03/09/2011 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Staab of Catholic Charities Housing Corporation and Mr. Berardi came forward to explain the project further. Ms. Staab said she has worked with many parishes and entities involving senior housing. They have a number of developments that are very successful such as the one at St. Rocco's and Emerald Village. The proposed project is a smaller version of what they successfully built at Emerald Village. Mr. Berardi presented a preliminary site plan and said the building would have two and three story elements. He mentioned there will be garden areas, buffers, some serpentine mounding, as well as some lower level plantings. He said they will take approximately 100 parking spots from the existing lot and the pastor of the church did not seem to be concerned about the loss of those spaces. He said the project is in the preliminary stages and they are receptive to the suggestions and concerns of the Commission and the residents. Mrs. Meredith expressed concern about the parking being sufficient for a 36 unit facility. She is worried about the impact on the church and the school. She is also concerned about egress and ingress and the vehicle circulation on the site because of the school buses. Mr. Bohlmann said his concern is the project does not seem to fit in the proposed area. He is concerned about parking as well and how the project will impact the school. Ms. Wenger said a parking analysis will be done and the church may ultimately require a variance but there is flexibility. She said the applicant will find out the space requirements for this lot. She again explained the current zoning and said they need to look at the broader land use issue. Laura Grimm, 26933 Whitethorn, expressed concern about parking, school buses, and the sewer system. She is a long-time resident and parking at St. Richard Church creates a problem as it is. She aslced if there has been any evaluation of property values changing with the construction of the facility. Ms. Staab said the property is non-taxable currently but with the senior housing facility on the site, it would become taxable. She estimates the project to be a$4.5 million development and it will increase the value of homes around it and be a benefit in many ways. Tiffany Hunt of the North Olmsted Senior Center said she supports this project. She said this facility will give seniors an affordable option for housing and added that the Senior Center has transportation that will be available for residents of the proposed facility. Grace Doubler, 25600 Country Club Blvd. #l, said she can see a need for this project but believes parking will be a problem, along with increased traffic on Country Club. The sidewalk and traffic light near the proposed project needs to be addressed. She is also concerned about the effect the facility would have on the sewer system. Barbara Krecic, 5082 Whitethorn, likes the project but asked what would happen if the zoning is changed and the proposed project is rejected. Mrs. Meredith said the zoning would remain. Mary Ogan, Pastoral Minister at St. Richard Church, said there is a huge need for this type of facility in North Olmsted. She works with many residents and with the City and this project is important to meet those needs. John Pollack, 5091 Whitethorn, a resident of 56 years, asked for clarification on the difference between the current zoning and the proposed zoning. Ms. Wenger then provided more information about the single family versus senior residence zoning. Mr. Pollack asked about 2