MunsonTownship
Non-Residential Zoning Subcommittee
Minutes
December 11, 2002
Chairman Ed Hren called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Howard Mabel, Jeff Fanger, Bob Marn, Scott Solar, Dieter Sems, Erna Leagan-Mabel, Suzanne Storey, Todd Petersen and Secretary Paula Friebertshauser were present. John Eklund and Ted Berr were absent. Terry Ross resigned due to business commitments.
Bob Marn moved and Jeff Fanger seconded to approve the November 13, 2002 minutes. Motion carried.
Mr. Hren informed members that the Geauga Link website provides access to all of GeaugaCounty.
Due to Terry Ross’ resignation the subgroups were reassigned as follows:
Industrial: Todd Petersen, Ted Berr, Robert Marn
Commercial: Suzanne Storey, Dieter Sems, John Eklund, Ed Hren, Howard Mabel
Medical Use: Scott Solar, Erna Leagan-Mabel, Jeff Fanger
Don Zambory, Munson Zoning Inspector, was introduced. He explained that he has been involved with township zoning for 13 years. He enforces the zoning resolution, issues zoning certificates, and goes to legal counsel when needed. He identified the zoning districts and mentioned that he refers to the district-over-base map when making judgements. Mr. Zambory then explained that the Board of Zoning Appeals is a judicial body and detailed the variance process.
When asked about any specific problem area, Mr. Zambory responded that he sees difficulty within the institutional district. Staff homes, efficiency apartments and condos are all allowed. Currently there are no problems with Notre Dame, but as indicated in a newspaper article, Heather Hill is looking at housing in the future. He added that with the YMCA there would be a considerable demand on water with the real possibility of future housing adding further demand. He noted that a water treatment plant is under current construction. On the southeast corner of Mayfield and Bass Lake Roads, UHHS has bought 38 acres and they could possibly run sewers under Mayfield Road. The first 750-ft. back is commercial and the remainder residential.
Mr. Zambory said the medical district is pretty well built up except for the Oca property. UniversityHospital is making its presence known.
Mr. Sems wondered if Heather Hill is more medical than institutional, and asked if medical and institutional is adequately defined in our zoning. Mr. Hren responded that institutional refers to elderly. Mr. Fanger questioned the possibility of merging the two. Mr. Zambory responded that the medical district is 2 ½ acres and institutional must be 100 acres minimum. Mr. Fanger then questioned if the 38-acre parcel could be for assisted living. Mr. Zambory commented that only single-family is allowed in residential.
Another issue Mr. Zambory noted that comes up frequently is nonconforming homes. The century homes in the community tend to be close to the road. He noted that the BZA seems sympathetic to that type of situation.
Non-Residential Zoning Subcommittee
Meeting Minutes – December 11, 2002
Page 2
Mr. Zambory said there is not much new in the commercial district because of the cost and with no sewer system many are dissuaded.
When asked about outdoor recreational uses located in the residential district, Mr. Zambory commented that Munson has four golf courses. Sand Ridge Golf Club is located in three districts. Alpine Valley has occasionally advertised for some events, which are not in conjunction with their use. When asked, Mr. Zambory did not feel that the land warrants any change of classification. The land would revert back to residential.
Mr. Zambory explained that in the industrial district there is not much land for sale. Anyone that has a home in industrial has to go for a variance because it is not a permitted use.
Mr. Petersen wondered if some of the commercial area on the Mayfield corridor could be eliminated and theRavennaarea made a commercial corridor. This would possibly eliminate strips of hodge podge businesses.
The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Hren adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
______
Ed Hren, Chairman Paula Friebertshauser, Secretary