Agritourism district draft reviewed

The city of Chardon may be a step closer to becoming an agriculture and entertainment destination.

The Planning Commission is now perusing a proposed text amendment that would allow creation of an agritourism overlay district.

The commission held an informal discussion on a draft document Jan. 23. Part of its purpose is to “adequately manage … development so that both the unique, natural characteristics of the site and the agricultural emphasis of the development (are) preserved.”

The concept was borne out of a July request

from Ben Sage of the Sage’s Apples to use 120 acres at 505 Center St. for activities ranging from pickyour-own produce to outdoor events, to — eventually — a winery featuring hard cider.

City code currently doesn’t provide for such uses and the plans would require a considerable

number of variances, Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Yaney has said.

City Council commissioned David Hartt of CT Consultants to draft legislation for such a district.

The text amendment would require commission and council approval, and Sage has yet to submit a concept site plan to the city.

Hartt’s proposal divides the property — extending from behind Wal-Mart Supercenter to the Sage’s Apples border — into three areas,

from lowest to highest intensity use.

Permitted uses in the text amendment include a wineries, bed & breakfasts, limited retail, food venues, fairs and festivals related to agriculture, outdoor concerts/live entertainment, facilities for special events, zip lines, slides, playgrounds, cabins, pavilions and tents, corn mazes trails for walking/biking/ cross-country skiing, selfpicking and fishing.

The minimum land area

required would be 100 acres.

Questions arose about setbacks, utility service and parking. At the site plan approval stage, the commission will have the opportunity to make decisions on development standards for the site, Hartt said.

Commission Chairman Kenneth Miller called the proposal a good starting point.

“We’re at the beginning of the process,” he said. “Much of it depends upon

how long it takes Mr. Sage to come up with his concept plan.”

Attempts to reach Sage for comment were unsuccessful.

Councilman Andrew K. Blackley, commission vice chairman, said he fully supports the concept and hopes to see it happen.

The property, named Ransom Sage Farm, was formerly owned by the Osborne family’s Huron Lime Co. It is zoned industrial and conservation. Sage also

plans to build a home on 10 acres along Auburn Road, and possibly to develop an existing building into a bed & breakfast.

“The opportunities being considered are not only entertaining, they are also educational,” said Councilman Chris Grau. ”Thousands of local and regional residents would benefit from the Sage’s efforts to transform underutilized land into an agritourism retreat to enjoy all year long.”