The longest discussion and public comment item was the Planning Committee discussion of a newly proposed Pulte Development on North River Road. This proposed development has been discussed since end of 2022 with the Planning Department and Planning Commission. The details of the proposed development include:
- This would be considered a “Major Subdivision” under our Planning and Zoning Code (1117.03(d)).
- Proposal is for 45 single family lots.
- Project would be in 2 Phases, first would be Charle’s Place, 25 houses on a lot that is 13.71 acres. Second would be Roberta Way, 20 houses on two combined lots a total of 11.7 acres. These two phases are separated by 2 other residential lots along North River Road.
- The properties proposed at zoned R-2, Residential.
- The required lot size for R-2 residential is 16,000 square feet with a 90-foot lot width, front set back of 40 feet, rear setback of 30 feet, and side setback of 10 feet.
- Pulte plans to offer 5 home designs ranging from 2,323 square feet to 3,330 square feet.
- Both phases would be designed as cul-de-sacs.
Pulte presented their plans and details regarding the project and also had their attorney present to speak about several issues that have been discussed as it relates to the type and length of the cul-de-sacs proposed as part of the project.
In addition to Pulte’s presentation, an organized group of citizens from around the proposed project also presented their concerns about the development and why they are opposed. They also had their attorney present to speak to several of the issues they have about the project and how it aligns to the language in our zoning code.
Council had a first reading on this legislation; however, we have also asked for an outside legal opinion as it relates to this project and the interpretation of our zoning code. This should be back to Council prior to our next meeting and will give Council members plenty of time to review and ask additional questions related to the project prior to a vote on it.
In addition to the proposed development there was also a request under the Ohio Revised Code that council vacate several roads to the north of the proposed development. This item was previously referred to Planning Commission who did not recommend vacating the roads. This item was given a first reading, but it does seem that the petitioners that requested the roads to be vacated may be withdrawing this request. This will be reviewed and confirmed at our next council meeting.
Council approved the purchase of a new street sweeper to replace a current piece of equipment that is currently out of service. The current street sweeper has extensive repair costs, and such repairs are not guaranteed to fix the issues. This equipment was not in our 2023 capital budget, but based on the use and need of the community the administration removed the purchase of several other pieces of equipment planned for this year from the plan to allow for this cost within the budget. I know many residents have asked me about our street sweeping program and are happy we have this as one of the services provided by the City.
Council approved the funding for the 2023-2024 residential snowplow assistance program. This program helps provide driveway and sidewalk snow removal for elderly and disabled residents with hardship circumstances. Applications for this program can be found on the City website and dropped off at City Hall through November 17th or until the budgeted capacity is reached. I will note that City Council members asked the administration to come back to Council to increase the amount of approval if there are additional applicants that would qualify but the budget is exceeded. Additional details can be found here Snowplow Assistance Details and Snowplow Assistance Application.
Council approved striping of the tennis courts at Silver Springs Park along with temporary pickleball courts that are being installed at Oregon Trails Park. The new temporary pickleball courts will be at the south of Oregon Trails Park and will replace the skate park that is currently there. Next year new pickleball courts are proposed to be installed on the north side of Oregon Trail Park along with additional parking. I look forward to seeing both this temporary and eventually long-term improvement at Oregon Trails.
Council is having a Finance Committee meeting on Monday October 23rd at 6 PM to discuss the 2024 budget and will have our regular committees and council meeting on Thursday October 26th starting at 5:30 PM.