A property owner is asking for help finding an appropriate use for land that has served as a maple syrup facility, Christmas tree farm and even an area for cults to sacrifice animals.
Allen Shepherd was at Monday night’s meeting of the Jerome Township Board of Trustees. He said he owns several acres of land behind the township fire hall, along New California Drive and U.S. 42.
Shepherd said when he bought the land in 1991, it had gone into bankruptcy and been sold multiple times. He said the land, which had a wide variety of uses, is currently zoned for a park, a school or multi-family development.
Shepherd said the school district has passed on the land. He said initially there wasn’t much interest in a park, but that has changed. He said it could be used as a private park for development residents, but he would rather see it as a township park.
Shepherd said he wants to construct a 52-unit, multi-family development.
“We have been talking about this for a couple of years and we are ready to move forward on some of it,” Shepherd said.
He said the property is already zoned properly for that use. He said he does not need to ask for any input, but he would like to get, “some type of tone of what the trustees…want in there and what you don’t want.”
“There is not a lot of clear definition on it and so, to avoid controversy, what I am hoping is that I can get some guidance,” Shepherd said.
He said he wants to add a pond, required by law, and additional land could be given to the township for use as a park. Shepherd said he can design the development and place amenities wherever the township wants, but he needs some help.
The developer said if the township is not interested in a park, he will likely try to get the land approved for additional homes. Rhodes said the small park already there is used “quite a bit.”
“We do need some more recreational facilities, if nothing else if it were a community building,” Rhodes said.
He added that another building to hold parties and gatherings would “take the load off” the township hall.
“On January 1 here, the phone doesn’t stop ringing and we book up clear through the year, literally that fast,” Rhodes said.
Trustee Joe Craft said he thinks it would be a good idea to add onto the existing park. He suggested meeting with zoning administrator Mark Spagnuolo, a representative from the zoning commission as well as with the trustees individually to see what they want. Rhodes also suggested meeting with Fire Chief Doug Stewart.
“I think he ought to be involved with that extensively because we are looking at some growth patterns that are driving us crazy here,” Rhodes said.
Rhodes suggested after a plan is prepared, it should be presented to the zoning commission.
“Although you are already zoned, I think if they give the blessing, it is going to do a lot for everybody and just make it easier,” Rhodes said.
Shepherd said the homes to be built would be for “mostly seniors.” He said they would be one floor, with a full basement and two-car garage, and an exterior of part stucco stone and part vinyl. He said they would be built to the exact specifications of the homes across the street
“I think it is an excellent place for people, with other people back there, we have already got the main in and out road with New California Drive,” Craft said.
Officials said they would begin this week creating a group to meet with Shepherd.
He said he does hope Shepherd will go continue to keep trustees and residents informed.
“I don’t want him to spend a bunch of money thinking this is what the zoning commission might be interested in, or the trustees, and then us go, ‘Oh, no, not that,’” Craft said.