Zone change OK'd for development

A spokesman said it's not certain that the project will still go forward.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- A controversial planned unit development got a zone change it needs.
At a special meeting Thursday, township trustees unanimously approved a zone change that would allow the building of 19 villa and duplex units, down from an original proposal of 22 units. Their decision will allow about 5.34 acres at 3816 Kirk Road to be rezoned from R-1 residential to planned unit development, which allows a variety of uses.
Joe Gonda, an engineer and consultant with Buckeye Civil Design of North Lima, said the next step would be to present a construction plan to township officials. Gonda added, however, that he isn't sure whether his company will move forward on the project.
At a previous meeting, Brian Angelilli of Angelilli Builders of Poland, the company hired to do the work, told trustees he could not lower the number of units to 19 without affecting the asking price of the homes to be built on the property, owned by Diane Kelly.
Stipulations
The township zoning commission had approved the original plan last month with three stipulations: that the main driveway be widened; the number of parking spaces be increased; and the number of units be reduced to 19. Angelilli had told trustees that the builder met two of the three conditions.
Several residents who live on nearby North and South Redgate lanes, however, voiced opposition to the project at previous trustees meetings, saying the project would overcrowd the area and destroy its tranquillity.