Lakewood Planning Commission Meeting - November 7, 2024

The Lakewood Planning Commission met on November 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium. The meeting included a pre-review session at 5:30 p.m. The Commission considered a range of items including a major streetscape project (Lake-Clifton Connector), a conditional use permit for outdoor dining at Jersey Mike's Subs, a planned development for townhouses on Irene and Donald Avenues, a parking plan exception for a residential property, and two ODOT land transfer ordinances. Commission members present: Ms. Gall, Mr. LePoint, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Sanderson; Commissioner Reese was absent and his absence was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the September 5, 2024 meeting unanimously.
• Approved the absence of Commissioner Reese.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Docket 10-37-24 (Donald Thoreau Development): Two residents spoke. One neighbor (previously commented) expressed concerns that the revised plan still falls short regarding height and buffer; requested a more robust landscaping buffer with taller species to screen the townhouses from adjacent backyards. Another neighbor (Ken Thomas, 1287 Thoreau) voiced safety concerns about the proximity to railroad tracks and aesthetic fit with the neighborhood.
• No public comments were made on the Lake-Clifton Connector, Jersey Mike's Subs, the Complete Streets deferral, the Alameda parking plan, or the two ODOT land transfer items.

Discussion Items

• Lake-Clifton Connector Project (Docket 07-30-24 & 07-31-24): Trevor Hunt of Cuyahoga County presented a mile-and-a-quarter project to repurpose Clifton Boulevard from four lanes to two travel lanes, adding an 11-foot multi-use path, a roundabout at Lake Road and Clifton, a mid-block crossing at Forest Road with rapid-flashing beacons, enhanced lighting, and landscaping. The project stems from eight planning studies since 2008. Traffic data on Thoreau Avenue (collected for context) showed average daily traffic of 516, average speed 19.4 mph, and 85th percentile speed below the posted limit. The Commission discussed fencing uniformity in the limited-access corridor and the connection of the multi-use path to Webb Road. The Commission recommended approval with a condition that the project include new fencing on both sides of the right-of-way from West Clifton to the bridge approach, or if not feasible, develop a plan for uniform fencing over time.
• Jersey Mike's Subs (Docket 10-38-24): Applicant Steven Minnich requested a conditional use permit for seasonal outdoor dining at 16306 Detroit Ave. He presented revised plans with dimensions, gates that do not block public walkway, and security cameras. The Commission discussed lack of visual control, ADA accessibility (applicant stated wheelchair seating and curbside pickup available), and the fence requirement from the landlord. The Commission voted to approve the permit, as the outdoor dining is on private property and meets zoning standards.
• Complete Streets Initiative (Docket 07-30-24 & 07-31-24): Staff requested a deferral to December to finalize consolidated draft legislation. The Commission approved the deferral, with a request for an update if not ready by next meeting.
• Donald Thoreau Planned Development (Docket 10-37-24): Applicant Susan Broadwater presented final revised plans for 10 townhomes and one single-family home. Changes included a widened northern landscape buffer (narrowed from previous iteration but shifted units 1 foot south), widened walkway from 6 to 8 feet, removal of bollards for emergency access, and one-way driveway from Thoreau to Donald. Traffic data on Thoreau showed low volumes and speeds. The Commission voted to approve, subject to conditions: (1) final plat reviewed by engineering, and (2) Architectural Board of Review to discuss landscaping in the buffer to achieve a