The map above depicts the land that would have been encompassed by the Innovation II Planned Development District, located between Industrial Parkway and U.S. 33, and reaching from U.S. 42 to the Jerome Township/Millcreek Township border. The trustees voted 2-1 to strike down the proposal.
(Graphic submitted)
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After months of public hearings, the Jerome Township Trustees voted down a second, proposed Innovation District.
The roles were reversed Tuesday night as Trustee Chair Barry Adler, who initially expressed skepticism about the zoning overlay, advocated for a continued discussion.
“I’d hate to just throw this out the window after all this work,” he said.
However, Trustee Wezlynn Davis, an original supporter of the district, motioned to deny it. Both she and Trustee Joe Craft voted to do so, while Adler dissented.
The Innovation II Planned Development District, referred to as I2PD by township officials, would have created a zoning overlay that encompassed approximately 1,275 acres between Industrial Parkway and U.S. 33.
While an overlay would not change the existing zoning, it allows property owners to “pull down” the overlay if so desired and develop within its parameters instead.
During a special meeting regarding the overlay in December, Davis said she hoped the “streamlined” zoning process would incentivize businesses to locate in the township, without offers of tax abatements.
On Tuesday, though, she voiced strong opposition to the proposed overlay, which included revisions suggested by Adler and a number of residents during public hearings.
“It went from a compromise to a full grab,” Davis said.
Jennifer Huber, attorney for the township, said the revisions included the removal of any reference to multi-family residential developments, as the overlay will no longer allow them.
Architectural standards and visual examples of design elements that would be permitted were also added, along with an increase of the required amount of buffer trees.
As recommended by Adler, Huber said a number of required setbacks were increased.
Davis’ opposition appeared to center on the increased setbacks, as she noted that they will “shrink the developability” for landowners.
“This significantly impacts the value of their land,” she said.
She told Adler that she felt he engaged surrounding property owners but did not adequately consider the opinions of those who own land within the boundaries of the proposed district.
Adler, on the other hand, said he feels the changes were the result of feedback shared by residents at the Dec. 27 public hearing.
While only one individual signed up to share public comments, Heather Doherty with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Scenic River Program, Davis called on landowners to speak.
When Lynda Chapman, a McKitrick Road resident, approached the podium, Davis asked if she owns property within the proposed I2PD.
While she said she does not, Chapman said she feels the revisions have made the district “much more consistent with the zoning resolution.”
Davis, though, said she “can no longer support this document if this is the way it’s headed.”
In response to a question from Craft about the changes that were made, Davis said she was “more comfortable” with the document prior to the revisions.
Adler said he was open to continuing the public hearing to allow for further discussion and compromise. He said he feels the district is important to driving business development while restricting multi-family housing in the area.
“I just feel we put this much work into it,” which was initiated in August 2023.
Davis was not in favor of continuing the hearing.
“I don’t see a pathway for this to go back to a reasonable place,” she said.
Davis said she would prefer to let the Comprehensive Plan update project come to a conclusion, then develop the land in accordance with it. A plan is expected to come before the trustees for approval in July.
The board voted 2-1 to deny the recommendation of the township Zoning Commission, which recommended approval of the second innovation district.
In other business:
– The trustees set public hearings for the rezoning of 108.84 acres on Industrial Parkway from Rural Residential District (RU) to Commerce District (COM) and a text amendment to the portion of the township’s zoning resolution that deals with swimming pools.
Both public hearings will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 6, prior to the regular trustees meeting.
– The trustees set the date for the annual baseball lottery as Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Township Hall, 9777 Industrial Parkway.