A rezoning request Tuesday night became a debate over who has the right to live in Jerome Township.
If the application is approved, approximately 51 acres would be rezoned from Rural Residential District (RU) to Planned Development District (PD) in order to develop 100 single-family homes.
Though residents voiced little opposition to the design of the development itself, many opposed the potential occupants, as all 100 properties are rentals.
Resident Marilyn Valois said individuals who rent, rather than own, their homes are not wanted by the current residents.
“It’s just not what we want in our area,” she told the trustees.
The Curry Farm development would be located on the southeasterly side of U.S. 42 between New California Drive and Currier Road.
Michael Medvedkov, with AMH Development, said the three- and four-bedroom homes will range between approximately 1,900 and 2,500 square feet.
He noted the developers prioritize longevity of the houses to ensure minimal maintenance is needed.
The houses use no vinyl siding, only wood. They also have concrete driveways and the yards are “100% irrigated,” Medvedkov said. The neighborhood will have “scheduled mowing crews” to ensure landscaping is always maintained.
The development will have 1.97 units per acre with 46% open space.
Medvedkov noted that there will be three types of open space: large open spaces, a clubhouse area and conservation areas.
He noted that the developers made a conscious effort to preserve as many of the existing trees as possible.
“I really appreciate the attention to preserving all the natural features,” said Trustee Chair Megan Sloat.
Resident Barry Adler also said he appreciates that the development will keep existing woodlands and add landscaping features.
He added that he is concerned about the impact another residential development will have on local roadways.
Attorney for the developer Laura Comek said the development did not warrant a full traffic study, but an access study has been completed and submitted to the Union County Engineer’s Office and Ohio Department of Transportation.
She noted that a southbound left-turn lane will be added to the neighborhood’s entrance from U.S. 42. Additionally, developers will make a $130,000 contribution toward traffic improvements.
Those who spoke during public participation, though, zeroed in on who might be living in the homes at Curry Farm.
In response to a question from Resident Bob Chapman, Comek clarified that the owners association will not have a board but will be managed by the company that owns the properties.
Similar to other homeowners associations, it is responsible for maintaining landscaping and buffers.
Several residents repeatedly asked if the homes will be subsidized or if they are considered Section 8 housing.
Medvedkov constantly emphasized that homes in the development are “not subsidized whatsoever.”
He said the rental homes are “absolutely indistinguishable” from properties that are owner-occupied. Comek noted that AMH Development actually owns and rents several homes in the New California development already.
Medvedkov added that the median income of individuals living in AMH Development homes – which has 80 communities nationwide – is between $110,000 and $120,000.
The homes that will be built in Jerome Township are valued “somewhere in the $400,000s,” he added. Their monthly rental prices will range between $2,100 and $2,300.
Medvedkov said the development simply aims to “provide a different option” to individuals that may not be ready to own a home. He said that could include people who grew up in Jerome and would like to move back to and work in the area.
He said community members should not be overly concerned with whether their neighbors rent or own their property.
Medvedkov compared the scenario to car ownership. He said neighbors do not necessarily know if a vehicle is leased or owned, but only care if it is well kept.
To be sure, he added that AMH Development runs credit checks of every renter, as well as criminal background checks.
Medvedkov said no one with a felony is permitted to rent a home in the development. He said that is not a requirement to own a home, making the screening for this neighborhood even more stringent.
“We go above and beyond to make sure we have quality residents,” he said.
Sloat acknowledged each of Medvedkov’s points, but emphasized that the zoning hearing was not about potential occupants.
She said the trustees cannot consider whether the houses will be rented or owner-occupied when considering the rezoning request.
Comek agreed. She said the request meets all standards of development, adding “this development will pay all the taxes everyone else pays.”
“Zoning is about use, not users,” she said.
The trustees will render a decision during their next meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 5.