The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Housing plan proceeding for golf course redevelopment
Plans are progressing to redevelop Johnnycake Ridge Golf Course into homes.
Mentor Planning Commission recently approved the preliminary subdivision of 108 residential lots at 7134 Mentor Ave. and amending a previous development plan for the property.
Two years ago, city officials approved rezoning more than 40 acres from R-2 Single Family Residential to RVG Village Green. The project — then proposed by Ryan Homes and property owner Frank DeMilta — originally called for 120 homes.
The main change in the latest proposal — along with a new developer, Bill Dawson of Bedaos, LLC — is calling for public versus private streets in the development.
“It’s more desirable for homeowners to have a public road,” said Dustin Keeney of Polaris Engineering in Willoughby. The city would be responsible for road maintenance as opposed to a homeowner’s association.
The lot criteria has been modified as well. The average lot size has increased from 5,225 square feet to 6,100 square feet.
The total area of the project is roughly 48 acres. Under the RVG District regulations, the maximum number of dwelling units per acre is 2.5, and a minimum of 15 percent of the total project area is to be devoted to open space. The proposed number of lots are below the maximum allowed (120), and the amount of open space has increased from 24.30 acres to 25 acres (52 percent).
Commission member Geoffrey Varga asked that the developer address adding common areas with amenities as part of the landscape plan review.
“The 15 percent open space requirement isn’t satisfied by detention basins; it’s not satisfied by the space between the house and the property line; it’s not satisfied by the standing water areas; it’s not satisfied by the right of way,” Varga said. “It should be, by definition, by the actual zoning, a village green — a space of common use to provide some recreational use. Some people put in walks, some people put in gazebos. … I don’t see that dedicated space here that would qualify this for a village green.”
He listed benches, exercise equipment and a playground as possibilities.
Project representatives said they would work with the city administration on adding such elements.
This is at least the third housing proposal at the location. DeMilta and partner Dennis Gehrisch purchased the 55-year-old golf course from the Daniels family of Willoughby in 1989. For now, the course remains open.
In other action, the Commission approved the final site plan for Mentor Ridge assisted living facility on 10 acres at 8161 Norton Parkway.
The 56,520-square-foot, 56-bed facility will specialize in memory care.