Proposed rezoning for land opposed

Proponents of rezoning 14.5 acres on Mallard Court in Mentor have more time to make their case after questions and concerns caused the city Planning Commission to table the item.

Several neighbors spoke against the Glenbrook Estates proposal at the March 26 public hearing, some saying that they were representing others unable to attend out of concerns of being at-risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.

Todd Victor for Ralph Victor Construction seeks to change the site’s R-4 Single Family Residential zoning to RVG Village Green

to allow for 35 homes. The wooded property sits just west of Route 2, the construction of which caused it to become landlocked in 1962.

“I think this project screams to be rezoned to RVG,” said David Novak of Mentor-based Barrington Consultant Group. “Part of the things that we’re doing (are) ... we exceed the required open space, we’re preserving all the wetlands on the property, we are preserving some of the trees. If this were to remain R-4, half-acre lots, it would be my opinion that we wouldn’t have to save any of the trees.”

Since the 1970s, homes have been developed all around the site, some of them RVG. However, neighbors raised potential issues related to traffic, utility services and drainage, as well as loss of trees.

Novak said he had letters from both Aqua Ohio and Lake County Utilities Department stating that there is enough utility capacity for the project.

An R-4 layout provided by the developer showed that the site would allow about nine homes. He indicated that such a development wouldn’t be financially feasible.

Residents also complained that the home designs proposed wouldn’t match with the surrounding developments. Novak noted that homes styles would be different than the ones in the older neighborhoods no matter what zoning was on the site.

“This is going to be a great-looking development when it’s finished,” he said, noting that the homes would start around $350,000. “I think the residents, when it’s done, will look back and say this wasn’t such a bad thing.”

Resident Dawn Krueger acknowledged that neighbors have known for years that it could likely would be developed, but she expressed support for the current zoning.

“Some people, their decks that overlooked a wooded acreage for 30 years will literally be in someone’s backyard,” under the proposed subdivision, she said.

Acting commission Chairman Brian Cook said he would rather see fewer homes in order to add features more in line with the surrounding properties.

“I know that puts some constraints on you, but I want it to look like a city street, because it is,” he said.

Commission member Geoffrey Varga took issue with the single access to the property. The proposed cul de sacs also exceed the 600foot maximum provided for in city code.

Planning Director Kathy Mitchell said every department has reviewed the plan.

“I don’t think anybody’s exactly thrilled with the fact that there’s one access point; that’s never our ideal scenario,” she said.

Varga also complained about a pavilion being located in people’s backyards.

“That’s not a recreational experience for anyone,” he said.

“And the access point you have to that is less than 10 feet from each of the houses. … I find that completely objectionable.”

In light of the many questions, Cook sought a motion to table the item and said he would leave open the public comment period because so many people were unable to attend.

City Manager Ken Filipiak said that it may be the last public meeting inside city hall for the time being. They would continue virtually, he said.

Another rezoning request on the agenda — an informal proposal for 1.1 vacant acres on Center Street — was tabled at the owner’s request. It calls for rezoning the property to B-2, General Business from OV, Old Village to allow an assisted living facility.