Metropolitan Development Commission Public Meeting - January 15, 2025
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Metropolitan Development Commission Public Meeting - January 15, 2025
The Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) held a public meeting on the afternoon of January 15, 2025. The commission approved a series of routine policy resolutions, heard a contested rezoning petition that resulted in a tie vote requiring a new hearing, and granted several continuances.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes: The minutes from the January 2, 2025 meeting were approved 5-0-1 (Commissioner Garver recused).
- Policy Resolutions: Six policy resolutions were adopted unanimously (6-0):
- 2025 R005: Authorizes transfer of a small DPW-owned parcel to facilitate redevelopment of the former jail site.
- 2025 R006: Authorizes conveyance of property at 752 East Market Street for redevelopment.
- 2025 A002: Amends the 2019 tax abatement for Westmont (1515 Lewis Street) to transfer the MOA to Westmont LLC and update unit mix.
- 2025 E001: Creates the South Post Road Economic Development Area and TIF district.
- 2025 E003: Creates the Norwood Redevelopment Area and Housing TIF district.
- Petitions of No Appeal: Three items were approved 6-0: 2024 MOD 022 (3985 Middles Drive), 2024 MOD 023 (2060 Yandy Street), and 2024 ZON 118 (7851 Sergeant Road).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Beverly Newman (remonstrator on 2024 ZON 127, 6018 North Keystone Avenue) requested a continuance to February 19, 2025, stating she needed additional time to review recently provided documents. The petitioner opposed, citing delays, but the commission granted the continuance 6-0.
- 2024 ZON 124 Rezoning Hearing – Remonstrators:
- Ron Phillips, President of Warren Township Development Association, testified against the rezoning from C3 to C5, saying the neighborhood association unanimously opposed it and did not want a buy-here-pay-here car lot.
- Samantha Douglas, President of Far East Side Community Council, opposed the rezoning, arguing that a buy-here-pay-here dealership would be predatory and that the community needs quality, non-predatory development. She expressed concern about long-term enforcement of any variance.
Discussion Items
- 2024 ZON 124 – Rezoning from C3 to C5 for auto sales at 10026 East 21st Street:
- Petitioner David Wilson (Midhoffer Properties) stated he owns the property and currently leases office space. He needs C5 zoning to maintain his used-car dealer license and operate a small-scale auto sales business (5-7 cars/month), with vehicles stored in the rear. He emphasized his commitment to the community and plans to mentor youth.
- Staff (Kathleen) recommended denial, noting that the comprehensive plan recommends office commercial (C1/C3), C5 is too intense for the residential-adjacent site, the parking lot encroaches 26 feet into the right-of-way, and C5 permits numerous intensive uses.
- Commission Discussion: Commissioner Murphy explored the possibility of a variance for auto sales under the existing C3 zoning. Staff clarified that variances generally run with the land unless specifically limited. The petitioner indicated a variance could satisfy his licensing requirements. Remonstrators expressed skepticism about enforcement.
- Vote: The commission split 3-3 (three yes, three no), resulting in a “hard six” tie. The petition will be reheard de novo on February 5, 2025.
Key Outcomes
- All policy resolutions and petitions of no appeal passed unanimously.
- Continuances granted:
- 2024 ZON 030 and 2024 ZON 080 continued to February 5, 2025 (commitments need revision).
- 2024 ZON 098 automatically continued to February 19, 2025 (requested by neighborhood organization).
- 2024 ZON 127 continued to February 19, 2025 (over petitioner’s objection).
- 2024 ZON 112 dismissed 6-0 due to lack of prosecution (petitioner not present).
- 2024 ZON 124 tie vote (3-3); de novo hearing scheduled for February 5, 2025.
Meeting Transcript
Yeah, same as a bigger and then I feel like uh one is the negative. Can we stay for the full five hours? Okay. Oh yeah. Um, it's not here, but yeah, I'll say that this and um for each other. I always say that's it. Yeah, so it's the same thing. There's not many people. Yes, yes, right, right, right. So we're definitely gonna lie, this is a good one. Oh no, no, no. It's just everything is fine. I guess I'm sending down the driver. Like somewhere you would probably show me like everyone's a while. I think I don't know. Yeah. So I'm gonna last following back here so I thought it was like forty personal. Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to the Metropolitan Development Commission public meeting January fifteenth of twenty twenty five. Would all rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. Moving forward, members of the commission, you received the minutes of the January second meeting were delivered to you earlier last week. You've had an opportunity to review those minutes. Are there any additions or deletions to those minutes? Hearing none, and Commissioner Garver, I will show you recuse since you were not at that meeting. Thank you. Uh Commissioner Murphy. Can I get a second? Thank you, Commissioner Schumacher. Let me call the roll. James. James, yes. Murphy. Murphy, yes. Robinson. Robinson, yes. Schumacher. Schumacher, yes. Dylan is a yes. The minutes passed five to zero with one recusal. Moving forward. We have a total of five policy resolutions. Excuse me. We have six policy resolutions, five of which are set for public hearing. Nancy, can you read those into the record? Thank you, President Dylan and Commissioners. For public hearing authorizes DMD to convey certain rights regarding property at seven five two East Market Street to facilitate redevelopment. Awards the Union Station West End Water Management Package to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder for one hundred and eighty-nine thousand eight hundred and eight ninety-nine dollars. Confirmatory resolution to create the Norwood Redevelopment Area and Ta housing tax increment financing allocation area. This ends the reading of the resolutions.
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