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Residents object to industrial-expansion plan
(by Sue Reid - August 04, 2010)
Residents object to industrial-expansion plan
By SUE REID
Solon residents who live in the vicinity of Solon and Richmond (Route 175) roads expressed opposition to the city's planning commission last week regarding a master-plan recommendation for the expansion of industrial zoning in that area.
Solon Planning Director Robert S. Frankland told City Council recently meeting that the master plan recommended the expansion of I-2 zoning, or industrial manufacturing, into an area of low-density residential zoning along Solon Road, near Richmond Road.
The plan proposes the potential rezoning of the area to I-2 industrial to expand the land available to accommodate more businesses. It would allow for 145 more acres of industrial land, Mr. Frankland said. The city is missing out on opportunities to bring in industrial development, because it has no vacant land, he said.
"Why don't you fill the vacancies you already have?" Solon Road resident Joseph Geary asked. The area where he lives is "the only beautiful piece of land left in Solon," he said.
"I'm not going to sell my property," Mr. Geary said.
Mr. Frankland said, if any zoning change is implemented in the area, it only would be done with the agreement of all affected property owners and in association with an actual development project. Any zoning change also would require a vote of the people.
Mayor Susan A. Drucker, a member of the planning commission, said the purpose of a master plan is to set a vision for future planning. Unlike a charter, which is there for good, unless changes are approved by voters, the master plan is more of a suggestion and vision, she said.
"No one is getting kicked out of their home," Mrs. Drucker said. "This is a potential use for the future. No resident will be forced to move."
In relation to the zoning change only occurring with the agreement of all affected property owners, Mr. Geary said the city's charter review commission is recommending that, for zoning use changes, rather than the need to go to the ballot for a vote by the entire city, council could simply pass a use change by majority vote. "Now they are trying to make changes to the charter," he said.
Mrs. Drucker said the last time that issue came up, it had no support on council. "I don't support taking away the vote of the people," she said, although she does not get to vote on that.
"We are not happy about this situation," Mr. Geary said. "This is unacceptable. This part of the master plan has no support of the people involved."
Richmond Road resident Deborah Joyce also spoke against rezoning. "This land is smaller houses with big lots that buffer the Metroparks," she said. "It is a semirural setting. There is not much of that in Solon," she said. "I'd hate to see that part of Solon be given up to more industry."
Ms. Joyce asked that residents be provided as much information as possible about the issue. She also asked the commission how a zoning change would affect those people still living there. "Would we pay higher taxes because the area is rezoned?" she asked. She also asked if there would be such things as increased truck traffic in the area.
"The thought of a developer coming through our property and raising it is too much for us to bear," Solon Road resident Candace Geary said. "We put our blood, sweat and tears in our home, and we put down roots.
"You read this in the paper, and our hearts sink," she said.
Mrs. Geary told the commission that she wants the area to stay as it is. She showed photographs of turkey and deer that were in her front yard. "We want to preserve this area, not just for us but for the wildlife," she said. Not only should animals be considered, but also the "incredible amount of trees," she said. "Not all progress is good," she said.
Mrs. Drucker told the residents that she appreciated them bringing their concerns forward. She reiterated that the master plan is a vision for years in the future.
"Do not get the impression this is a done deal," commission member Roger C. Newberry told residents. "It's only a plan. It's only a vision.
"It is a beautiful section of the city," he said of the area in question, "but it also presents possibilities."
Mr. Frankland told council that the advantages of rezoning the area would include the fact that it is a lightly developed area, with not that many homes. In addition, the lots are large, so it would be easier to assemble them, and the area is in close proximity to the existing industrial area, he said.
"I hope your land never gets developed," commission member William M. Mazur said. "It's absolutely gorgeous there. No one will knock on your door and buy your property tomorrow. It's a 'what if?'"
Mrs. Drucker also noted that, if the master plan gets adopted, every five years, beginning in 2011, a new master plan commission will be appointed to review it. It also will receive public input for changes to it, she said.
Mrs. Drucker encouraged residents in attendance to go before council when the issue is considered there.
The planning commission approved passing the issue onto council for additional review.
"We'd like to keep it like this," Mrs. Geary said of the area. "There are not that many of these places left.
"I hope you let me die in this house," she said.
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