Hudson Planning Commission Meeting: May 11, 2026

The Hudson Planning Commission met on May 11, 2026, at 7:30 PM in Town Hall. Four members were present (Norman, Innamorato, Smith, Obert) and three were absent (Romano, Nystrom, McCoy). The meeting covered approval of revised minutes, a public comment defending the commission’s due diligence on District 11, a conditional use and site plan approval for Western Reserve Academy’s Wang Innovation Center addition, and an extended discussion on planned developments with a consultant from OHM Advisors. The commission also appointed three members to an upcoming charrette for the Clinton Crossing project and received staff updates on pending applications and Council actions.

Consent Calendar

• PC 4-13-26 Minutes: Approved as amended (4-0). The correction noted that a prior vote on item PC 2026-73 was 5-1, not 6-0, as confirmed by video.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rhonda Grainger (2415 Norton Road) addressed a recent remark by Councilwoman DeRamo suggesting the Planning Commission had not conducted adequate due diligence on the District 11 proposal. Grainger stated that the commission recognized the proposal’s significance, requested additional time to complete its review, and acted responsibly. She emphasized that process matters for decisions that could permanently reshape the community.

Discussion Items

• PC 2026-72 – Western Reserve Academy Wang Innovation Center Addition (Continued Public Hearing): Staff reported that three prior concerns (stormwater retention pond improvements, sidewalk extension along Oviatt Street, and tree protection for three mature Norway spruces) were resolved in updated plans. Applicant Jason Boltz of Wheeler Boltz Architects reviewed the revisions. Commissioners discussed construction logistics (worker parking, student access, bid timing, excavation challenges) and commended the applicant for preserving trees. No public testimony was offered. The motion to approve, finding compliance with LDC sections 1204.04, 1205.05, and 1206.02, and incorporating five staff recommendations on page 4, passed 4-0.
• Planned Developments (PD) Discussion Topic: Staff introduced the topic, noting prior commission comments and a memorandum from Arthur Schmidt of OHM Advisors. Schmidt presented a peer-city analysis (Aurora, Twinsburg, Brecksville, Medina, Solon) covering PUD/PD definitions, purpose statements, density calculations, residential percentages, design standards, green space requirements, and approval processes. He noted that most PUDs include residential components to ensure developer confidence and marketability. Commissioners asked about enforceability, the role of development agreements, and the clarity of Hudson’s current LDC language. Chair Norman shared extensive notes from her review of the LDC, highlighting ambiguities in terms like “exceptional design” and “creativity,” and conflicting procedural requirements. The commission discussed next steps: refining the PD definition, purpose statement, and process; possibly forming a joint subcommittee with City Council; and continuing the conversation at the June meeting.
• Clinton Crossing Charrette: Staff announced a stakeholder charrette on June 10, 2026, led by RDL Architects and OHM Advisors, to develop a concept plan. Commissioners Innamorato, Smith, and Nystrom were appointed to attend.

Key Outcomes

• Western Reserve Academy Addition Approved (4-0) with five staff conditions.
• Clinton Crossing Charrette Representatives Appointed: Commissioners Innamorato, Smith, and Nystrom.
• Planned Development Discussion Continued: Chair Norman will distribute detailed notes to staff and commission; the topic will be revisited at the June 2026 meeting.
• Staff Updates: Next meeting may include applications for Hudson Fire Department garage and a dentist’s office. The density workshop is scheduled for June 9, 2026. Council may take final action on District 11 at its next meeting. Short-term rental regulations (business license approach) are under Council consideration.
• Adjournment at 9:18 PM.