Neighbors call development “The Massacre at Indian Run”
Though the topic was not on the agenda, more than a dozen Jerome Township residents were at Tuesday’s trustees meeting to show their opposition toward a proposed McKitrick Road development.
Residents voiced concerns regarding The Farm at Indian Run – what neighboring property owner Bob Chapman coined “The Massacre at Indian Run.”
Lynda Chapman said nearby residents recently “witnessed the disturbing destruction of numerous acres of woods and wildlife habitat as the developers cut a clear and obvious path for an unapproved development.”
In August, a 2-1 decision by the trustees approved the rezoning of 24.74 acres on McKitrick Road, east of Mitchell-Dewitt Road, from Rural Residential District to Planned Development District.
Conservation of existing trees was a point of contention frequently raised by residents during public hearings.
The rezoning would allow for the development of 40 single-family homes.
In response, residents circulated a petition for referendum which has since been filed with the Union County Board of Elections.
Residents will vote on the issue in November, pending board approval, according to Board of Elections Deputy Director Tina LaRoche.
Zoning Inspector Eric Snowden explained that the referendum petition essentially pauses the trustees’ decision to rezone the area. Until the issue is voted on, parameters of the previous zoning – Rural Residential District – are still in effect.
A number of residents argued that no progress should be made until the results of the referendum are clear.
Resident Kelly Transue spoke on behalf of Barry Adler, who was not present for health reasons.
She read from a statement asserting the developers “put on display their disrespect for our residents and zoning process.”
Adler’s statement, which Transue emphasized her agreement with, also questioned whether township officials prioritized the perspectives of community members or developers.
“Please remember, you work for the township residents, not outside developers,” she read.
Other residents wondered whether the trustees have held developers accountable to zoning requirements.
“Recent developers have had an attitude that they are above challenge and cannot be stopped,” Bob Chapman said.
He added there has recently been “what seems to be universal approval” of planned developments.
Resident Kevin Barney reasoned that it could be due to a “conflict of interest” surrounding personnel.
He noted that Gary Smith of G2 Planning and Design “seems to be involved with… a vast majority of development that’s going on here.”
Smith helped develop Jerome Township’s comprehensive plan and previously served as the township’s zoning inspector. He resigned in August 2016.
Smith founded G2 Planning and Design, where he continues to work, prior to his employment by the township.
“It just does not sit right with me,” Barney said. “It’s troubling and slightly unethical to me.”
Lynda Chapman also raised concerns regarding Smith’s involvement with The Farm at Indian Run development.
While officials did not respond to comments about their history with Smith, Sloat said the trustees strive to consider residents’ opinions when making zoning decisions.
“I do value your voices,” she said.
Snowden said it is ultimately a matter of “the limits of the township zoning department under the laws of the State of Ohio.”
After the zoning department received several complaints of the developer clearing trees, Snowden said he consulted with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Thayne Gray advised that a property owner removing trees is not regulated by the zoning department.
“…A property owner removing trees from property is not a ‘land use’ that is subject to zoning regardless of the zoning district designation of the land,” Gray included in an email to Snowden.
Therefore, even with the referendum on the rezoning filed, the zoning department cannot prevent the removal of the trees in question.
Barney asked the township to consider a policy for enhanced protection of trees, while others simply asked trustees to slow their approval of planned developments.
“The rural character of our township is being destroyed by planned developments,” Lynda Chapman said. “Why?”