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Poland rejects plans for housing
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Norma Hazelbaker and Steve Queen stand in the backyard of Hazelbaker's Marion Drive home in Poland Tuesday. They are opposed to a plan to build apartment buildings nearby.
By Denise Dick
Developer of the proposed apartments in the village plans to appeal the decision.
POLAND — Residents opposed to a plan for apartments on East McKinley Way applauded village council’s vote against the project.
Council voted unanimously at a special meeting Tuesday to accept a planning commission recommendation against a zone change request for 2.6 acres on East McKinley Way.
The change from Residential 1, for single-family homes, to Residential 2, for multi-family dwellings, would have allowed four six-plex apartment buildings and garages between East McKinley Way and Marion Drive, surrounded by evergreen trees with sidewalks connecting the buildings.
The request was made by Singer Homes of Poland. The village planning commission recommended rejection of the zone change in June. Council then had to vote on that recommendation.
According to paperwork submitted to the village, Tim Clayton is a member of Singer Homes. Thomas Duncan, however, is the property owner.
Beth Queen of Marion Drive was one of the residents opposed to the apartment plan. She said she’s happy with the outcome so far.
Atty. Stephen Bolton, who represents the developers, said he plans to appeal council’s decision in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
Queen said that while the appeal would involve the village rather than residents, the residents aren’t going away.
“If necessary, we’ll be available as witnesses,” she said.
Atty. Jonathan Schoenike represents the residents who packed council chambers Tuesday for the latest in a series of meetings and public hearings about the issue.
“We are steadfast in our position that this should not be approved,” Schoenike said.
The request isn’t in accordance with either the village’s zoning ordinance or its land-use plan, he said.
In other business, council members approved placing two issues on the November ballot. One would allow the village to negotiate the purchase of natural gas in bulk and the other would allow the village to negotiate the purchase of electricity in bulk, both through aggregation programs.
denise_dick@vindy.com