Two zoning change requests garnered approval from the Springfield Township trustees at the May 21 meeting.
The first was a request to rezone from RA-3 large lot rural residential to M-1 limited industrial for a five-acre parcel at 2735 South Eber Road.
Jacob Barnes, planning director, said the proposed change was recommended for approval by the Lucas County Planning Commission and the township zoning commission.
He concurred for three reasons: •M-1 limited industrial would introduce land uses that are compatible with existing uses in the vicinity;
•M-1 should not have adverse impacts on the surrounding properties;
•It is consistent with the 2020 township land use plan which recommends industrial uses for the parcel.
Barnes added, “This zoning would be appropriate for this parcel.”
Trustee Tom Anderson III agreed. “It’s a good fit for the area and aligns with our master plan.”
The second zoning change pertained to 6552, 6518 and 6604 Nebraska Avenue.
Applicant Michael Kott sought to change the zoning from RA-4 rural residential to C-2 general commercial.
The planning director pointed out that both the county plan commission and township zoning commission recommended the request be approved.
The trustees heard from a resident who lives near the 20.5-acre site. He expressed concern the change would negatively impact the area, with a brightly lit parking lot. He also believes the woods could be eliminated, noting they act as a buffer from I-475 noise.
Trustee Andy Glenn pointed out that those issues should be expressed when development begins to take shape, adding that there will be meetings for residents to attend and voice their objections.
At this juncture, the trustees are only considering the zoning change which is compatible with plans for development of the area near Dorr Street/I475 interchange.
“When I look at this, I look at what is best longterm for the township,” Glenn said.
He noted the joint economic development district was laid out at that interchange to help pay for its construction. “It’s prime commercial and the only way to pay down our debt.”
In other zoning business, the trustees approved an amended employment agreement with Barnes, who is moving to part-time status.
In an interview, he commented on the change in job status. “My new employment agreement is essentially an agreement where I will be transitioning into a part-time role, three days a week, to oversee the department and train someone to care for the day-to-day zoning tasks like phone calls, violations, permits, etc. while I train them and care for the high level necessities of the department.
He continued, “This will give me more time to focus on several other personal endeavors. I’m really looking forward to this overall.”
To help fill the department’s needs, they appointed Josh Hollinger as zoning inspector. He is relocating from the public services department to zoning effective June 3 and will be paid $28 per hour.
~Jane Maiolo
