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Poland zoning decision delayed
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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
Council set Aug. 11 for a special meeting for a vote.
POLAND — Residents must wait at least three weeks for a decision on whether four apartment buildings may be built on East McKinley Way.
Village council conducted a public hearing Tuesday on a request by Singer Homes of Poland to change the zoning on the 2.6 acres to permit apartments.
The land is zoned Residential 1, which is for single-family homes, and the request is to change it to Residential 2, which would allow apartments.
Last month, the village planning commission recommended rejection of the zone change. Council members had expected to vote after Tuesday’s public hearing.
To go against the planning commission’s recommendation, five of the six council members must vote in support of the zone change. To follow the recommendation, only a simple majority vote of council is required.
Village Solicitor Anthony D’Apolito told council members that it may be wise to wait to make a decision.
The issue wasn’t listed on the regular meeting agenda, he noted.
D’Apolito was concerned about giving attorneys representing either side of the issue something to appeal.
Council set 7 p.m. Aug. 11 for a special meeting to vote.
“If the petition is denied, it is our intention to appeal to Mahoning County Common Pleas Court,” said Atty. Stephen Bolton, who represents Singer Homes.
According to paperwork submitted to the village, Tim Clayton is a member of Singer Homes. Thomas Duncan, however, is the property owner.
“I don’t think opposition from the neighbors is enough evidence to deny the petition,” Bolton told council.
Plans called for four six-plex apartment buildings and six carriage houses, or garages, between East McKinley Way and Marion Drive, with evergreen trees around the property and sidewalks connecting the buildings.
Bolton described the apartments as upscale with rents of $1,000 per month.
Residents of surrounding neighborhoods have opposed the request and packed the public hearing as they had at previous meetings on the issue.
Steve Queen of Marion Drive was the only resident who spoke. He’s concerned that if the council approves this change, it will set a precedent for apartment buildings to be built in other areas zoned for single-family homes.
“If this is approved, I can’t see how you could deny any other petition,” he said.
Atty. Jonathan Schoenike, who represents the residents, said his clients’ concerns are more than just opposing something in their backyards.
When the landowner bought the property, he was aware of its zoning, he said.
denise_dick@vindy.com