Lakewood Planning Commission Meeting - February 6, 2025
Lakewood Planning Commission Meeting - February 6, 2025
The Lakewood Planning Commission held its regular meeting on February 6, 2025, following a pre-review session. The meeting included election of officers, approval of previous minutes, and discussion on multiple docket items including the Complete Streets Initiative, Edgewater Drive resurfacing, Lakewood Park waterfront access, a lot split, and a conditional use for a place of worship.
Election of Officers
- Sean was elected as Chair for 2025 (unanimous roll call vote). Mr. LePoint was elected as Vice Chair.
- Commissioner Reese was excused.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes of December 5, 2024 meeting were approved with one abstention (Commissioner Gall).
Old Business
- Complete Streets Initiative (Dockets 07-30-24 and 07-31-24) – The Commission voted to table these items, pending finalization of the legislation by City Council.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Edgewater Drive Resurfacing (Docket 02-01-25) – Numerous residents spoke, with mixed positions:
- Several residents (e.g., Tony Gorse, Whitney Callahan, Bruce Harris, Maria Oceanero) opposed both Option A (striped shared-use path) and Option B (quick curb), citing safety concerns, aesthetics, and lack of need. Many advocated for status quo (simple repaving) and opposed flashing beacons.
- Other residents (e.g., Matthew Badgett, Megan Weaver) supported improvements, noting the need for safer pedestrian and bike access to Lakewood Park. Megan Weaver favored Option B for stronger behavior modification.
- Harvey Sachs opposed Option B due to safety hazards and maintenance issues, but noted that Lake Avenue bike lanes have worked well.
- Steve Tomasoni questioned the adequacy of 19-foot travel lanes.
- Jacob Palomackey raised concern about pavement base deterioration from previous resurfacing.
- Susan Withers asked whether status quo was an option and how long feedback would be taken.
- Bunts Road Multi-Use Path (referenced by speakers) – Shannon Mortland and Amy Herberger spoke against the Bunts Road bike path project, citing safety, environmental impact, and lack of transparency. These comments were related to other city projects but aired during the Edgewater discussion.
Discussion Items
- Edgewater Drive Resurfacing and Bike/Pedestrian Improvements (Docket 02-01-25) – City Engineer Mark Papke presented two alternatives. The Commission discussed:
- Option A: Pavement striping for a 19-ft travel lane, 3-ft buffer, and 8-ft shared-use path (narrower to 7-ft on 28-ft sections).
- Option B: Quick curb (3.5-inch high) with bollards, providing a 20-ft travel lane and 9-ft shared-use path.
- Staff clarified that the shared-use path would be on the north side.
- Cost: Sidewalks >$500,000; Option B approx. $120,000.
- The Commission expressed preference for Option A over Option B, but also raised concerns about over-engineering with flashing beacons and green paint. They recommended colorized concrete crosswalks at key intersections (Homewood, Wilburt, Nicholson) and no rapid flashing beacons. They also requested evaluation of four-way stop signs at Homewood and Wilburt.
- The Commission voted to receive and file the communication, with recommendations.
- Lakewood Park Waterfront Access Study (Docket 02-02-25) – City staff presented a feasibility study for a pier, improved bluff access, and a small beach. The study was referred by City Council. Public comment from Councilwoman Cindy Marks raised parking concerns. The Commission received and filed the communication, expressing support for pursuing grants.
- Lot Split/Consolidation (Docket 02-03-25) – 17513 Hilliard Rd. – Applicant Andrew Provost requested a lot split of a sliver (300 sq ft) for landscaping. Staff found no zoning issues. Approved unanimously.
- Conditional Use (Docket 02-04-25) – 15422 Detroit Ave. – King's Church Ohio – Applicant Noah Nickel requested a conditional use permit to operate a place of worship. The church would use the building for Sunday services, small groups, and community events. Parking was demonstrated via existing easements (75 spaces on-site, plus 60 public spaces within 1,000 ft). No exterior changes except signage and reopening the front porch. Approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Tabled: Complete Streets Initiative (dockets 07-30-24 and 07-31-24).
- Received and Filed (with recommendations): Edgewater resurfacing project – Commission supported Option A with modifications (no RRFBs, colorized crosswalks, re-evaluate stop signs).
- Received and Filed (with support): Lakewood Park waterfront access study.
- Approved: Lot split for 17513 Hilliard Rd (unanimous).
- Approved: Conditional use for King's Church Ohio at 15422 Detroit Ave (unanimous).
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Welcome to the City of Lakewood Planning Commission. Would like to start the meeting for tonight being February 6, 2025. Mr. Bass, roll call, please. Ms. Gall. Present. Mr. LePoint. Here. Mr. McDermott. Here. Mr. Reese is not here. And Mr. Sanderson. Here. I would like to make a motion to excuse the absence of Commissioner Reese. Second that, Mr. Chair. We have first and second. Any discussion? Hearing none, I'll signify approval by stating aye. Aye. Aye. Motion carries. Thank you. All right. For all the commission members, this since this is the first meeting of the year, since we did not have a January meeting. So I will go ahead and I will start that just uh by initiating a call for a motion for the election of the chair. If anyone would like to make a motion. I would like to move to nominate Sean. All right. So I'll second that motion. Okay. Go ahead and uh we can do a roll call for this. Okay, we'll do a roll call vote for this. So Ms. Gall. Approve. All right. Mr. LePoint. Yes. And I'll say Mr. Sanderson. Yes. All right.
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