City explores town center project

Commercial, residential center proposed at city hall property

Developers and city officials will spend the next several months discussing a potential Kirtland town center project, with City Council voting to authorize a memorandum of understanding with Willoughby-based Marous Development Group.

Council voted 6-0 earlier this month to authorize the memorandum, with Councilman Scott Haymer absent. The vote came after the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission discussed the project at its April 10 meeting.

Mayor Kevin Potter explained that under the memorandum’s terms, Marous and Kirtland “will exclusively work together to establish an agreement that could lead to a new commercial and residential center at city hall property.”

Marous Director of Development Jon Sines told council that the developers are looking for “a partnership in design.”

“What we’re asking for here tonight is to keep the project moving, continue with neighborhood meetings, continue with staff input on the layout as we get more information in about this parcel in regards to the existing infrastructure, sanitary sewer lines,” he added.

Sines said the proposal is currently in early stages and that will change over time.

“The design’s going to evolve,” he said. “This is a first go, so we’re looking to take the plan to the next level through concept, to schematics, things like that, so we can kind of narrow down what the city’s looking for and continue those discussions.”

Potter said that over the sixmonth period, the city will use discussions with community members, council and the Planning and Zoning Commission “to establish what an ideal project would be.” After that, city officials and the developers will discuss “any specifics related to a sale or lease of City Hall property.”

Sines said during that time, Marous will look at sewer capacity, develop a more detailed plan and consider the plan’s financial viability.

Potter noted that Marous may incur a “significant potential cost” throughout the memorandum’s planning process, but that there will be no cost to the city.

“I think it’s a fair request that, if they’re going to sink some money into this project or into the discovery side of this and work with us through negotiations, that we work with them related to the possible sale or development of city hall property,” he said.

Potter said that potential commercial uses for the proposed development include restaurants, offices and coffee shops. The center’s residential uses may consist of “living for both seniors and professionals.”

According to a city announcement from April, residents have expressed interest in “a town center that is livable, walkable and offers shopping, dining and professional services.”

It also noted that the 2012-2022 Comprehensive Plan calls for the city to “encourage development of land uses that create a small-town atmosphere with local retail shops,

restaurants, offices and residential uses including housing for seniors.”

Potter added that the comprehensive plan and recent strategic planning efforts have indicated “the desire for more economic activity here in our downtown center as well as residential living.”

He added that the proposed development will also help seniors who “would like to downsize and stay in Kirtland,” while also providing additional funding for the city’s roads.

The proposed development would be located at the current Kirtland City Hall, 9301 Chillicothe Road.

Marous founder Adelbert “Chip” Marous Jr. indicated that the developers are considering work on an adjacent property, as noted in the minutes for the April 10 Planning and Zoning Commission.

Architect Jeff Foster of Payto Architects also addressed the meeting, noting that the developers are considering townhomes for the site.

Potter said the city will host open house events for residents who are interested in learning more or providing feedback. Additionally, residents can attend Coffee with Council sessions. Finally, they can attend meetings of City Council or the Planning and Zoning Commission, with council meetings also available on the city’s YouTube channel.