Mercy medical office zoning up for review

Lawyer says he will help residents oppose project

Mercy Health plans for a new medical office building will come before city officials again Oct. 4.

However, a lawyer who has become involved in local government issues says he will help residents fight the zoning change requested for the land on Oak Point Road.

The Lorain City Planning Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Oct. 4, to consider the request by Mercy Health. The health system is asking the city to change the land from R-1A Residential to B-2 Business.

The hospital aims to rezone 8.19 acres and use about five acres for a new 30,000-squarefoot medical office center. It will house comprehensive health care for the community, including primary and specialty care, walk-in care services and occupational health services.

“The planned medical office center on Oak Point will provide easy access to high-quality services for the Lorain community,” said a letter from Cynthia Dennison, Mercy chief financial officer. “This new facility provides us with the opportunity to better serve our community with additional primary care providers along with new services including specialty care, occupational

health and walk-in care in a convenient location.

“The new medical office building will not only provide convenient access to our residents for health care, but will also help support the economic growth of Lorain. Mercy anticipates that this new building will support the city of Lorain with new jobs and an increased salary tax base.”

The hospital also will develop the remaining three acres with offices, retail space or services that will complement neighboring residents, Dennison said in her letter to Lorain Chief Building Official Richard Klinar.

The land sits just west of the intersection of Oak Point Road and South Mayflower Drive. It does not have an exact street address, according to records from the Lorain County Auditor’s Office.

The commission reviewed plans Sept. 6, but held the request in abeyance.

In last month’s planning meeting, residents came out in opposition to the new building.

On Oct. 3, attorney Gerald Phillips announced he will work with residents to oppose the rezoning request.

Phillips said the proposed change is “a classic example of spot zoning” and an example of “corporate greed.”

Citing Lorain’s zoning code, Phillips called the plan “a ‘terrible idea’ and does not promote the health, safety and welfare of the surrounding residential community and homes.”

The hospital system already has other locations in Lorain for the new building, including Mercy’s main campus, Phillips said.

He also called for more detailed studies including information for traffic, a comprehensive master land use plan for the area and an environmental impact study.

The planning commission meets in the first floor chambers at Lorain City Hall, 200 W. Erie Ave. The meeting is open to the public.

The hospital also will develop the remaining three acres with offices, retail space or services that will complement neighboring residents.