Developer sues over denial for development

LISBON -- Attorneys for a Youngstown developer have filed a lawsuit in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court against the city of Columbiana Planning Commission over its denial of plans for a housing development.
The panel approved preliminary plans in June for University Homes I LLC to build single-family homes affordable for moderate-income families on 12 lots at the corner of Fairfield School and Metz roads on the south side of Columbiana.
When company representatives appeared at the planning commission in July for final approval, however, residents packed the council chambers and spoke against the development. The planning commission denied the final approval.
Attorneys for University Homes I said, however, that the planning commission did not state in writing a reason for its denial and did not follow proper legal procedure after the vote, so the plans are approved by default and the county recorder should record the company's final plans as submitted, the suit says.