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Geauga Lake land spurs talk of new zoning
(by Joan Demirjian - September 15, 2010)
Geauga Lake land spurs talk of new zoning
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Planning ahead for the future use of 600 acres around the former Geauga Lake Park is an opportunity to make a "road map" to benefit the community, according to two Bainbridge Township trustees.
Trustee Jeff Markley said he has been in contact with Aurora officials, who already are planning for the portion of the property in their city.
There are zoning tools not yet in Bainbridge's zoning code that could be used to "think outside the box," according to Trustee Lorrie Benza. They include balanced growth planning, an overlay district and planned-unit development, which allows for a mixed-use district, she said.
"It could take 10 years to develop 600 acres, but let's get a road map set up now," Mr. Markley said. "It's potentially a great impact on a huge area. I want to see the big picture."
He said he has talked with Geauga County Planning Director David Dietrich and with Richard Wehrenberg, director of planning, zoning and building in Aurora. He said he would be meeting with Aurora Mayor Lynn McGill this week.
An area of Treat Road is zoned industry in Aurora, "and they realize it won't be developed that way," Mr. Markley said. "They recognize they must do something with the Cedar Fair property."
And it is unlikely that a developer proposing anything for the land located in Bainbridge will be in accord with the current commercial recreation zoning, Mr. Markley said. It is more likely to be something "we won't be happy with or something that will put a burden on our township services," he said.
He hopes that, in being proactive, Bainbridge and Aurora can work together to develop a framework for a developer who would know the concerns of the communities, he said. The developer could then figure out the best way to utilize the land, Mr. Markley said.
Neighboring communities that could be impacted should be part of discussions, he said, including Solon and potentially Reminderville.
One thought is to share a joint economic development district with Aurora for the total 600 acres, according to Mr. Markley.
"It's a viable option if the two communities work together," Mrs. Benza said.
There is already plenty of retail in the area, and not all the stores are filled at the shopping centers in the surrounding Bainbridge area, Mr. Markley said.
He does not see another 30 acres of retail space going in under current economic conditions and as a stand-alone project on the project or parceling off, he said.
Better possibilities include a medical campus, a technology campus, an office park, or a university, Mr. Markley said.
Mrs. Benza said it is an opportunity to engage in insightful planning ideas for a property with a unique location and topography.
"With the economy the way it is, we can think about what can truly benefit our residents by being proactive rather than reactive," she said.
While Trustee Matt Lynch had to leave Monday's meeting early, he has weighed in on the topic. He said he believes any move for changes on the land should come from the township zoning commission.
He said he does not think trustees should negotiate zoning issues with private owners or other communities. The township zoning commission should consider those changes. "I don't think the board of trustees should take on the duties of the zoning commission," he said.
"The purpose of the zoning commission is to objectively determine what's the best use at any given time, and we shouldn't be challenging our own zoning code," Mr. Lynch said.
"Our role is to enforce the code, not attack. And if it needs to be changed, the zoning commission will make such a recommendation," he said.
In this case, Mr. Markley, chairman of the trustees, has no authority to affect zoning independent of the other trustees or the zoning commission, Mr. Lynch said. "He should be careful not to overstep his bounds by inviting development, which is not authorized by our zoning code.
"It's not our role to rewrite the zoning codes. If that's the case, we should just get rid of the zoning commission," Mr. Lynch said.
"The issue is not whether we should change the zoning on the land, but whose responsibility it is to examine the change. It is clearly the zoning commission's responsibility," Mr. Lynch said.
Mrs. Benza said her perspective is, "Yes, we want the zoning commission to guide us," and in addition, zoning is available for planning. "We need to open up our thinking and planning and let the zoning commission think out of the box."
Mr. Markley said he believes trustees are elected to be visionary. "Now is the time for us to plan," he said, before someone proposes something and "then sues the township when they don't get their way."
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