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Poland Township trustees deny proposed zone change
POLAND
Township trustees denied a proposed zone change that would have upped the number of multifamily housing units permitted on a single property, making parts of the township more conducive to condominium development.
Trustees Eric Ungaro and Joanne Wollet at a public hearing Wednesday voted to deny the zone change; Trustee Bob Lidle voted not to deny it.
The current zoning language regulating R-3 residence districts (which allow multifamily dwelling units) in part states: “The purpose of this district is to provide rental-housing accommodations for persons desiring apartments in place of home ownership. The R-3 Residence District serves as a transitional zone between medium and low-density residential districts and non-residential districts.”
It also stipulates that apartment buildings cannot exceed six dwelling units in any one building, and limits the number of units allowed per acre of property to 5.3.
The proposed zone change, which the zoning commission previously approved, had a stated purpose of “[encouraging] apartment and individual ownership development of densities of up to 10 dwelling units per acre.”
That emphasis on “individual ownership” (meaning, condos) is what led Lidle to vote against denial of the zone change, he said.
“My main reason for voting the way I did is due to the fact that I’m all for ownership type of development,” he said.
Wollet also expressed support for that language, but stated she did not like the provision that would allow more units per acre.
“We’re not just talking about two lots. We’re voting on an impact to the entire community,” she said.
Ungaro said he was unequivocally opposed to the change because every resident he spoke to about it was against it.
“Nobody wanted it,” he said. “I’m here to represent the people.”
The board did approve one language change, to expand the materials that residents are prohibited from leaving in open yards. That provision (which includes items such as abandoned swimming pools, tires and solid waste) now also includes brush and fallen trees, cabinets and deteriorating and fallen fences.
In other business at a regular trustee meeting Wednesday, the board unanimously approved a motion to allocate up to $24,999 for emergency road repairs on Lawn Avenue.
The board also approved a $1,000 township donate to Celebrate Poland.