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Geauga Lake land generates talk but no action
(by Joan Demirjian - January 05, 2011)
Geauga Lake land generates talk but no action
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Questions on the status of the 600-plus acres surrounding Geauga Lake arose at the Dec. 27 Bainbridge Trustees meeting. Owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., of Sandusky, the land is in Bainbridge and Aurora.
Bainbridge resident Ann Myers brought up the subject with a list of others on which she requested an update.
Most of the developed areas are in Bainbridge and include the former Geauga Lake Park and the existing Wildwater Kingdom water park on the former Sea World of Ohio site.
Bainbridge Township Trustee Jeff Markley said he has communicated to Aurora Mayor Lynn McGill that they will be meeting. "It is between the two communities," he said. "We're in support of a comprehensive plan."
Any talks should involve a variety of people, including the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, he said.
He would prefer the land be the site of a hospital or medical campus, Mr. Markley said. "I'd like to see that." What is likely, if there are no medical facilities, is an expansion of the commercial footprint, he said.
With the economy and a high price tag on the property, it is likely that it will sit for a long time, he said. "But that doesn't preclude the fact we should do some planning with our neighbor Aurora and plan for what should be on the property," Mr. Markley said. "It's going to be that vacant brownfield for awhile."
Trustee Matt Lynch said he believes development "should adhere to our current zoning.
"I believe in maintaining the rural environment that we all love in Bainbridge Township," he said. "I want to stick to the current zoning."
However, he has an open mind, he said. "If someone comes along with an attractive proposal, I would expect the board of zoning appeals or the zoning commission to consider it."
Trustees only deal with changes to zoning indirectly, he said. "If a developer wants a variance, it goes to the BZA," Mr. Lynch said. "We're not directly involved in creating or directing changes in the zoning."
Aurora's Mayor McGill said he wants to meet with Township Trustees. "I wrote to them," he said. "It's the unending saga of Geauga Lake."
There was a proposal for a flea market on the old Geauga Lake parking lot on land that is in Bainbridge. The last thing he wants to see is a flea market, Mr. McGill said. It brings traffic and no income taxes, he said. "We need something better."
Bainbridge Zoning Inspector Shane Wrench said the township has not heard more about that proposal after it was proposed last year.
Mr. McGill said residential, commercial and light industry are possibilities. "But there's no money right now for development," he said.
"It's very beautiful property," he said of the Treat Road site in Aurora, which includes lakes and ponds. It was once the location of a campground.
He said he would like to see something nice for both Bainbridge and Aurora.
Geauga Lake Park's old hotel, no longer in use on Aurora Road (Route 43), is being eyed by Anna Maria of Aurora nursing home for assisted-living and independent-living housing.
Anna Maria has plans for rebuilding the former hotel, Mr. McGill said. The old hotel would have to be rebuilt. The issue must go to the ballot for city residents to vote on in May. "I don't see any objections to it," he said.
Aurora Councilman Jim Vaca said he is concerned about ideas for mutli-use on the property that has wetlands critical to the habitat. Nothing is likely to happen right now with the economy, he said.
"And how are Bainbridge residents going to feel?" Mr. Vaca said of neighbors to the property. "It's like putting an Aurora Farms in their back yards."
What he would like to see, he said, is a gambling casino. "It would be good income, but it probably won't happen. And I don't know how Bainbridge would like it."
Amy Brennan, director of the Chagrin River Watershed Partners, has walked the property to obtain a general overview of the site. "My role was to look at the natural resources."
She and Geauga County Planning Director David Dietrich have discussed it with the Geauga County planning commission.
They looked at land use and water resources on the land. "We are trying to help both communities," Mrs. Brennan said.
"We have talked of options for storm-water management as it moves forward, and what needs to be considered.
"Because the property is split between Aurora and Bainbridge, it's going to take a coordinated effort," she said.
"Water and sewers will be available from Aurora," Mrs. Brennan said. "The overall question of use needs to be discussed and there is the need to talk to Cedar Fair." So far, she has not heard of any interest in the property, she said.
Part of the reason the land has not gotten much attention is the economic climate, Mrs. Brennan said. "No one is banging down the door."
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