Planning commission to review subdivision

Industrial zoning on tap for other land

The Lorain City Planning Commission will review a new subdivision for the city’s west side and a potential site for new industry.

The final development plan of Cornerstone Farms subdivision at 4715 Kolbe Road and a rezoning for land along East Avenue, Caroline Avenue and East 25th Street are on the agenda for the Aug. 2 Planning Commission meeting.

Developer Lorain Cornerstone Farms LLC plans 151 new home lots on almost 53 acres north of the intersection of Kolbe and Jaeger roads.

The project has been discussed in Lorain for months and Lorain City Council this year approved a zoning change needed for the new neighborhood.

The final plan came up for review in April, when the Planning Commission voted to hold in abeyance the final development plan.

The subdivision would have 84 lots 50 by 120 feet in size, and 67 lots 70 by 130 feet in size, according to plans. The unit density is 2.85 units per acre.

The new neighborhood would need about 10.89 acres, or 20 percent of the land, for required open space.

Plans show about 16.12 acres, or 28.8 percent of the land, as open area.

Cornerstone Farms would be built in five phases, staring with 41 lots in phase one. Subsequent phases would add 24 lots, 18 lots, 15 lots and finish with 53 new lots, according to plans.

The homes would be detached single family residences. Houses would range in size from 1,573 square feet to 2,890 square feet, according to plans.

The developer is requesting a variance for the proposed stream inside the 75 foot wetland setback located at the northeast corners of the project, according to plans.

In reviews over the last two years, neighboring residents have questioned plans about drainage for stormwater. They also have raised concerns about city capacity for utilities, particularly the added load in city sanitary sewer lines, and about added traffic along Kolbe and Jaeger roads.

The plans included a stormwater management report from MG Civil Design of Chagrin Falls.

In the new subdivision, each lot will have its own yard drain installed by the builder, the report said.

“The yard drain and storm connection will drain the roof areas, and entire side and rear yards,” the report said. “The front yards, including the driveway, sidewalk and roadway will drain directly to the street storm sewer system.

“The sublots and the roadways will drain to the pond where the stormwater will be treated for water quality per (Ohio Environmental Protection Agency) and city regulations. Note, there is an existing ditch along the east property line that will be maintained.”

In other business, the Planning Commission will consider a zoning change for applicants Thomas and Patricia Harris.

They hope to change zoning from I-1 Industrial to I-2 Industrial.

“My clients believe that the zoning reclassification will lead to financial investment for the development and improvement of these properties, which ultimately will create new employment opportunities,” said a letter from their attorney, Jeffrey H. Weir II of Lorain.

The Harrises “contend that the zoning reclassification is consistent with the current condition of the surrounding neighborhood and abutting properties, and is in the public interest,” Weir said.

The parcels are at 2265 and 2413 East Ave.; 411 E. 25th St.; 2415 Caroline Ave.; and nearby vacant lots.

The Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m., Aug. 2, at the first floor Chambers of Lorain City Council at City Hall, 200 W. Erie Ave.

The homes would be detached single family residences. Houses would range in size from 1,573 square feet to 2,890 square feet, according to plans.