02/21/1995 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 2/21/95 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION -: Cathy Grabowski, 24211 Fairlawn Drive, asked if Mr. Cowry had submitted a building plan for the senior housing. Mayor Boyle said no, but the city does have footprint--the layout of the buildings on the property--that was prepared by Kazmar & Associates when they were under contract to the city. This company will serve as the architect for Mr. Cowry, but the plans have not yet been presented to the city. Mr. Gareau explained that Mr. Cowry has entered into a contract with the city to buy the land, and the city has promised to rezone the land for senior housing. Mr. Gareau stated that the city had designated that area for senior housing; however, when it became clear that funding was not available, the city found a private concern to build. The contract between the city and Mr. Cowry states that his project has to be consistent with and compatible with the senior housing that is being built by the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. Mrs. Grabowski asked if the diocese had submitted plans to the city and if the city knew the cost of the units. Mr. Gareau answered that we do know how many units are being built, but we would not be privy to the information regarding cost. Mrs. Grabowski asked when the city realized it could not afford to build the senior housing. Mayor Boyle and Mr. Gareau explained that the decision was made last summer, negotiations took place in October and November and the sale process was begun in December. The city had previously purchased the former Knights of Cohunbus property from Mr. O'Grady in 1993. We are currently under contract to sell that property to Mr. Cowry. Also, the city assigned the rights to the contract for the sale of the Dancik property to Mr. Cowry. Mrs. Grabowski said that she did not care who built the senior housing, but she was concerned that it be affordable to North Olmsted seniors first and foremost. Mayor Boyle explained that, although the prices on the units are not known at this time, the city did have a study done by Darter & Company, a known and recognized expert in the area of senior housing. That study determined that the rates should be lower than the rates for competitive structures in the city that had a large senior population. After the study was completed, the city decided to take on the project of building senior housing. However, as time went on, it became apparent that the city did not have the financial resources for this project. We were able to find a private company which has the financial resources to build and the expertise to run such a property. The sale of the property covered the city's costs, and it is a good deal. When presented, Mr. Cowry's plans will go through the Engineering and Building Departments and he will be required to abide by all the codes and laws that are in place. Mrs. Saringer further explained that the plans will have to follow the regulations contained in the Zoning Code. LEGISLATION Ordinance No. 95-1 introduced by Mayor Boyle was given its third reading. An ordinance providing for the amendment of the Zone Map of the City of North Olmsted by changing the hereinafter descn~bed parcels of real property from General Retail Business and Single Family Residence B Di~rict to Senior Residence District. Mr. McKay moved for adoption; second by Mrs. Saringer; motion passed unanimously. Ordinance No. 95-1 adopted. 6