Hudson Planning Commission Meeting - November 9, 2020

The Hudson, Ohio Planning Commission met at 7:30 p.m. on November 9, 2020, by video-conference and live-stream, with Chair Thomas Harvie presiding. Chair Harvie swore in those giving testimony. The agenda excerpt provided in the record listed the October 12 minutes and PC 2020-822; the transcript also reflected a second matter, PC 2020-581, summarized below.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the October 12, 2020 minutes as corrected for misspelled names of members of the public who had appeared at that meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• For PC 2020-822, applicant representatives testified in support. They said the proposal reflected responsiveness to staff and public feedback; the site is suitable for senior housing; the 30-acre proposal would meet the density requirement and would be less dense than other properties; and the applicant was willing to make commitments, including sidewalk installation, in writing - through a development agreement if City Council desired. They said Hudson's population has aged, demand for diverse/senior housing has changed, and the comprehensive plan recognized the need for additional housing types, especially after phase two did not go forward.
• One resident at 5682 Hudson Drive said they had no questions or comments.

Discussion Items

• PC 2020-822 was a continued public hearing on a text amendment to Section 1205.11(f)(1) of the Hike Bike (HB) Senior Overlay. Staff received an updated formal submittal on November 3, 2020 and provided updated comments. The commission heard that its role was to make a recommendation to City Council; City Council would hold its own public hearing, notify property owners within 300 feet, and take final action. Discussion covered the need for senior housing, the proposed trail-distance standard, the Section 1206 requirement that such use or building be located at least 500 feet from the lot line of any residential use, the precedent a text change might set, and whether the change was consistent with the comprehensive plan. Some members said certain issues were site-plan matters that would be addressed in later reviews rather than in the rezoning.
• PC 2020-581 was a compatibility review of a 12.87-acre project proposed to be subdivided into 11 single-family residential lots served by a cul-de-sac. The applicant indicated an additional buffer could be provided along the west side. The transcript references comments from Assistant City Engineer Nate Wonsick dated November 2, 2020 that had to be addressed, and information submitted by Salani regarding the significant cost of installing a sidewalk along Terrach Road (as transcribed); the sidewalk-cost information was to be forwarded to the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals.

Key Outcomes

• Recommended that City Council approve the revision to Land Development Code Section 1205.11(f)(1) for the Hike Bike (HB) Senior Overlay, continuing the October 12, 2020 hearing.
• A motion was made to approve the PC 2020-581 application based on the November 9, 2020 memo, noting the additional administrative comments; a roll-call vote was called. The agenda excerpt did not list PC 2020-581, so this summary relies on the transcript for that item.
• Approved the October 12, 2020 minutes as corrected.
• Forwarded sidewalk-cost information for Terrach Road to the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals.