Residents of a Whispering Pines neighborhood continue to oppose a proposed rezoning of 15 acres between Heather Hill and Greenridge drives south of Reservoir Road, but an ordinance approving the change has passed the first of three readings before the Bellefontaine City Council.
A request from Jeremy and Erin LeVan to rezone the property from an R-1 (single-family residence) district to R-3-C (condominium) district was approved 5-1 with First Ward Councilman Zeb Wagner voting against it while Councilman Kyle Springs abstained as he works for Zimmerman Realty, which is involved in the project.
During a public hearing prior to the council meeting, Terri Williams, whose 15-acre County Road 10 property is south of the site for Allen Woods, said too many questions about the development remain, while Whispering Pines resident Joe Schottelkotte presented a petition from 36 residents opposing the project.
He declined to say more, noting he has retained a lawyer and wanted to confer with his counsel further.
Council members also received a letter from former Police Chief Brad Kunze expressing his opposition.
Mr. LeVan explained the project of 50-some condominiums will be built in two phases. Patio homes would range in size from 1,500- to 1,900-square-feet and cost from $180,000 to $220,000, depending on the interior finish options.
Addressing a key concern of opponents, Mr. LeVan presented a letter from Logan County Auditor Michael E. Yoder in which the auditor found the proposed condominium prices fall within the median value of neighboring homes.
Mr. Yoder said in the letter he does not believe the development will lower property values.
Paul Benedetti, who lives in Whispering Pines and is the economic development director for the city and county, continued his support of the project.
“We need this price range of housing that attracts people with this average income while providing an option for empty nesters who want to downsize and thereby free up residences for young families,” he said
“If we don’t approve it, we’re sending the message we don’t want to grow. Without growth, you can’t maintain the retail we have, let alone attract more retail and restaurants everybody says they want.”
Keith Ross Sr., who has interest in about 140 acres east and south of the development, said he supports Mr. LeVan’s plans and wants the council to approve the zoning change.
He explained he is having difficulty attracting a large housing developer and may want to use the condominium zoning for portions of his properties.
Sue Crawfis, a Turner Road resident, said Shadowbrook Condominiums in her neighborhood have not adversely impacted the area and she thinks Allen Woods makes good sense.
Ruth Bowden, also from Turner Road agrees.
“I think I could be quite happy there if this development comes to fruition,” she said.
City Engineer Tim Notestine said the area has plenty of water and sewer capacity to handle the project.
He also would like to see a written agreement with Mr. LeVan that the condominiums would meet a minimum size.
If a road is developed connecting to County Road 10, Mr. Notestine said he wants it annexed into the city so a 35-mph zone can be set for traffic along the road.