10/11/2016 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Hearing of 10-11-2016 Director Wenger responded there are two parcels that are involved and one is split zoned. Regarding the split zoned property, it is to resolve that split zone. The residential parcel is different than the boundaries of the residential and commercial boundaries around it. Using an exhibit provided by the applicant, Director Wenger showed the Ganley property has it stands now. She pointed to an area that is still technically zoned single resident and stated that was subject to a lawsuit in 2004 or 2005. Pointing to an area she said this area is currently used for inventory storage and the commercial use of the property extends all the way to the rear property line. She stated as the City has gone through its Zoning Update Project, they have found a lot of instances of split zoning in the city and it creates a lot of problems for commercial property owners. The owners end up with frontage on Lorain which they develop, but the back part of the property is residentially zoned and cannot be used for commercial purposes. She said it is unfeasible to develop residential behind a commercial development where the only access to the residential is through the commercial property to Lorain Road. Director Wenger said, the Root Road parcel currently being looked at is bordered on three sides by commercial development. So one of the parcels, while it does have frontage on Root Road is less desirable for residential development because of it juxtaposition by the commercial property. Additionally she stated, it has more significant environmental conditions than other parcels involved in the project and it is highly unlikely a residential developer would develop it. If they could afford the environmental remediation to make a house, it would be the most expensive residential parcel in the city to develop. As currently zoned, it functions just pretty much as green space and the current proposal gives a viable use for the land. Her opinion was if it is not rezoned it would just remain vacant land. Councilwoman Williamson asked if the plan remains as approved now if there would be portions of the parcels that would not be developed. Director Wenger responded that is correct because of the environmental conditions discussed, that the first 100 feet from the north property line would become an easement, with a permanent deed restriction on the property that it cannot be developed for any purpose. This section would contain the waterway which runs through the property. The West Creek Conservancy would hold the easement, which would have a riparian setback, and would be responsible for monitoring the stormwater and wetlands to ensure they function properly. She continued, beyond the 100 feet of permanently protected land there is another 65 to 70 foot setback where the applicant is proposing a stormwater storage function. She said while the property will be disturbed the active commercial development portion would be 165 to 170 feet away from the residential property. Most of the currently zoned residential lot will be reserved for stormwater management and riparian preservation. Councilman Barker asked what are the dimensions on the lot and the frontage on Root Road. To which Director Wenger replied she thought it was 280 feet. 3