Verizon to Expand to Markum’s Backyard

By: FERDINAND MONTGOMERY

UPPER ARLINGTON – Harry Markum will soon have all the convenience of a Verizon Wireless store right in his backyard.

In a surprise move at a Monday, Nov. 10 meeting Upper Arlington City Council President Dewey Johnson announced that he was going to rezone, by emergency vote, half of Markum’s backyard in order to install a Verizon kiosk.

“(Markum) has been instrumental in keeping unnecessary rezonings from taking over our community,” said Johnson. “Over and over and over again.”

Johnson proposed that City Council approve an emergency rezoning of .15 acres of Markum’s .4 acre backyard.

“I was thinking of the northwest corner,” said Johnson. “Near the shed.”

Markum, 53, who has been involved in a number of referendums by residents to stop rezoning in the city over the last five years, said the move was a surprise to him.

“What the fuck is going on?” said Markum, adding that he was pretty sure city council was not allowed to to have single-reading-spot-rezonings proposed and approved during the course of a single meeting.

Markum has been known to admonish city council in the press.

“Those greedy assholes have no idea what they are doing,” Markum previously told The Clam. “They’re just trying to rezone everything to line their own pockets.”

Johnson; however, said Markum’s past remarks had no bearing on his decision.

“Nah,” said Johnson. “My son has a part time job at Verizon and he was saying the other day that he wishes he could work closer to home.

“This is just about three blocks away.

“That’s pretty close.”

Johnson announced the proposed rezoning at approximately 8:15 p.m., shortly after the meeting reached the ‘other business’ portion of the agenda.

Council approved the proposal 4 – 3 at 8:20 p.m.

Terry Baker, 27, a district manager for Verizon Wireless stores in the northwest Columbus area, said the company is excited about another opportunity to expand.

“Having the opportunity to tap into a suburban market like that, in the heart of a suburb, you can’t beat that location,” said Baker.

Baker said he was surprised when he got a call from City of Upper Arlington Planning Officer Charlie Porter telling him of the rezoning, but added, “It’s pretty cool.”

Baker said he had no idea exactly when a kiosk could be installed, but that it could happen pretty fast.

“With the rezoning out of the way like that,” said Baker. “I think they can build those things in like a month.”

Baker said that construction could begin as early as December.

“That’s just a wild guess,” said Baker. “But it would be nice to get it open by Christmas.”

Markum said he was “fucking upset” about the decision.

“I’m going to fight this,” said Markum. “A referendum. I’m going to file a referendum. Tomorrow. Then I’m going to get (Johnson) kicked off council.”

Markum said he was “abso-fucking-lutely” positive this was personal.

“I’m going to kick his ass,” said Markum. “He doesn’t live far. I’m going to go sit in his front yard and when he pulls into the driveway I’m going to pull him out of his car and punch him in his face.”

The next Upper Arlington City Council meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.