HUBBARD Council to create condominium zoning class

City council responded to residents' concern about apartments.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- City council has decided to create a zoning category so apartments can't be built in or around Pine Lakes Golf Club.
Lawmakers made the decision during Monday night's council session after some residents complained the city has no protection against apartment construction.
Pine Lakes Golf Club Estates has been proposing for two years a $55 million development that calls for the construction of single-family houses and condominiums.
However, the city doesn't have a zoning category that permits only condos. Rather, the category allows for multiple-family dwellings, thus apartment buildings.
Despite an assurance by J.V. Ferrara, owner of the course previously known as Hubbard Golf Course, that he is interested in building condos only, council postponed acting on legislation that would permit multiple-unit dwellings.
To meet with county: Councilman John LaCivita, D-4th, chairman of council's planning and zoning commission, said city officials will be meeting with the Trumbull County Planning Commission to create the new category.
"These people have a good point," LaCivita said after residents voiced their disapproval of the possibility apartments could be constructed.
Residents, for the most part, didn't disapprove of the development but of the possibility that Ferrara may not always have control of the land.
"I'm putting condos in," Ferrara countered.
The developer said delays have already put construction off from this year until next year.
Of a new zoning category, city Auditor Michael Villano remarked, "All parties who are here can best be served by that."
Long-range plan calls for construction of 90 single-family homes and 150 upscale condos.
Ferrara said the houses will cost $169,000 and up, and condos without basements will start at $130,000.
Safety concerns: In other matters, Mayor George Praznik said he has become concerned about motorists' not slowing for school zones.
"Our children are precious, and as mayor I'm going to make sure they are protected," the mayor asserted.
He reminded motorists that those who speed in the 25 mph school zones face 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.
Praznik said he is receiving an increasing number of complaints about prices charged by Time Warner Cable. He also said the company plans increases next year.
Councilman William Williams, D-at large, chairman of council's utilities committee, said it "wouldn't hurt" for the city to look at starting its own TV cable service.
yovich@vindy.com