Planning Commission Board Hears New Residential Subdivision Update
Planning Commission – November 14, 2024
Meeting Details: The Geauga Planning Commission met in regular session on November 14, 2024 at 7:30 am at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024. This meeting was in person with no virtual attendance option. The agenda is normally available online prior to the meeting. A copy is also available at the meeting. Observer Note: The website presents the minutes and meeting dates, and the agenda is included in that section.
Public Comment Policy: No formal policy, but in practice, public comment could be permitted at the Chair’s prerogative. However, this does not happen. No public comment is solicited or offered except in cases of matters where an applicant or zoning inspector is present to answer questions regarding an item on the agenda.
Board Attendance: Chair Nick Gorris, Vice Chair Dennis Bergansky, Commissioner James Dvorak, and Members Walter (Skip) Claypool, Caterina Cocca-Fulton, Matt Johnson and Jim McCaskey were present. Gary Neola, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer, Dan Miller and Commissioners Ralph Spidalieri and Tim Lennon were absent.
Staff Attendance: Linda Crombie, Planning Director, Allyson Kobus, Planner II, and Pamela Irizarry, Administrative Assistant.
Others Attending: This observer and five other people were in attendance. One of the other five attending was Chris Alusheff, Chester Township Zoning Inspector, who was attending on behalf of the Chester Township trustees. No members of the press were present.
Minutes - Once approved by the board, the minutes are available online here. Scroll down until the section on Minutes and Agendas.
Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, Approval of Minutes - Minutes for the October 8, 2024, meeting were approved.
Approval of Agenda/Addendum Items - Approved as is.
Financial Report and Approval of Expenses -
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Total Appropriations: $246,110
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Expenditures: $193,559.56
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Balance: $52,550.44
Following a motion to approve the financial report, all members voted in favor.
Other Business - New Residential Subdivisions Update
Ms. Kobus, Planner II, gave a presentation on residential subdivisions throughout Geauga County, including developments in Chardon, Middlefield Village, Bainbridge, and Thompson Township.
Highlights:
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688 New Dwelling Units Added: Ms. Kobas reported that over the past five years, 688 new dwelling units have been added across various subdivisions in Geauga County. These developments reflect an increased demand for residential properties, driven by both population growth and the attractiveness of the region for new families and professionals.
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Future Developments: There are several potential developments under consideration that could bring the total number of new units to 897. These projects are in different stages of planning and approval, primarily targeting areas such as Bainbridge and Chardon. This expansion will likely support the growing need for housing while also adding to the economic growth in the county.
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Infrastructure Challenges: Discussions during the presentation emphasized the importance of ensuring that the necessary infrastructure, including roads, water, and sewer systems can support the increasing number of residents. Ms. Kobus highlighted the ongoing coordination with local utility providers to ensure the developments have adequate water and sewage services.
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Chardon Developments: Chardon is one of the areas seeing significant growth, with multiple new subdivisions planned. These include both single-family homes and multi-family units, providing a mix of housing options for residents. The developments are designed to align with the city's comprehensive plan, focusing on sustainable growth.
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Middlefield Village and Bainbridge Growth: Middlefield Village and Bainbridge are also seeing notable residential expansions. Middlefield Village has several phases of construction underway, with a focus on affordable housing units, while Bainbridge is seeing more upscale developments, including larger single-family homes that cater to higher-income residents.
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Thompson Township: In Thompson Township, smaller-scale developments are being undertaken, which include both single-family residences and some clustered housing units. This reflects the township's emphasis on maintaining a balance between growth and preserving the rural character of the community.
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Community Feedback: Ms. Kobus also mentioned that community feedback has been largely positive, with many residents welcoming the new developments for the added amenities and increased property values they bring. However, some concerns have been raised about potential traffic congestion and the impact on local schools. The Planning Commission is working closely with local authorities to mitigate these concerns.
Major Subdivisions to be Reviewed
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Chagrin Falls Park
Replat of sublots 850-858, Bainbridge Township, final plat
The board approved the lot consolidation involving eight sublots to streamline property management and improve land utilization. The consolidation is expected to enhance development potential and simplify future transactions. Approved unanimously.
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Canyon Lakes Colony
No. 14-A and 14-B, replat of sublots 360 and 378, Bainbridge Township, final plat
The board approved the request to consolidate sublots 360 and 378 to create a larger, more cohesive parcel for future residential development. This consolidation aims to better align with zoning requirements and improve the marketability of the property. Approved unanimously.
Township Zoning Amendments to be Reviewed
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Chester Township Text Amendment to ZC (Zoning Code)-2024-7, initiated October 31, 2024 by Chester Township Trustees
The proposed amendment aimed to restrict the size of attached garages and clarify regulations regarding the use of breezeways.
The discussion focused on the potential impacts of these changes including concerns about over-regulating homeowners' property rights and the practicality of enforcement. The commissioners generally stated that the proposed regulations were too restrictive but that they could be amended to enable future passage of the proposal. After thorough discussion, a motion was made to deny the proposed amendment, with a recommendation for further review and reworking to find a balanced solution that addresses both homeowner flexibility and community standards. Motion to deny was approved with one abstention (Mr. Dvorak). The denial will include a letter from Ms. Crombie, Planning Director, to the Chester Trustees explaining the concerns that can be ameliorated.
Director’s Report
Ms. Crombie provided an overview of the Director’s Report, previously distributed to board members. She highlighted some of the key content:
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Subdivision Activity: Detailed progress on subdivisions in eastern Geauga County, including ongoing residential projects in Bainbridge and Chardon, and updates on zoning approvals.
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Township Land Use Plans: Refinement of township land use plans to accommodate projected population growth and to integrate sustainable development practices. Specific updates were provided for Burton and Russell townships.
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Leadership Training: Staff attended leadership development workshops focusing on community engagement, strategic planning, and improved management practices to ensure better coordination in county projects.
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New Construction: New construction projects include a transitional living center in Claridon Township aimed at supporting vulnerable populations and a new educational facility at the Laurel School in Russell Township to expand academic and extracurricular offerings.
Correspondence - None
Old Business - None
New Business - None
Adjourned at 8:52 am.
Next meeting: December 12, 2024 at 7:30 am.
More Information about the Geauga Planning Commission is available online.
Observer: David Lewis
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Carol Benton
Submitted: November 16, 2024
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