10/21/2025 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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TO: City of North Olmsted Officials, During a meeting in the Council chambers it was stated the Comprehensive 2025 Master Plan was consistent with the development proposal. It seemed as if this plan was largely used to justify the appropriateness of the development proposal. In response, the plan was studied and it was surprising to discover, in my opinion, quite the opposite is true. Under the "What the Public Had to Say" section point seven is of particular significance. It indicates the public wanted to promote historic preservation! This in itself should end the discussion if the people who have invested their lives and money in this City matter. The tenth point indicates there should be encouragement to preserve and renovate historic homes. Who would want to follow this guideline if their district becomes unstable? Old homes are expensive to maintain and the people on Butternut accept this because of the character of the Historic District. Point thirteen indicates residential development should occur in appropriate, defined areas! Not in the middle of a historic district. Section five of the Plan is of special significance. In 5.3b the report indicates North Olmsted should preserve historic residences while preserving specific neighborhood character. Avery important statement that again should put the matter to rest. It is interesting that much of the statements within the Housing chapter deal with preserving Butternut Ridge. In the "Key Findings" section point seven indicates neighborhood identities are important to solidify a sense of place and community pride. A profound sentence for sure. The sense of place on Butternut is like no other within the City. A walk down Butternut and Canterbury almost allows one to forget they are in a modern developed City. Every house is different. People have bought their houses on Butternut for a specific reason that is not compatible with the intrusion of new housing stock along with a zoning change. We all fear a cascade of development will follow. In addition the report states many communities allow higher density housing and mixed use projects along major commercial corridors. Not in the middle of a historic district. If this is approved, we believe it will be viewed upon as a major mistake for years to come. Under "Recommended Strategies/Goals", section the goals should be to strengthen neighborhood identity and a sense of community within existing and future neighborhoods. Strengthen -not destroy. Butternut is a large positive part of the identity of North Olmsted. Point three in Key Findings states housing stock should exist that allows residents to age in place. This can not be done in an area that becomes unpredictable and unstable. This proposal is causing a lot of anxiety and stress among residents, especially the seniors. The Future Land Use map shows no such development along Butternut Ridge. When the Plan does reference development it points to open area at the west end areas of the City. Section 3.1c states work to assemble vacant parcels in the western limits of the City near