Mentor officials seek more say in projects

Bolton, Pulte projects lead officials to request code amendment regarding plan revisions

A couple of major development projects have prompted officials to propose adding another layer of review.

A couple of major development projects have prompted Mentor officials to propose adding another layer of review.

City Council recently passed a resolution asking the Planning Commission to consider amending city code to provide for council to review and approve updates to adopted development plans.

The existing code allows the commission final say on proposed changes that it deems in substantial agreement with a preliminary plan.

The new ordinance would read: “If the Commission finds the proposed change to be in substantial agreement with the purposes and intent of the previously approved rezoning and development plan, it may recommend to Council that the proposed amendment be adopted.”

Council then would have the ultimate review and approval. The new code language also would remove red tape associated with changes determined not to be in sufficient agreement with the original approved plan.

Law Director Joseph Szeman, at the Feb. 4 council meeting, noted that some council members are concerned that the current ordinance gives the Planning Commission considerable final decision-making authority over whether any subsequent changes are in substantial agreement with the original accepted plan. In addition, if it is not in substantial agreement, that property owner would have to restart the rezoning process.

The issue was raised during preliminary approval of the 186-acre Bolton property rezoning/development plan — on its way to voters — and the Pulte Homes rezoning/development plan for 73 acres along Route 84. Both plans still require final review by the commission, (if the Bolton project is passed by voters).

“This was prompted by a concern on council that rezoning conditions may undergo modifications as the development plan goes through final review by Planning Commission,” Council President Bruce Landeg said.

“These changes may or may not be agreeable to council.

“The magnitude of developments being discussed also prompted this proposed legislation.”