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Austintown officials clear the air on potential development
By Kalea Hall
AUSTINTOWN
The ball is in the developers’ court when it comes to the potential $100 million to $125 million project along state Route 46.
Austintown officials made this clear Wednesday at a news conference about the development that could include two hotels, villas, multiple restaurants, a retail center and other features.
“No plans have been submitted,” said Darren Crivelli, Austintown zoning inspector. “We have no knowledge of if and when plans would be submitted.”
Crivelli explained to reporters and others that he has met with two prospective developers, as he routinely does on potential development inquiries.
A representative for one of those developers, Ryan Fisher, vice president of Colliers International’s Cleveland office, emailed Crivelli and the zoning office about his client’s interest in developing an independent-living center in Austintown. In the email, he attached a map of the potential project along Route 46. The email stated Fisher’s client had an interest in the development.
Fisher wanted to see if his client’s development would potentially fit in the area along state Route 46 near Silica Road.
The Vindicator sent a public-records request to the zoning department Friday and received the email and map Monday.
Crivelli said he met with the representative from Colliers to discuss the zoning in the area. He also provided other options outside of property on Route 46 that would be compatible with the developer’s independent-living center.
Crivelli and other township officials said the potential development is in its very early stages.
“I meet with developers all of the time,” Crivelli said. “Some become reality, and some don’t. Obviously there will probably be future development down there. We know there is interest in that area and other areas.”