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Boston Heights Overlook

This is a publication of Boston Heights Overlook. Not an official public document by, of or for the Village of Boston Heights OH.

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On the agenda of the 06 October 2004 7PM meeting of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals for the Village of Boston Heights, Ohio Family First Moving Request for review of a sign application for 6381 Chittenden Road. Deferred by Planning Commission; see below. Christine Mayfield - Allstate Insurance Request for review of a sign application for 15 W. Streetsboro Road. Approved by Planning Commission; see below. Estate Properties Inc. Request for acceptance of Annabelle Lake Estates subdivision. Approval Recommended to Council by Planning Commission; see below. Tony Crasi for Carse Investments LLC Request for review of a sign application for Meghan's Lane subdivision. Deferred by Planning Commission; see below. Consideration of Service Station Spacing Ongoing discussions of service station spacing. To be reviewed by Planning Commission; see below. Other Links: Boston Heights Zoning Code Boston Heights Business & Location List

Family First Moving

Request for review of a sign application for 6381/6395 Chittenden Road.
Family First Moving, Inc. (charter #1249367) recently moved from the corner of Boston Mills Road & Route 8 to the DunRite complex at 6381-6395 Chittenden Road. This company last appeared before the PC at the September 2003 PC meeting, when moving to their previous location. However, the company still appears to be headquartered in Stow, Ohio.

Christine Mayfield - Allstate Insurance

Request for review of a sign application for 15 W. Streetsboro Road.
Mayfield Agency Inc. (charter #1461948, ODI #485721) occupies the house at the corner of Rt 303 (W. Streetsboro Rd.) and Akron-Cleveland Road. This agency last appeared before the PC/BZA at the July 2004 meeting, receiving approval for an elevated sign, and at the March 2004 meeting, receiving approval for the business use.

The agency has since erected two additional "Allstate" signs; these are the signs for which the agency is seeking approval. Mr. Earl Fox, representing Ms. Mayfield, explained that the signs had been installed due to a miscommunication or misunderstanding. The signs are about 10x2 feet and 8x1.5 feet, mounted on the side and front of the property's garage for visibility from the nearby Route 8 exit. Commission member Bob Campbell expressed doubt that this much additional signage, beyond the existing elevated sign, was required for such a limited business use. After some additional discussion, the two signs were approved as documented by the photographs accompanying the sign application (with Mr. Campbell objecting).

Estate Properties Inc.

Request for approval of the Annabelle Lake Estates subdivision.
Estate Properties Inc. (charter #839454) of Sagamore Hills, headed by John Czerwien, is developing the Annabelle Lake Estates subdivision immediately north of the Ashbrooke West neighborhood of off Walters Road.

This project has appeared before the PC/BZA a number of times in the past few years; click here to find out more.

John Czerwien appeared before the PC to support his company's request that the Village approve and accept the subdivision's installed utilities, improvements and roads. Village Engineer Steve Schreiber reported that most of the utilities and improvements for this subdivision have been installed, with perhaps $2200 of additional work to be completed momentarily. He recommended that Council approve and accept the roads and subdivision improvements. After some discussion, the Planning Commission likewise recommeded approval to Council.

Tony Crasi for Carse Investments LLC

Requesting for review of a sign application to advertise the Meghan's Lane subdivision, on the former Donley Farm at 7657 Olde Eight Road, parcel #1400026.

Mr. John Carse, of Carse Investments LLC (charter #1394246), had earlier received preliminary/conditional approval of the "Preliminary Street Plan", and frontage variances on three lots.

At the August 2004 and June 2004 meetings, Mr. Tony Crasi had informally discussed a proposal for a sign that would resemble a planned gatehouse for the entrance to the subdivision. Most recently, the Planning Commission determined that the Temporary Sign Ordinance (Chapter 715) would govern the temporary advertising. Solicitor Russ Pry recommended that the Planning Commission make no formal review of the proposed permanent gatehouse until a Homeowners' Association agreement was submitted that would spell out who would own and maintain this structure.

This month, Deputy Solicitor Ed Muse reported that Mr. Pry had received, reviewed and approved the Homeowners' Association documents. Mr. Crasi presented a more detailed study of the proposed entrance to the subdivision, including the aformentioned gatehouse in a mid-roadway island, a brick wall sign to the left and a "wishing well" structure to the right. The gatehouse would have a temporary sign promoting parcel sales in the subdivision. After a great deal of (mostly inaudible) discussion, it was decided that not enough information was available on certain landscaping and paving features.

From the audience, Council President (PT) Bill Goncy suggested that this subdivision should not be permitted to proceed in any way until its subcontractor had repaired the roadway and drainage system along Olde Eight. Mr. Goncy reported that extensive damage had been done during the installation of the development's sewer system, and there was no sign of progress on repairs. Engineer Schreiber pointed out that no lots could be sold until Council has accepted the development's new roadway and improvements.

Also from the audience, Mr. Kevin Lightner warned that merely having Homeowners' Association documents was not enough; Council should ensure that the association was actually created and registered with the Ohio Sec'y of State (and presumably that the property deeds would require membership in that association). Otherwise the common areas, including the gatehouse, or future drainage problems, could be dumped in the Village's lap. Council Rep. Mike Cheung assured Mr. Lightner that Council would carefully double-check these points before approval.

In response to Mr. Crasi's query, no one on the Commission offered specific objections to the general entryway design and structures. The PC deferred the matter until next month, when the developer could provide the additional information required.

There was no further discussion of sign ordinances this month.

The question of service station spacing was raised by Mayor McFall, although there was no formal application for a change from the current requirement for 5000 feet spacing. The matter has arised due to Omni Realty's proposal for a Sheetz gas station at the southeast corner of Hines Hill Road and Route 8 -- at the site of the derelict hotel, which is reportedly to be demolished soon. That site is much closer than 5000 feet to several existing stations: Boston Heights Marathon (481 ft); BP @Boston Mills (2563 ft); Starfire (3082 ft).