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Coral plan step away from ballot
(by Mike Klimko - August 07, 2008)
Coral plan step away from ballot
By Mike Klimko
Planned-unit development in Solon is one step away from being placed on the November ballot for approval by voters who have the final word on rezoning issues.
City Council on Monday held the ordinance to form the new zoning classification for Central Park planned by the Coral Co. to the third reading. They expect to vote Aug. 18 on sending the issue to the ballot.
Plans for Central Park includes redevelopment of the SOM Centre shopping plaza and SOM Center Road (Route 91), covering about 90 acres of residences and businesses between Bainbridge and Solon roads.
Passage at the polls would set off a comprehensive review of all construction, design, financial and development elements of Central Park, Coral President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Rubin said.
A public hearing on planned-unit development drew support and opposition from residents who filled council chambers and the adjacent community room. A majority spoke in favor of Central Park.
The hearing confirmed his support of the ward system and the ward veto, Councilman Edward H. Kraus said. The ward veto serves those who are most affected by zoning issues, he said.
Ward 5 voters in March rejected rezoning a portion of the Hawthorne Valley Country Club on Aurora Road (Route 43) and that outcome has been taken to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Planned-unit development entered the picture last year when council weighed of two projects, Mr. Kraus said. Those projects were at the Solar Center shopping center on Aurora Road and the SOM Centre shopping plaza.
The city will enter a new phase when planned-unit development goes before the voters, Mr. Kraus said. "The ward votes on its understanding. This is a challenging site. It is in a residential area," he said.
"This project has to fit within the residential character. The residential character does not have to fit the project. We're moving into an era of smart growth."
Drive-around shopping appears to be near an end, he said. The new wave will be the development of pedestrian-friendly projects, areas where people can walk around, he said.
City officials are mandating that 25 percent of Central Park be devoted to green space, he said, in addition to retail and residential areas that will cover over a 1 million square feet.
All of the buildings in Central Park will be green buildings, those that meet increasing environmental standards such as less-impervious surfaces to reduce and manage storm runoff.
Voters put city officials in place to lead the city, Mayor Kevin C. Patton said, and to help the city remain strong long after those who are elected are gone.
Solon officials want to do what's best for residents, to improve and maintain their quality of life, Mr. Patton said. And part of that is looking to the future. Improvements begin with business and industry, he said.
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