Lordstown development draws opposition

LORDSTOWN — A proposed planned unit development behind village hall is running into opposition from those concerned about property values.

The PUD would allow construction of single-family houses, up to four-plex condominiums, and small commercial stores across from Woodridge Road — an upscale neighborhood of 16 homes. The Woodridge homes are valued at $250,000 and higher and all were built about two years ago in a rural setting.

Lordstown does not have a PUD classification in its zoning regulations, and this would be the first one in the village.

The additional classification has been approved by the village planning commission and is now being considered by village council.

DANCO General Contractors LLC is proposing the development on 117 acres. Company partners are Dan Wilson, son of Councilwoman Mary Jane Wilson; and Dan Cuckovich.

“We all live here and we’re not going to do anything that will jeopardize the community,” Cuckovich said.

For DANCO to go forward, the PUD designation must be approved by council. Then, the company must apply for and receive a zone change, explained Ron Barnhart, village planning and zoning administrator.

Barnhart said he was at first opposed to the PUD, but DANCO has increased the square footage of the houses and size of lots. There will also be sidewalks.

“I’m sure it’s not going to satisfy some people,” Barnhart said.

One of them is Ed Adamczyk, who owns a home along Woodridge. He says he and his neighbors are irked because, among other things, it was only by “luck” that they learned of the proposal being considered by council.

He explained that a neighbor got an anonymous telephone call that a PUD was being considered by the village planning commission.

The lower cost of the houses will “dilute the value” of the Woodridge homes, Adamczyk said.

“That’s not acceptable to those who live on the street. It’s detrimental,” he added. “We’re very proud of what we have.”

Cuckovich said the houses will sell for between $179,000 and $220,000. “The houses will make a good community,” he added.