A public hearing to hear public comments concerning a rezoning request to rezone property located at 250 Ramsey Street NE from Single Family residential (R1) to Multi-family Residential (R3) was a controversial topic during the Cleveland City Council meeting Monday afternoon. The Planning Commission approved the rezoning request 5-4 prior to the public hearing.
Dustin Hawkins with D&S Custom Homes said his plan for the property is to build 14 high-end townhomes with a starting value of $130,000 each. He said the construction would include a buffer zone, individual drives allowing three cars per unit and added deed restrictions. Mr. Hawkins mentioned as an alternative, five rental houses would be built on the property if the rezoning was denied.
A 10-page petition containing 107 names of city residents who live near the Ramsey Street property who oppose the rezoning was submitted to the council. Several residents that signed the petition were in the audience. One of those residents, Diane Mason, has lived on Ramsey Street for 48 years.
A seven-page handout explaining the concerns of residents in the area was included with the petition. Mrs. Mason addressed the council stating several of those concerns, which include sewer system problems, flooding and storm water runoff, water pressure, fire safety, number of vehicles and traffic flow, existing road conditions, school overcrowding, proximity to Northcrest and its related problems, townhouse rentals and reduction in property values.
The handout also stated during a Sept.18 meeting requested by the neighborhood, Dustin Hawkins was asked if he would want to live next to his townhouses. He stated he would not. Residents asked, if the contractor/builder does not want to live next to his town houses, why would anyone else want to live next to them?
After hearing the opposition to the rezoning, the Cleveland City Council voted in favor of the rezoning request 4-2-1 with Councilmen David May and George Poe voting no and Councilman Charlie McKenzie passing on his vote.
A request to rezone property at 5761 Mouse Creek Road NW from R1 to R3 passed unanimously.
The following consent agenda items also passed unanimously.
-Final passage of Ordinance No: 2012-20 amending PUD4 for the Spring Creek Development on 25th Street NE/APD40 to allow for a new access point and an additional building.
-Surplus Update – Vehicles for Police Department and Equipment for Golf Course.
-Resolution No: 2012-109 accepting Crosswinds Trail, Manchester Trail, New Castel Drive and a portion of Stonebriar Drive as city streets.
-Resolution No: 2012-110 authorizing the mayor to execute a waiver of restrictions relating to property located at 696 Inman St.
-Motion for the reinstatement of Steve Ratterman to the Wrecker Board.
-Appointment to the Wrecker Board – Chris McLease as 1st Alternate.
-Street Light Recommendation – Ms. Dora Defoor at 240 15th Street (Cleveland Utilities recommends no additional lighting; meets city’s guidelines).
-Street Light Recommendation – Ms. Linda Scoggins at 2950 Alto Vista Drive NW (Cleveland Utilities recommends no additional lighting; meets city’s guidelines).
Cleveland City offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 12, due to the Veteran’s Day Holiday. The next City Council meeting will be held on Nov. 13.