05/26/2004 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

23 May 2004 Mr. Michael R. Gateau Jr. 23823 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted, Oh 44070 Dear Mr. Gateau As it now seems as though the final decision will be made on 26 May 2004 on the combining and rezoning of the Gamey property, I thought a few final thoughts might be in order. It seems city council is fearful that if council votes no on the rezoning that the city will be sued. I would like to point out that the city will probably be sued either now or later. If the rezoning is approved I am sure that in the not too distant firture Halleen, Sunnyside or some other commercial entity will demand the same rezoning for commercial property. If the city says no they will be sued to get the same rights and rezoning that Ganley was given. Once the precedent is set the outcome will be prede~ternnined. Maybe now is the time to "draw the line in the sand" and stand up for the residents of North Olmsted. Keeping in mind that what Gamey is asking for is that the commercial zone be increased from 500 feet to 880 feet. Where else in North Olmsted does commercial property extend that far into residential property and be surrounded on three sides by residential property? The City of North Olmsted has turned into a commercial city that people visit for the commercial establishments, but don't to want to live here. They put up with the traffic congestion to get to the "stores" and then go home. The residents have to fight the traffic everyday. In traveling through Bay Village, Rocky River, Fairview Park and Westlake there is nowhere that has the blatant commercialism as North Olmsted. How many auto parts store does North Olmsted really need, how many strip malls do we need with empty storefronts. As the storefronts remain empty, rents will be lowered bringing less and less desirable tenants. It will become a never ending spiral, eventually leading to residents leaving the city, for more resident friendly cities. I have attended the BZD meetings and Council meetings and I have been amazed at the belligerent attitude that the Ganley representatives have taken towards the residents, but also to the members of the Board and Council. If you think they will be good Corporate Citizens I think you aze sadly mistaken. Yet, it will be the neighboring residents that will suffer the most, as well as the image of North Olmsted. So I would ask that as an elected official, listen to the residents and vote against the requested rezoning. Thank you for your time in consideration in this matter. Sin ely yours Bruce A. Bruehler 4440 Root Rd. North Olmsted, OH 44070 r9 n e-~ e-wr, r°r°~+ ~ I`1NY ~ ~; 7~C~~i