Clash brewing between Stow neighbors, developer as subdivision plan clears first step
Residents who packed Stow's Planning Commission meeting Tuesday night were eager to send a message to the city: They're not on board with a Pulte Homes proposal to develop 45 new homes along North River Road.
The planning commission repeatedly reminded residents during the nearly 3½-hour hearing that its own role in the process was to determine whether the plan to build a subdivision known as Miller's Landing meets initial criteria for consideration by the city. While the commission unanimously approved the preliminary proposal, it will be up to City Council to decide whether or not the development can proceed.
"I just want everyone to know," said commission member Lynn Clancy, "I do not agree with this development whatsoever, but, however, because the preliminary plan does comply with the zoning codes of the city of Stow, I must vote yes."
Jim O'Connor, Pulte's planning director, emphasized that the company has listened to neighbors' concerns and already has pared back the plan from the 62 homes that were originally envisioned when the idea was presented to the commission in December.
Miller's Landing would be built between Saratoga Boulevard and Marsh Road; two new streets would be constructed off North River Road, each with its own stormwater management lot. One street would consist of 25 homes and the other would have 20.
Why are residents considered about Pulte Home's latest Stow project?
Twenty-three residents spoke in-person during Tuesday's public comment opportunity, outlining concerns ranging from worry over increased traffic to environmental impact to overcrowded classrooms.
Thirty emails critical of the subdivision plan also were read into the record by Jami Lord-Smith, Stow's executive administrative assistant.
This isn't the first time Pulte has built in Stow, having already built more than 300 homes in the city's Call's Farm and Baker's Glen subdivisions. Some of the objections raised dealt directly with Pulte's track record in the city.
Jackie Kazmierski, who lives in one of two homes that would be surrounded by the Miller's Landing development, brought up soil erosion issues at Baker's Glen, noting that Pulte officials said concerns about flooding were important to them when plans were discussed in 2014.
"Pulte has declined to address and fix the issue" raised by the homeowners' association there, Kazmierski said. "Ultimately, the financial burden — ballpark of $30,000-plus — to correct the erosion and water issues will fall on the residents of Baker's Glen."
Addressing consumer complaints, Pulte's O'Connor said it's impossible for a business to please everyone; whether you're in homebuilding or an auto dealer, "there will always be somebody who is disgruntled and not happy. That person you might hear from more than the balance of people that are happy. And just as one person may complain, I can go back to our office and pull glowing recommendations from a different number of people that will always offset that number (of people who complain)."
Cynthia Goldsmith, who lives in the other home already nestled within the proposal's footprint and also attended Tuesday's session, had said at the December meeting that her anxieties stem from the impact of adding two streets and dozens of homes would have on the environment and home values.
Dana Gregrow of Hunter's Crossing spoke to the proposal from the perspective of a parent with a child in the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District, expressing worry an influx of families will strain classroom capacities.
"Our schools don't have the space as it is," she said.
More:Developer seeks to build 45 new homes off North River Road in Stow: What we know
Owner says she reached out to property's neighbors with offer to sell
Hudson resident Kelley Crookston owns the property that Pulte is seeking to turn into Miller's Landing. She said she had reached out to her neighbors to see if they were interested in buying the North River Road parcel, but heard nothing back.
Kazmierski, however, said she and her husband had replied.
"Kelley Crookston did contact us about buying the property next door," Kazmierski said, "and we told her we were interested." Kazmierski said Crookston told them she would get back to them, and that was the last they heard from her until news emerged that the land was under contract with Pulte.
More:Future of Stow-Glen Retirement Village is tied to coming rezoning vote
Next steps for Miller's Landing development
Jared Miller, the Planning Commission chair, stressed that Tuesday's vote was only the first step in a long process.
The commission's preliminary site plan approval, he said, simply answers the question, "does this (proposal) fit the laws for the zoning for what is being proposed to be put in this area?"
According to Stow's codified ordinances, the next step is the creation and submission of an improvement plan by for approval by the city engineer.
Nathan Leppo, Stow's planning and development director, estimated that it could be late summer or early fall before the development plan reaches City Council for consideration.
Pulte plan for Tallmadge rejected:Council sends Mindale Farms residential development back to drawing board
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Stow neighbors speak out against Pulte Homes plan for new subdivision
