Plain City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request Monday that will pave the way for a new residential development.
Approximately 48.85 acres along North Chillicothe Street is planned as the future site of The Run at Hofbauer Preserve. It was rezoned from Community Business District (B2) to Planned Residential Development District (PRD).
The development will bring 100 single-family homes to the area, with a density of approximately 2.56 units per acre.
“The Run at Hofbauer Preserve PRD (planned residential development) has been envisioned to provide for two different single-family lot sizes within a well-designed environment including tree lined streets, sidewalks, trails, pocket parks and open space,” according to the preliminary development plan.
Just one participant spoke during the public hearing, in favor of the development.
Steve Rice, who owns the land in the Hofbauer Trust together with his wife, said they have worked with a “high-quality developer and quality home builder” to create the preliminary development plan.
The plans were submitted by G2 Planning and Design and Evans, Mechwart, Hambleton and Tilton, Inc. on behalf of Rockford Homes.
Rice said he feels the developers considered the history of the site while crafting the proposed neighborhood.
His family’s concerns about protecting the Big Darby Creek, consideration of the current neighbors and connectivity were each addressed by the developers, Rice said.
The developer will designate a “stream corridor protection zone” along the Big Darby Creek as permanent open space, as recommended by the Plain City Comprehensive Plan.
A preservation zone along the east side of the property will be approximately 10.41 acres, while a conservation easement will consist of another 5.7 acres adjacent to it.
Environmental Protection Agency-approved walking paths will also be installed in the area to make open space accessible to residents, according to the plan.
The development text also noted that sidewalks will connect residents with Pastime Park, which will be directly across the street from the neighborhood’s main entrance.
The plan also indicates that developers intend to leave approximately 500,000 square feet of frontage along Chillicothe Street, adjacent to U.S. 42, for small office spaces or employment opportunities.
The planning and zoning commission reviewed the rezoning request and preliminary development plan on Dec. 16, 2020.
The commission recommended approval of the rezoning, conditional upon the applicant increasing the width of the path through the preserve, if permitted by the EPA.
Rice noted that the property has been in the Hofbauer Family for nearly 80 years.
“The family, over time, has been very invested in and supportive of the village,” he said.
Rice said he felt the new neighborhood would continue the Hofbauer Family’s legacy.
“Personally, and as a family, we feel like we’re delivering something to Plain City that they can be proud of for a long, long time to come,” he said.
Council member Frank Reed said he trusted the evaluation provided by Rice.
“I know Mr. Rice and I believe in his sincerity and interest in the village,” he said.
Each council member voted in favor of the rezoning.