WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
December 20, 2005
The Washington Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on December 20, 2005 in the Meeting Room of Washington Township Government Center. Members of the Commission present were Mr. Drain, Mrs. Winwood, Mrs. Zobrist, and Mr. Anderson. Mr. Rogers was excused.
Call to order at 7:00 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
MOTION – Mr. Anderson moved the minutes of June 1, 2005 be approved as submitted.
Motion seconded by Mrs. Winwood.
VOTE - Mr. Drain, yes; Mrs. Winwood, yes; Mrs. Zobrist, abstain; Mr. Anderson, yes.
MOTION – Mrs. Zobrist moved the minutes of November 15, 2005 be approved as submitted.
Motion seconded by Mr. Anderson.
VOTE - Mr. Drain, yes; Mrs. Winwood, abstain; Mrs. Zobrist, yes; Mr. Anderson, yes.
All in attendance were duly sworn in.
CASES Z-671 & Z-671A – Divided Ridge Associates Ltd., Narayanna Kandula and Ben Downing
The request in Case Z-671 is for a change in zoning from the current Agricultural (A) zoning district to Planned Development Residential (PD-R) two stage for a proposed development containing 42 single-family lots on approximately 24.0041 acres.
The request in Case Z-671A is for approval of a second and final stage plan in a Planned Development Residential (PD-R) zoning district for a proposed development containing 42 single-family lots on approximately 24.0041 acres.
This property is located at 300 W. Social Row Road.
Mr. Drain – Explained that the applicant has requested that Case Z-671A be tabled, but would like to continue with the requested approval in Case Z-671. Mr. Drain also stated the applicant would like feedback on the proposed design and layout.
Greg DeLong , Senior Planner, presented the case.
Mr. Drain – Asked what the density of the Weatherstone development is?
Mr. DeLong – The density is 1.74 units per acre.
Mr. Drain – Stated he would like for the developer to maintain the existing natural features of the site.
Applicant represented by Greg Smith, Project Manager of the Oberer Companies. Mr. Smith gave his presentation.
Mr. Drain – Asked what will happen to the existing creek?
Mr. Smith – Stated that the creek will be piped.
Mrs. Winwood – Asked whether the pond is detention or retention?
Mr. Smith – Indicated that it will be detention.
Mr. Anderson – Asked to where does the creek flow?
Mr. Smith – Explained the direction of the flow and how it will be piped.
Mr. Anderson – How is the sizing of the piping handled?
Mr. Smith – The county engineer will determine the pipe sizing.
Mrs. Zobrist – Noted that the creek is the beginning of the Little Sugarcreek which has caused several drainage problems downstream.
Mrs. Zobrist – Asked if the water in the Little Sugarcreek can be slowed?
Mr. Smith – Yes, through detention.
Mr. Drain – Stated he would like to see a minimum of twenty-seven feet (27’) between structures in this project, which is similar to what is in Weatherstone.
Mr. Smith – They would be willing to consider those setbacks.
Mrs. Winwood – Asked if there will be any gates or plantings as you enter the subdivision?
Mr. Smith – They are not sure at this time, which is why they have requested the second stage be tabled.
Citizens voicing concerns, questions and comments included:
Ben Downing, 300 W. Social Row Road – Owned the property and mentioned that the creek being discussed does not have water in it until there is a heavy rain. Stated it acts more like a watershed.
Public hearing closed.
Commission remarks, concerns and comments included:
Mr. Drain – Likes the zoning but not the plan and he wants the developer to utilize the natural amenities. Wants the development to follow the required setbacks. Wants to see the development resemble Weatherstone more than Washington Trace.
Mrs. Zobrist – Not convinced with the plan. Wants to see more done to make the development more of an attraction rather than an extension of Washington Trace.
Mrs. Winwood – Has no problem with the usage and agrees with Mrs. Zobrist. Would like to see natural amenities utilized to make this development a premier location. Reduce density and have the east side of the development mirror the west side.
Mr. Anderson – Feels his comments have already been addressed.
MOTION - Mr. Anderson moved in Case Z-671 to approve applicant’s request for a change in zoning from the current Agricultural (A) zoning district to Planned Development Residential (PD-R) two stage for a proposed development containing 42 single-family lots on approximately 24.0041 acres.
Motion seconded by Mrs. Winwood.
VOTE - Mr. Drain, yes; Mrs. Winwood, yes; Mrs. Zobrist, yes; Mr. Anderson, yes.
Case Z-671 approved.
Mr. Drain moved in Case Z-671A to table applicant’s request for approval of a second and final stage plan in a Planned Development Residential (PD-R) zoning district for a proposed development containing 42 single-family lots on approximately 24.0041 acres.
Motion seconded by Mrs. Zobrist.
VOTE - Mr. Drain, yes; Mrs. Winwood, yes; Mrs. Zobrist, yes; Mr. Anderson, yes.
Case Z-671A tabled.
In other business:
Bob Surdyk, Washington Township Law Director, discussed the rules and regulations of the Planned Development process and how that relates to the Commission. Also, there was discussion of the two stage application process and how the township should go back to operating the process as it was intended to be.
Meeting adjourned. A tape recording of this proceeding is on file in the Zoning Office.
________________________________
Harry Drain, Chairman
Washington Township Zoning Commission
ZC\Minutes\December 20, 2005