Seventy-nine residents of Mad River Township and Enon attended the public hearing to rezone 70.06 acres at 5370 and 5372 Hunter Road from A-1 Agricultural to R-1 Residential. The Clark County Planning Commission originally recommended the request made by William and Cheryl Herrmann; however, the Clark County Rural Zoning Commission in response to residents of the area recommended denial of the request.
To open the hearing, Township Zoning Administrator Alan Neimayer provided a report to the Clark County Commissioners on the proposed re-zoning. He reported that the two parcels located in Mad River Township along Fairfield Road and Hunter Road if rezoned would be served by public water and sewer. Neimayer recommended the re-zoning; however, he said, “The existing natural conditions will present challenges to any development because of drainage issues in the area.”
Commissioner Richard Lohnes explained the process should the rezoning be approved. First, the applicants would have to file for a subdivision review, which would study the subject property to ensure that engineering, water, utilities, and road profile criteria were met. He said, “Extensive regulations govern storm water retention and drainage. If these regulations are not met, a subdivision would not be allowed.”
Lohnes then opened the floor to anyone in favor of the proposed re-zoning. Property owner William Herrmann of Crawford County, Ohio spoke. He said, “We bought the property because it is surrounded by single family homes and hope to develop additional single family homes.”
Property owner Cheryl Herrmann further explained, “It is important to note that we are not developers. My husband has been a hog farmer for his career. We recently retired. We did not buy the farm to grow corn. We bought it because it is a beautiful place in nature. We think it is a great location for people who want home sites in a rural area.” She went on to explain, that they intend to subdivide the 70 acres into half-acre lots for single-family homes.
Herrmann and her husband worked with a civil engineer to draw up a conceptual plan for the location. According to the plan, only 50 of the 70 acres would be developed. They plan to keep many of the trees, natural rock outcroppings and ponds. She said, “We believe that the development would be beneficial to the area by improving the water quality and drainage,”
After the Herrmanns completed their presentation, the commissioners asked several questions. Commissioner John Detrick asked how many lots were proposed. He was told that a number had not yet been determined.
Commissioner David Herier asked if the applicants intended to be responsible if additional drainage issues developed and did not receive a clear answer. In addition, the Herrmanns were unclear as to whether they would even retain ownership if the re-zoning were not approved.
Lohnes then opened the floor to the residents opposed to the re-zoning. He itemized the issues that he had received from residents prior to the hearing. These included concerns about strained school capacity, loss of rural setting, overcrowded property availability, decreased property values, higher taxes, increased crime, increased strain on government services, and increased traffic.
For those against the re-zoning, Enon Mayor Timothy Howard spoke first. He explained that the loop water system that the owners propose to solve water pressure problems in the area would not eliminate the need for a booster station as projected. In addition, he said, “I have real concerns about the flood plain. This area drains the area several miles north. The water all flows into Mud Creek causing it to overflow. The bridge on Hunter constricts the water flow. If you widen the bridge, it would cause problems downstream. It is a complex issue that new development will not help.”
Mad River Township Trustee Joe Catanzaro added, “I would like to see a plan. Half-acre lots are not part of the Rural Zoning Plan. I would like to comply with the original plan use for the area.”
In addition, Mad River Township Trustee Joe Catanzaro explained, “Water is what scares most of the residents. I agree the Mud Creek Bridge is a problem, but that is not the only issue. Mud Creek needs to be dredged. It cannot take another gallon of water.”
Lohnes commented, “I have driven the area several times. There is a lot of standing water in fields and ditches. Mud Creek is the watershed for 100 acres upstream. It is a slow process for all that water to flow into Mad River.”
Lohnes then opened the floor for area residents to express their concerns. Resident Ned Clark told the commissioners that he had lived on Cardinal Drive for thirty years. According to Clark when he bought the residence, it was not in the flood plain; however, it is now, which has substantially increased his insurance premiums because of the need to buy flood insurance.
Resident Michael Potts who lives on Fairfield expressed his concern because his property is directly opposite of the proposed entry into the subdivision. “I have a difficult time getting out of my driveway now. Construction traffic will only make it worse.”
Several residents expressed their desire to see a real plan rather than a conceptual plan. They also expressed concerns that although the re-zoning has not been approved, the property is being developed. Several trees have been cut down and dirt is being moved.
In addition, residents pointed out that there are already a large number of unsold lots in the area.
Ron Ewart of Hunter Road summed it up. He said, “I oppose the re-zoning. It would decrease property values, but it would also decrease my personal values. The natural environment that supports deer, squirrel, fox, and skunks would disappear because of high-density housing. It would destroy the wildlife. I ask you not to destroy our lifestyle.”
Commissioner Herier proposed a motion to deny the rezoning; Detrick seconded it. The commissioners voted unanimously against the re-zoning.
In other business, the commissioners approved a grant application for $400,000 to be submitted for the Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program to be used for home repair and rehabilitation for low and medium income families who own their own home.
For the Deputy Engineer the commissioners approved a contract with A Team Maintenance LLC for up to $25,540 to renovated the men’s and women’s restrooms and a mini kitchen located in the Engineering Building,
For the Clark County-Springfield Transportation Coordinating Committee, the commissioners approved a contract with Ohio Public Works Commission for $7,500 to purchase conservation easements, protect the water quality, and preserve land use.
For the Department of Job and Family Services, the commissioners approved a contract not to exceed $200,000 with PERRY proTECH to lease and service 15 new multi-function devices. DJFS employees need to be able to fax directly from their computers using RightFax and PaperCut. The software needs to be upgrade to allow this function.
The next meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for April 27, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Conference Room.
