Citizens offer feedback on residential development on Bath Road

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by Steve Wiandt

Reporter

Several residents -- some from Akron and others from Falls --raised concerns about the proposed 200-plus unit development scheduled for West Bath Road.

The residents spoke during the City Council planning and zoning committee meeting May 5.

A Falls resident residing on Cedar Hill Circle said she lives on the other side of a ravine that may deteriorate from stormwater runoff from the proposed development. David Mann, the project's architect, said site plans maintain a 500-foot buffer along the ravine, and they must meet the approval of the Ohio EPA and Army Corps of Engineers.

"[Mann is] an excellent sales guy, but I'm not buying it," said Joseph Grenada of High Hampton Trail. "At the last meeting you guys were asked to relocate three or four buildings, not lower them."

Grenada also objected to the architect's claim that the buildings on "average" are 40 feet from the property line, the required setback.

Robert and Natalie Valcanoff of Fox Trace Trail in Akron asked the developer to build an 8-to 10-foot mound with trees on top to separate and "protect" Bath Crest Estates from High Hamptons.

Project developer Danny Karam said he plans to put in a mound and trees as soon as possible, "as long as it's OK with the city."

Another resident said she does not want a mound built because of the runoff it would cause. She also said development has already begun on the Bath Crest Estates property. She said trees have been cut down and a gas well and gas lines have been built. City Planning Director Fred Guerra said the gas company has been cutting down the trees, and the city has no jurisdiction over gas wells.

Mayor Don Robart asured the Akron residents that Falls would address their concerns.

"We will work with you, we will make sure you're satisfied," said Robart. "You may be in Akron, but you're still our neighbors."

Guerra said the subdivision plat would not go to planning commission before July. Mann said more planning will be needed, including ensuring there is room for fire trucks to access all areas of the development. Mann said he and Karam may get the go-ahead to start construction in October.

E-mail: swiandt@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3141