40+% of the land in Columbus, chances are good that a special place near you is being affected. Please check the map at the Phase 2 site for more info.
Save Walhalla!