Council approves re-zoning of Bucktail area property

ST. MARYS - A public hearing elicited opinions of several St. Marys residents regarding a re-zoning application which was eventually unanimously approved by St. Marys City Council.

The re-zoning encompasses 23-acres in the area of Bucktail Road and Clover Hill Road which is currently zoned rural conservation (RC). The area will now be zoned as residential flexible (RF), which allows for smaller lot sizes ideal for constructing townhouses, duplexes, small homes and more. The re-zoning request was submitted by property owners, Jason Auman and Gerard Auman of AI Property Holdings, Inc. of St. Marys.

The ordinance amending the zoning states that re-zoning “would not be detrimental to the proper development of the city in general and would not negatively affect the adjoining properties in the area requested to be rezoned.” It continues that the city “finds it in the best interest of the city that AI Property Holdings, LCC rezoning request be granted.”

Stormwater runoff was among the concerns of nearby residents of the property. Sandy Buerk of St. Marys Auto Body on Trout Run Road, said the area already encounters frequent flooding. While she supports potential housing development, Buerk said if development occurs on the property she hopes the stormwater management is handled properly and does not result in any increase in flooding.

Local business owner Ryan Vollmer noted there is a legal rightof-way to the newly re-zoned property that passes through his property. Vollmer noted he has no issue with the re-zoning but would like consulted if there is any involvement with his property in the development of the AI Holdings property.

Jason Auman was in attendance at the meeting and said the property slopes to the west where they are considering creating stormwater ponds to eliminate any potential water runoff from impacting the Trout Run Road area.

Auman then explained they plan to use the right-of-way through the Bucktail Plaza entrance to access the property and not Vollmer’s property. This would entail turning into the plaza and traveling past the Sears store then taking a right. The property sits atop a hill.

City Solicitor Tom Wagner noted if development proceeds the developers must meet a number of requirements imposed by the city in regard to subdivisions, setback dis

tances, roads, stormwater management and more. City Manager Joe Fleming said the city has not yet been approached regarding any potential development of new housing on the property, rather the only discussion has been regarding re-zoning.

The property located north of Bucktail Road and north east of Clover Hill Road begins at a concrete monument with a brass cap corner situated at the northwest corner of the property which is now or formerly owned by Marc Nero. It also borders property now or formerly owned by Donald C. Meyer and M.A. Bucktail Village L.L.C.

Meyer voiced his concern about the type and amount of potential housing which could be built on the land such as government housing. Councilwoman Sally Geyer replied that is pure speculation at this point. Meyer also said he has concerns about potential trespassing onto his property which he said is currently used for farming purposes.

In addressing the potential development of the property Auman said plans are very preliminary however they are considering single housing units which would likely be rental units. Councilman Andrew Mohney reminded residents that each year the city votes to uphold a fair housing notice which is set forth by the state. The notice details that discrimination of any kind is prohibited. Mohney noted the median family income in Elk County is $78,000 with low income for a family of four is considered to be $62,400.

“When we throw around low-income housing that is not at all what is facing the issues of our county right now. Unfortunately some of the housing developements we have around the county don’t portray that and we have some bad examples, but I think that’s not the types of people that the developers are looking to put in,” Mohney said.

He added that he had to do a lot of educating himself on income guidelines.

“I will continue to preach these numbers throughout this entire process with any kind of development because I think it’s important to understand that a lot of the people that live next to you are probably considered very low income and you wouldn’t know,” Mohney said. “I just want to take that stigma away.”

Mohney added that he hopes Auman returns to council to keep them updated on his plans.

Geyer noted the need for housing adding people are tearing down buildings to put in parking lots.

Doris Bond, a St. Marys resident, spoke about the need for new housing, especially for older residents looking to downsize from their current homes, specifically into a one-story smaller 1-2 bedroom cottage style home.

Bond said the city needs to look at the big picture citing local industry is begging for workers but there is no housing available and some current housing is deteriorating.

“If we could get new housing, that will improve our overall economy and community,” Bond said. “We have to look at what could happen not what would happen.”

Wagner noted the idea for residential flexible zoning allows for smaller lot sizes and has been historically used in the downtown area in terms of development there over the past 200 years. Regulations imposed by the RF zoning are aimed at a high concentration of residential uses.