AUSTINTOWN Panel approves housing project

Some residents voiced displeasure at losing some of the area's natural beauty.
AUSTINTOWN -- The township zoning commission approved a housing and condominium development that drew negative and positive remarks from audience members.
The commission voted 4-1 Thursday in favor of the Heron's Landing project on the north side of New Road between Cider Mill Crossing and Eastwind Place. Commissioner James D'Eramo cast the dissenting vote.
Recommendations made: The commission made two recommendations for the plans, which call for 145 single-family homes, 28 detached condominiums and 100 condos built in clusters of two and three, on about 100 acres.
They asked that the development have two entrances and that provisions be made to discourage people from renting the condominiums.
Plans by the developer, Mill Creek Companies, show only one entrance to a boulevard off New Road.
Rick Salata, president of Mill Creek Companies, said he doesn't find a second entrance necessary since the boulevard makes the main entrance like two roads.
"It's an issue that I think still needs some discussion," he said of the second entrance.
Both the Austintown police and fire chief approved of the development's original layout through letters to the commission.
Residents' responses: A few audience members voiced approval of the development, but some were concerned with traffic the new housing would bring to New Road and others were simply saddened by the loss of nature.
"I'd rather see the rear end of a white-tailed deer than the rear end of someone in their garden," said Pete Snyder, an Austintown resident who lives near the proposed project.
Salata reassured neighbors that buffers would be constructed to separate certain areas of the development.
"We want it as private as you do," he said.
D'Eramo said he was concerned with the density of the project in the clustered condominium section and would have preferred to see the entire project designated for single-family homes.
Plans call for a pool and clubhouse.
Salata said single-family homes will cost between $140,000 and $200,000 while condominiums will range from $120,000 and $150,000.
The project is scheduled to go before the township trustees May 3 for their approval or disapproval.