Mentor voters urged to vote no on Issue 5

On Nov. 7, Mentor residents will be asked to vote on Issue 5 — the rezoning of about 4.2 acres located at the southeast corner of Route 615 and Interstate 90, on the property commonly known as the “Osborne Farm.”

The 4.2 acres are made up of two parcels that are currently zoned C-1 Conservation and have been treated (and taxed) as agricultural property since its purchase in 1977 by the late Jerome T. Osborne. The petitioners are asking to rezone the parcels to B-3 Interchange. As concerned neighbors, we would like to join the conversation and express our opposition to Issue 5.

The land surrounding the parcels in question features an historic, picturesque barn, horses, pastures and an active nest that is home to several American bald eagles. If Issue 5 is passed, this beautiful, iconic farm that is shared between Mentor and Kirtland Hills Village will abut a new hotel, office building, financial institution or restaurant.

The gateway to the city will be forever changed.

The zoning change request was brought before the Mentor Planning Commission and, on Sept. 8, 2016, voted down 5-1, citing the lack of a development plan as a reason for the commission’s decision. In response, Rick Osborne Sr., a representative of the estate, was quoted as saying, “We’ll go to council. If we don’t get it there, we’ll sue the city” (The News-Herald 9/9/16). On Nov. 1, 2016, Mentor City Council, on the advice of Law Director Richard Hennig and in fear of litigation, decided to pass the decision on to the residents of Mentor to decide.

There are several issues voters should consider.

First of all, the current infrastructure — most importantly the bridge over Interstate 90 — will be further stressed in supporting an increase in traffic in an already well-traveled area. There is no direct access to the 4.2 acres, no sewers, and a singular water source, a well, which serves the entire 78 acres of land.

There is no plan, no buyer or user for the property, no developer and no development documents to justify the rezoning of these parcels. This is certainly a backward way of doing things and is a major concern that should be heavily weighed before casting a vote on Issue 5. Until a concrete development plan is submitted that justifies a change, the current zoning of C-1 Conservation should remain intact.

Please vote no on Issue 5 and maintain the C-1 Conservations District zoning of 4.2 acres of this treasured Lake County landmark property.

Jack Turben, Mayor Village of Kirtland Hills

Alyson Scott Councilwoman, Village of Kirtland Hills