With many design hurdles cleared for a new 143-unit apartment community in the Scott Farms area, traffic flow appears to be the next area of focus.
Results of a traffic impact study were presented to Marysville City Council at Monday night’s meeting, with the end result being that a traffic light will be set in place at the intersection of Route 4 and Scott Farms Boulevard in the future. The roadway for the new development will exit onto Scott Farms Boulevard.
The cost of the light and engineering is estimated at $300,000, of which the development owner, Redwood Living, will cover $90,000. The city can also use another $10,000 set aside for traffic improvements by the developer of Scott Farms years ago, leaving the city responsible for about $200,000 of the cost of the light.
City officials noted at the meeting that the area is on the cusp of needing a light now, based on the current traffic flow from Scott Farms. City engineer Jeremy Hoyt said the number of accidents in the area have increased over the last six to seven years.
Todd Foley of POD Design of Columbus gave council an overview of the development itself. He said the single-story units each with two car garages are designed to appeal to seniors, empty nesters and young professionals.
At a previous meeting, rent costs for the apartments were estimated at $1,450 to $1,700 per month. Redwood currently operates a development off Milford Avenue.
Foley said Redwood Living does not include pools or clubhouse facilities in its developments because it wants to create a more quiet community. Because Redwood attracts older residents, Foley said the tenants don’t typically create a great impact on traffic flow during traditional rush hour times associated with the workday.
Members of council, however, discussed additional possible safety precautions beyond the traffic light.
Councilman Henk Berbee asked if the city could lower the speed limit in the area along Route 4 to 35 mph from the existing 50 mph limit. A similar reduction was enacted on Route 31 in the area of Mill Valley.
Marysville Public Service Director Mike Andrako said the city is limited on its ability to set speed limits on state highways. He said the ability to request a reduction in speed limit from the Ohio Department of Transportation hinges on whether the area in question is considered “improved” or “rural.”
Andrako explained that curbs, trees, streetlights and other upgrades by the city allowed the Route 31/Mill Valley area to be considered “improved.” Essentially, he said, when driving in the area it must feel like a city street in order to request a reduction in the speed limit.
He said the current condition of Route 4 approaching the development would likely not be considered “improved.”
Council members also peppered Foley with a variety of questions regarding the development, ranging from walking paths to the location of a pond.
Many of council’s questions centered around the development being a “good neighbor” to the existing Scott Farms residents. Foley said Redwood has invited existing residents to two meetings about the proposed apartments to hear their concerns.
Council President and Mayor J.R. Rausch asked if a pond in the development, planned for the south side of the community, could be moved to the north side to provide a buffer to Scott Farms. Foley said the site of the pond is firm because of drainage.
“It’s located where water wants to go,” he said.
Council member Mark Reams asked if proposed walking trails in the development would eventually connect with other city walking paths. Foley said that more than 10 acres of the 25-acre site is being designated as green space including walking trails.
Andrako said the city has discussed the possibility of connecting to Redwood’s paths on the southeast side of the development. He said there is a small stream in the area that would require the creating of a bridge in order to complete the connection.
The issue came before council Monday night for first reading on an ordinance to rezone the land from Service Business District (B-1) to a Planned Unit Development (PUD).
The issue will come back before council on May 13 for its second reading and public hearing.